Celotex vs Kingspan vs Recticel vs Mannok: PIR Boards Compared
Celotex, Kingspan, Recticel and Mannok all make general-purpose PIR insulation boards, and builders often ask which is best. For the standard foil-faced boards the honest answer is that they are very close. All four declare the same thermal conductivity, come in the same sheet size and give the same thermal resistance at the same thickness. This guide compares them using each manufacturer's published figures, so you can choose on price, the thickness you need and what your specification calls for.
Availability: we now stock Celotex GA4000, XR4000, TB4000 and PL4000 boards (now sold under Soprema's Sopratherm name), as well as Kingspan Thermapitch TP10, Recticel Eurothane GP and Mannok PIR boards. So if your drawings or quote specify Celotex GA4000, you can buy it from us, or choose one of the 0.022 W/mK equivalents below.
The boards being compared
- Celotex GA4000 is Celotex's general-purpose board. Celotex is part of Soprema, which now lists it as SOPRATHERM GA4000 (previously Celotex GA4000).
- Kingspan Thermapitch TP10 is Kingspan's multi-purpose PIR board for pitched roofs, walls and floors.
- Recticel Eurothane GP is Recticel's multi-application PIR board for pitched roofs, framed walls and floors.
- Mannok Therm Floor / MF is Mannok's foil-faced PIR board, previously sold as Quinn Therm QF.
Side-by-side comparison
These figures are from each manufacturer's product page or datasheet (see sources below):
| Celotex GA4000 | Kingspan TP10 | Recticel Eurothane GP | Mannok Therm Floor / MF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal conductivity (λ) | 0.022 W/mK | 0.022 W/mK | 0.022 W/mK | 0.022 W/mK |
| Sheet size | 2400 × 1200mm | 2400 × 1200mm | 2400 × 1200mm | 1200 × 2400mm |
| Thicknesses listed by the manufacturer | 50–100mm | 25–150mm | 25–160mm | 20–200mm |
| Facings | Aluminium foil (emissivity 0.05) | Low-emissivity composite foil, both sides | Not stated on the product page | Low-emissivity foil, both sides |
| Edge | Straight | Not stated in the brochure | Straight | Not stated on the product page |
| Compressive strength | Not stated on the product page | 120 kPa (at 10% compression) | ≥120 kPa | >140 kPa |
| Reaction to fire | Euroclass F | Euroclass F | Euroclass F | Not stated on the product page |
| BBA certificate | 25/7318 | 14/5133 | 24/7254 (floors) | 07/4444 |
| Stocked by IWD | Not at present | Yes | Yes | Yes (Mannok PIR 20mm) |
"Not stated" means we couldn't find the figure on the manufacturer's own page or datasheet, so we've left it out rather than guess. The Mannok figures are for Mannok Therm Floor / MF. The 20mm Mannok Therm board we stock is also listed at λ 0.022 W/mK.
Same thickness, same thermal resistance
Thermal resistance (R-value) is thickness divided by λ, and manufacturers round it down to the nearest 0.05 m²K/W. With the same λ of 0.022 W/mK, the boards give the same R-value at the same thickness. Kingspan and Recticel publish identical figures:
| Thickness | R-value (m²K/W), Kingspan TP10 | R-value (m²K/W), Recticel Eurothane GP |
|---|---|---|
| 25mm | 1.10 | 1.10 |
| 50mm | 2.25 | 2.25 |
| 75mm | 3.40 | 3.40 |
| 100mm | 4.50 | 4.50 |
| 120mm | 5.45 | 5.45 |
| 150mm | 6.80 | 6.80 |
In practice, 100mm of any of these boards does the same thermal job as 100mm of another. For the full thickness list, see our guide to what thickness of PIR insulation you need.
Celotex GA4000 and equivalents we stock
Celotex GA4000 codes follow the thickness, so GA4100 is the 100mm board. The Celotex boards (now Sopratherm) and the equivalent boards we sell, with prices per 2400 × 1200mm sheet, ex VAT, at the time of writing:
| Celotex board | Thickness | Celotex GA4000 (Sopratherm) | Recticel Eurothane GP | Kingspan TP10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GA4050 | 50mm | £22.16 | £21.24 | £30.83 |
| GA4060 | 60mm | £26.43 | £25.83 | £43.74 |
| GA4070 | 70mm | £30.12 | £29.16 | £47.49 |
| GA4075 | 75mm | £28.98 | £29.58 | £42.91 |
| GA4080 | 80mm | £32.68 | £33.74 | £54.99 |
| GA4090 | 90mm | £37.50 | £35.41 | £59.99 |
| GA4100 | 100mm | £36.37 | £35.83 | £51.66 |
Need something thinner or thicker than the GA4000 range? Celotex makes TB4000 in 20 to 40mm and XR4000 in 120 and 150mm, Eurothane GP and TP10 both go from 25mm to 150mm in our range, and we sell Mannok PIR in 20mm (£16.66 per sheet at the time of writing).
So which should you choose?
- Thickness first. Work out the thickness you need for your U-value with our PIR U-value calculator. Brand makes no difference to the result at the same λ.
- Check your specification. If an architect's drawing, a warranty provider or a Building Control approval names a particular product, ask them before you substitute. Each manufacturer's BBA certificate covers only its own board and the uses it lists.
- Then compare price and availability. Once thickness and specification are settled, choose the board that's in stock at the best price for your job.
Frequently asked questions
Is Celotex better than Kingspan?
For the general-purpose boards compared here, neither is better thermally. Celotex GA4000 and Kingspan TP10 both declare λ 0.022 W/mK and are Euroclass F, so the same thickness gives the same R-value.
Are Celotex and Soprema the same?
Celotex is part of Soprema. Soprema's UK site lists GA4000 as "SOPRATHERM GA4000 (previously Celotex GA4000)", with the same λ of 0.022 W/mK, 2400 × 1200mm size and BBA certificate 25/7318.
Can I mix PIR brands on one job?
Thermally, boards with the same λ and thickness perform the same. Fit each board according to its own manufacturer's guidance, and check first if your specification names a product.
Do you sell Celotex?
Yes. We stock Celotex GA4000 (50 to 100mm), XR4000 (120 and 150mm), TB4000 (20 to 40mm) and PL4000 insulated plasterboard, now sold under Soprema's Sopratherm name. See our Celotex range, or call us on 03330 908479.
Order PIR insulation
Browse all our PIR insulation boards, or shop by brand: Celotex, Kingspan, Recticel and Mannok. Prices are shown ex VAT. We are delivery only (no collection) and deliver to mainland England and Wales, with a £400 ex VAT minimum order and free delivery on every order (see delivery information). Call us on 03330 908479 (Mon–Thu 8am–5pm, Fri 8am–12pm), email sales@insulationwarehousedirect.co.uk, or order online.
Sources: Soprema UK, SOPRATHERM GA4000 (previously Celotex GA4000); Kingspan Thermapitch TP10 brochure; Recticel Eurothane GP product page; Mannok Therm Floor / MF product page. Figures are indicative and correct at the time of writing.