Ecotherm vs Kingspan

Ecotherm and Kingspan are two of the most recognised and trusted brands on the market, and are used across thousands of homes all across the country.

But which one is better? In some cases, there’s no difference at all because Ecotherm is owned by Kingspan, and several products are produced in the same factory, often to identical specifications.

This said, there are still some key differences when comparing the two, including price, performance and suitable application. In this guide, we’ll explore where the two brands overlap, where they differ, and help you decide which one is the best fit for your project.

Brief Overview

Before we jump into the full product-on-product comparisons, we’ve put together a quick side-by-side comparison of the brands.

Waterproofing systems

Ecotherm products are made in the same factory and as Kingspan, and because of this, share the exact same specifications across flat roofing insulation products. 

Both ranges are compatible with multiple waterproofing systems and benefit from high compressive strength and excellent dimensional stability to ensure optimal performance on new build nd refurbishment projects. 

Ecotherm and Kingspan ranges span all types of flat roofing applications:

• Bitumen-faced (Torch-on systems): Ecotherm Innotorch and Kingspan TR24
• Foil-faced (Mechanically-fixed systems): EcoTherm Innofix and Kingspan TR26
• Tissue-faced (Fully-adhered systems): Ecotherm InnoBond and Kingspan TR27

So, how do these compare? Remember, as they’re made in the same factory, they will share the same specifications, which is why we’ve combined them in the table below.
 

Insulated plasterboard

What is the best insulated plasterboard?

Kingspan Kooltherm K118 is the best option due to its phenolic composition, which offers a superior thermal and moisture-resistant performance. 

If you have a tighter budget, EcoLiner will be the better product for you - whilst it doesn’t achieve the same thermal performance as K118, it is certainly more than suitable for general plasterboard applications. 

Cavity Boards

Which is the best for cavity walls?

The answer to this depends entirely on your wall cavity - whether it’s partial-fill or full-fill. 

Partial-fill cavity walls 

Eco-Cavity is the ideal choice if you're looking for a cost-effective solution that offers reliable thermal performance at a lower upfront cost.

Kooltherm K108 is the premium option, delivering superior thermal performance for projects aiming to achieve the lowest possible U-values.

Full-fill cavity walls

Kooltherm K106 is the best option for full-fill applications. It combines excellent thermal performance with enhanced moisture resistance, thanks to its water-tight fleece outer facing. 
 

Which is cheaper?

Money is often the biggest factor you’ll be considering in your insulation project - however, it shouldn’t be the only thing to consider. This is the solution you choose can have a massive impact on your long-term costs. 

Upfront costs - Price per Square Meter

Ecotherm typically ranges from £15–£30/m²

Kingspan typically ranges between £25-£40/m²

Long-term costs - Energy Efficiency & Savings

Adding insulation to your home is a smart investment that can lead to significant energy savings, no matter the brand you choose. On average, you can cut your energy bills by as much as 50%, which translates to around £300 to £500 in annual savings for a typical household.

That said, Kingspan’s products often deliver superior thermal efficiency, especially those with a phenolic core, making them especially effective in situations where space is limited, such as narrow wall cavities. In these cases, you can achieve better insulation values with thinner boards, leading to greater long-term savings.
 

Which is right for me?

At the end of the day, Ecotherm and Kingspan are made in the same factory, so the choice really comes down to budget and priorities. 

If you need to save as much money as possible and are looking for the most cost-effective solution, Ecotherm will be the right choice. If you’re looking for a superior thermal performance, especially in insulated plasterboard and cavity walls, Kingspan will be the better choice. 

If you need any help with your insulation project, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the UKFR team. We’re a family-run business with extensive knowledge of insulation and flat roofing; we’re here to help you find what you need for your project. Speak to us today.