AIR-CELL Permifloor
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AIR-CELL Permifloor is an Australian made closed cell foam underfloor insulation with foil facings, 4 mm thick. CodeMark certified for NCC compliance.
Enclosing the sub-floor changes everything
The system figures tell the story clearly. In an unenclosed sub-floor Kingspan quotes RT 0.8 for heat flowing in and RT 1.6 flowing out. Enclose the sub-floor and the same product gives RT 1.6 in and RT 3.0 out. Nearly double, from the same roll. If the sub-floor can be enclosed, that decision is worth more than any change of product.
Two roll formats
Permifloor at 1350 mm x 33.33 m covering 45 m², and Permifloor 500 supplied as two 500 mm x 30 m rolls covering 30 m². The narrow rolls suit working single-handed between joists in a confined sub-floor, which is where most of this work happens.
Points to check
It is Class 3 vapour permeable but it is not a water barrier, so it is not the product to rely on for that. Maximum span is 2.4 m without support mesh. It is electrically conductive, so keep it clear of wiring. Fibre-free, non-allergenic and non-irritant, and rodent and insect resistant.
Full figures are in the table below.
Technical data
Kingspan product data sheet (PDF)Sizes stocked
| Product | Roll size | Area | Roll weight | Roll diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permifloor | 1350 mm x 33.33 m | 45 m² | 9.5 kg | 420 mm |
| Permifloor 500 | 2 rolls of 500 mm x 30 m | 30 m² | 6.4 kg | 420 mm |
Thermal
| Material R-value | R0.11 m²K/W at 23 °C (ASTM C518-2017) |
|---|---|
| Nominal thickness | 4 mm |
| Reflectance, reflective face | 97% |
| Reflectance, anti-glare face | 95% |
| Emittance | 0.03 reflective face, 0.05 anti-glare face, category RR |
Total system R-value
| Unenclosed sub-floor, heat flow in | RT 0.8 |
|---|---|
| Unenclosed sub-floor, heat flow out | RT 1.6 |
| Enclosed sub-floor, heat flow in | RT 1.6 |
| Enclosed sub-floor, heat flow out | RT 3.0 |
Total R-values for the building element as the NCC energy provisions require them, calculated to AS/NZS 4859.2:2018. Enclosing the sub-floor roughly doubles what you get, so it is worth deciding that before you frame.
Moisture and air control
| Vapour control | Class 3 vapour permeable, 1.200 µg/N·s (ASTM E96 Part B) |
|---|---|
| Water control | Non-water barrier (AS/NZS 4201.4) |
| Surface water absorbency | Low, under 100 g/m² |
| Moisture shrinkage | Under 0.5% |
| Corrosion resistance | Pass (AS/NZS 4859.1 Appendix E) |
Evenly spaced breather holes are the point of the product. They let moisture pass instead of collecting on top of the membrane under the flooring, which is the usual failure with a sealed underfloor foil.
Physical and fire
| Flammability index | 5 or lower, Low (AS 1530.2) |
|---|---|
| Burst strength | 0.9 kN (AS 3706.4 CBR) |
| Maximum span | 2.4 m without support mesh |
| Dry and wet delamination | Pass (AS/NZS 4201.1 and 4201.2) |
| Electrical conductivity | Electrically conductive, resistance 10 MΩ or lower |
| Other | Fibre-free, non-allergenic, non-irritant, rodent and insect resistant |
Compliance
| Certification | CodeMark certified for NCC compliance |
|---|---|
| Thermal rating | Manufactured, tested and packaged to AS/NZS 4859.1:2018 |
| Origin | Made in Australia |
Fitting notes
On a new build, lay it over the bearers running perpendicular to them, fix it, then put the joists on and staple or screw it to the underside of the joists. Butt join or lap 50 mm and tape with 48 mm reinforced foil tape, or leave a 150 mm lap if you are not taping. It can also go over the joists as long as it does not interfere with fixing the flooring and it is allowed to sag at least 40 mm between joists, since that sag is what creates the air space. Spans up to 2.4 m need no support mesh. The foil conducts electricity, so keep it clear of wiring.
Figures are taken from the Kingspan Insulation product data sheet for AIR-CELL Permifloor, Australian edition. The full manufacturer document is linked above. Kingspan can change specifications without notice, so check the current sheet before specifying on a job.
Common questions
What sizes are stocked and how much does each one cover?
2 options are stocked, running from Permifloor to Permifloor 500. The table above lists each one with the coverage or quantity you get.
What thermal performance does it have?
Material R-value: R0.11 m²K/W at 23 °C (ASTM C518-2017). Emittance: 0.03 reflective face, 0.05 anti-glare face, category RR. Electrical conductivity: Electrically conductive, resistance 10 MΩ or lower. Thermal rating: Manufactured, tested and packaged to AS/NZS 4859.1:2018.
How does it handle moisture?
Vapour control: Class 3 vapour permeable, 1.200 µg/N·s (ASTM E96 Part B). Water control: Non-water barrier (AS/NZS 4201.4). Surface water absorbency: Low, under 100 g/m². Moisture shrinkage: Under 0.5%. Dry and wet delamination: Pass (AS/NZS 4201.1 and 4201.2).
Does it meet Australian standards?
Certification: CodeMark certified for NCC compliance.
How is it installed?
On a new build, lay it over the bearers running perpendicular to them, fix it, then put the joists on and staple or screw it to the underside of the joists. Butt join or lap 50 mm and tape with 48 mm reinforced foil tape, or leave a 150 mm lap if you are not taping. It can also go over the joists as long as it does not interfere with fixing the flooring and it is allowed to sag at least 40 mm between joists, since that sag is what creates the air space. Spans up to 2.4 m need no support mesh. The foil conducts electricity, so keep it clear of wiring.
Cannot see your question? Ask our team and we will get you an answer.
Figures are taken from the Kingspan Insulation product data sheet for AIR-CELL Permifloor, Australian edition. The full manufacturer document is linked above. Kingspan can change specifications without notice, so check the current sheet before specifying on a job.