Rhino Cell 104 AG Reflective Bubble Insulation
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Measure the wall, ceiling or roof area and take about 10% off for studs, joists and purlins.
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Rhino Cell 104 AG is Thor's 4 mm reflective bubble insulation: a polyethylene bubble core between two aluminium foils, one anti-glare coated. Thor sell it as a 3 in 1 insulation, vapour barrier and radiant heat barrier for roofs, walls and floors.
104 or 310
The 4 mm material is rated R0.10. For an R0.2 thermal break under metal roofing or on a steel frame, look at the 11 mm Rhino Cell 310 AG, which Thor rate at R0.20. Our R0.2 thermal break article explains when one is needed.
Vapour and fire
It is a Class 2 vapour barrier and water barrier, not a breathable membrane, so check the condensation design. The flammability index is Low (5 or less) to AS 1530.2. Roofs are rated BAL LOW to BAL 40, walls BAL LOW to BAL FZ.
Roll and fitting
Each 22.25 m roll is 1350 mm wide plus a 150 mm flap and covers 30 m². Thor say the flap removes the need for an overlap, saving up to 10%. The foil conducts electricity, so keep it clear of live wiring, leave 50 mm around light fittings and hot flues, and use plastic fixings near electrical work. Install to AS 4200.2. Full figures are in the table below.
Technical data
Thor technical data sheet (PDF)Sizes stocked
| Roll size | Flap | Coverage | Thickness | Roll weight (approx.) | Product code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1350 mm x 22.25 m | 150 mm | 30 m² | 4.0 mm nominal | 11.5 kg | RC-104AG |
Thermal
| Material R-value | R0.10 m²K/W |
|---|---|
| Emissivity | Reflective silver face 0.03, anti-glare face 0.05 |
| Reflectivity | Anti-glare face 95%, reflective face 97% |
These are material figures. What the roof or wall achieves depends on the air space beside the foil.
Fire
| Flammability index | Low (≤5), AS 1530.2 |
|---|---|
| Early fire hazard indices | 0/0/0/1 |
| Bushfire, roof systems | BAL LOW to BAL 40 |
| Bushfire, wall systems | BAL LOW to BAL FZ |
The roof rating stops at BAL 40, so a BAL FZ roof needs a different product.
Vapour, water and membrane tests
| Vapour classification (VCM) | Class 2, Vapour Barrier |
|---|---|
| Water control classification | Water Barrier |
| Surface corrosion | Pass |
| Resistance to dry delamination | Pass |
| Resistance to wet delamination | Pass |
| Electrical conductivity | Conductive |
Check the condensation provisions for the climate zone before using a vapour barrier under a metal roof.
Strength, material and handling
| Duty rating, tensile strength | Extra Heavy Duty |
|---|---|
| Duty rating, edge tear resistance | Extra Heavy Duty |
| Core | Triple layer polyethylene bubble, contains up to 20% recycled material |
| Reinforcement | Two layers of high density polyethylene weave |
| Facings | Aluminium foil with anti-glare coating on one side, aluminium foil on the other |
| Composition (safety data sheet) | Polyethylene over 95%, aluminium foil under 5% |
| Fibres | Fibre-free, non-allergenic, formaldehyde free |
| Pests | Rodent and insect resistant (Thor Rhino Cell page) |
| Origin | Australian made |
Compliance
| Product standards | AS 4859.1 and AS 4200.1 |
|---|---|
| Installation standard | AS 4200.2 |
Fitting notes
Install to AS 4200.2. Thor say the 150 mm flap removes the need for an overlap, saving up to 10%. Before fitting, check that all electrical cabling, fittings and wiring are in a safe condition and that the foil cannot touch live wiring or downlights. Keep at least 50 mm clear of light fittings (check the safe distance with the lighting supplier) and 50 mm clear around hot flues. Use plastic fixings where electrical components are close to the work, and no metal fixings near electrical wiring. No protective equipment is required, but Thor recommend UV protective sunglasses when installing outside.
Figures are taken from the Thor Building Products data sheet for Rhino Cell 104 AG, product code RC-104 AG, August 2021. The manufacturer document is linked above. The composition comes from Thor's safety data sheet for Rhino Cell (November 2019) and the rodent and insect note from Thor's Rhino Cell Insulation page. Thor can change specifications without notice, so check the current sheet before specifying on a job.
Common questions
Is Rhino Cell 104 AG an R0.2 thermal break?
No, Thor rate the 4 mm material at R0.10. Where a job needs an R0.2 thermal break under metal roofing or on a steel frame, look at the 11 mm Rhino Cell 310 AG, which Thor rate at R0.20. Thor's 310 data sheet cites no test report for that figure, so confirm it with your certifier.
What R-value will my roof actually get?
The 4 mm material is rated R0.10. What the roof achieves depends on the air spaces and the other insulation in the build, so the figure to use comes from the system calculation for your roof. Dust on upward facing foil lowers it.
Can it go in walls?
Yes. Thor sell it for roofs, walls and floors, including brick veneer and double brick walls.
How much does one roll cover?
Each roll is 1350 mm wide plus a 150 mm flap and 22.25 m long, and Thor rate it at 30 m². Thor say the flap removes the need for an overlap, saving up to 10%.
Is it a breathable membrane?
No. Thor classify it as a Class 2 vapour barrier and a water barrier. Check the condensation provisions for your climate zone before putting a vapour barrier under a metal roof.
Can it be used in a bushfire prone area?
Thor rate it from BAL LOW to BAL 40 in roof systems and from BAL LOW to BAL FZ in wall systems. It is not rated for a BAL FZ roof.
Is it safe near wiring and downlights?
The foil is electrically conductive. Thor ask for at least 50 mm clearance from light fittings and hot flues, plastic fixings where electrical components are close, and no metal fixings near electrical wiring.
Does it contain glasswool or other fibres?
No. Thor describe the materials as fibre-free, non-allergenic and formaldehyde free. The core is a polyethylene bubble.
Cannot see your question? Ask our team and we will get you an answer.
Answers use Thor Building Products' data sheets for Rhino Cell 104 AG (August 2021) and Rhino Cell 310 AG + Flap (July 2022).