Rhino Cell 310 AG Thermal Break Bubble Foil Insulation
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Rhino Cell 310 AG is Thor Building Products' 11 mm reflective bubble insulation, rated R0.20 as a material. Thor describe it as a 3 in 1 insulation, vapour barrier and radiant heat barrier for roof, wall and floor systems.
Thermal break rating
Thor state it achieves a thermal break of R0.2, against R0.10 for the 4 mm Rhino Cell 104 AG. The data sheet cites no test report or certificate, so ask your certifier first. Our R0.2 thermal break article explains where the NCC requires one.
Foil needs an air space
Thor's total R-values assume a reflective air space beside the foil. A flat metal roof with a suspended ceiling and at least 300 mm of air space reaches RT 2.77 in summer and RT 1.23 in winter. Dust on upward facing foil lowers them. It is a Class 2 vapour barrier. Check the condensation provisions for your climate zone.
Bushfire ratings differ
Flammability index is Low (5 or less) to AS 1530.2. Thor rate it BAL LOW to BAL 40 in roofs and BAL LOW to BAL FZ in walls. A BAL FZ roof needs another product.
On site
Each roll is 1350 mm wide plus a 150 mm flap, 22.25 m long, covers 30 m² and weighs about 12.5 kg. Thor say the flap removes the need for overlap, saving up to 10%. Keep at least 50 mm clear of light fittings and hot flues, and use plastic fixings near wiring because the foil conducts electricity. 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 | 11 mm | 12.5 kg | RC-310AG |
Thermal
| Material R-value | R0.20 m²K/W |
|---|---|
| Thermal break | R0.2, as stated by Thor |
| 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.
Thermal, Thor total R-values (winter heat flow out / summer heat flow in)
| Flat metal roof, suspended ceiling, 300 mm min. reflective air space | 1.23 / 2.77 |
|---|---|
| Pitched metal roof 22 degrees, flat ceiling, unventilated attic space | 1.40 / 2.10 |
| Pitched metal roof 22 degrees, flat ceiling, ventilated attic space | 1.20 / 2.40 |
| Metal clad wall, 100 mm min. reflective air space | 1.60 / 1.50 |
| Basis | AS/NZS 4859.1 |
Thor note that dust on upward facing surfaces and in ventilated cavities reduces these figures.
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 product 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. Thor's total R-values assume a reflective air space beside the foil, at least 300 mm under a flat metal roof with a suspended ceiling and at least 100 mm in a metal clad wall. 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 310 AG + Flap, product code RC-310 AG, July 2022. 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 RC-310AG product page. Thor can change specifications without notice, so check the current sheet before specifying on a job.
Common questions
Is Rhino Cell 310 AG a thermal break?
Thor rate the material at R0.20 and state that it achieves a thermal break of R0.2. The data sheet gives no test report or certificate for that figure, so confirm with your certifier before relying on it as an NCC thermal break.
What R-value will my roof actually get?
The material alone is R0.20. Thor's total for a 22 degree pitched metal roof over a flat ceiling and an unventilated attic is RT 1.40 in winter (heat flow out) and RT 2.10 in summer (heat flow in). Dust on upward facing foil and in ventilated cavities lowers these figures.
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%.
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 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.
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.
What is the difference between Rhino Cell 310 AG and Rhino Cell 104 AG?
The 310 is 11 mm thick with a material R-value of R0.20. The 104 is 4 mm nominal and R0.10. Both come as 30 m² rolls with a 150 mm flap.
Cannot see your question? Ask our team and we will get you an answer.
Answers use Thor Building Products' data sheets for Rhino Cell 310 AG + Flap (July 2022) and Rhino Cell 104 AG (August 2021).