Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board
Installation Guide
This guide provides detailed information for the installation of Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board, a high-performance insulation solution for external walls.
About MBS Architectural
MBS Architectural partners with leading ceiling manufacturers, offering a broad range of premium products from a single source. They provide proprietary systems for unique designs, offering freedom and customisation for projects from conception to installation.
Product Overview: Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board
Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board is a super high-performance, fibre-free rigid thermoset, closed cell phenolic insulation core. It is sandwiched between two layers of tissue-based facing, autohesively bonded to the insulation core during manufacture. The product is manufactured without the use of CFCs/HCFCs and has zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Product Data
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Declared Thermal Conductivity (λ-value) | 0.021 W/m.K at 23°C (Insulant thickness ≥ 45 mm) |
| Product Dimensions | 2400 mm x 1200 mm (2.88 m²) |
| Nominal Product Thickness | 50 mm, 80 mm (Other thicknesses available upon enquiry. Minimum order quantities apply) |
Product R-value
| Nominal Product Thickness | Declared Product R-value at 23°C |
|---|---|
| 50 mm | R2.35 |
| 80 mm | R3.80 |
Specification Guide
The external wall insulation shall be Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board [specified thickness] mm thick, with a tested smoke obscuration of not more than 100 m²/kg. It comprises a CFC/HCFC-free and zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) rigid thermoset phenolic insulation core with a tissue-based facing on both sides. The product is manufactured under a management system certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, OHSAS 18001:2007, and ISO 50001:2011 by Kingspan Insulation Pty Ltd. Installation must be by approved installers. A Project Specific Warranty provided by Kingspan Insulation must be submitted.
Standards and Approvals
Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board is manufactured to the highest standards and certified under the following management systems:
- ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management)
- ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management)
- OHSAS 18001:2007 (Health and Safety Management)
- ISO 50001:2011 (Energy Management)
Product Testing
| Characteristic | Standard | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive Stress | AS 2498.3 | Typically exceeds 120 kPa at 10% compression |
| Water Vapour Resistance | BS EN 12086:1997 / I.S. EN 12086:1998 | > 35 MN·s/g |
Fire Performance
| Test | Test Method | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ignitability, Flame spread, Heat release, Smoke release | AS 1530.3 | Spread of Flame Index: 0 Smoke Development ≤ 3 |
Renders
The chosen render system must be pre-trialed and tested to ensure compatibility with the Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board. Polymer modified renders are recommended for flexibility and adhesion. The total render coating should be at least 6 mm thick for system integrity.
Typical Constructions and Total R-values
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 prescribes different methods to determine Total R-value for Volume 1 and Volume 2. The following tables provide R-values for various thicknesses of Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board applicable for NCC Volume One, Class 2 to 9 buildings & NCC Volume Two, Class 1 & 10a buildings.
Insulated Render System on Concrete Wall
| Product Thickness (mm) | Heat flow in | Heat flow out |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | R2.6 | R2.8 |
| 80 | R4.0 | R4.2 |
Insulated Render System on Masonry Block Wall
| Product Thickness (mm) | Heat flow in | Heat flow out |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | R2.7 | R2.8 |
| 80 | R4.1 | R4.3 |
Insulated Render System on Steel-framed Wall
| Product Thickness (mm) | Heat flow in | Heat flow out |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | R2.8 | R2.9 |
| 80 | R4.2 | R4.4 |
Insulated Render System on Timber-framed Wall
| Product Thickness (mm) | Heat flow in | Heat flow out |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | R2.8 | R2.9 |
| 80 | R4.2 | R4.4 |
Assumptions
The R-values shown are Total R-values for the building element as required by the Energy Provisions of the National Construction Code, calculated in accordance with AS/NZS 4859.2 2018 & NZS 4214. Kingspan Kooltherm products are manufactured, tested, and packaged in conformance with AS/NZS 4859.1:2018.
Fire Resistance
Examples shown are suitable for NCC Class 1 & 10a housing and Fire-Resisting Construction Type C walls in NCC Class 2 – 9 buildings. For Fire-Resisting Construction Type A & B walls in NCC Class 2 – 9 buildings, a Performance Solution is required. Please contact Kingspan Insulation Technical Services on 1300 247 235 or email technical@kingspaninsulation.com.au for further guidance.
Installation Instructions
Durability
If correctly applied, Kingspan Kooltherm products can be expected to have a long life of service. Their durability depends on the supporting structure and the conditions of its use. Kingspan Kooltherm products are warranted for a period of 10 years for both residential and commercial installations.*
* Subject to the terms of the complete Kingspan Kooltherm warranty document, which is available upon request or downloadable from www.kingspaninsulation.com.au.
Environmental Data
| Aspect | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Non-contaminated insulation site waste is recyclable, but there are currently no facilities in Australia to process returned material. |
| Re-usability | Re-usable if removed with care (long term of service expected). |
| Water Use | No water used in Kingspan Insulation's manufacturing process. |
| Blowing Agent Global Warming Potential (GWP) | Manufactured with a blowing agent that has low GWP. |
| Blowing Agent Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) | Manufactured with a CFC/HCFC-free blowing agent that has zero ODP. |
| Packaging | Contains 0% recycled product. Polythene wrap and EPS skids 100% recyclable. |
Handling and Storage
The polythene packaging of Kingspan Kooltherm should not be considered adequate for long-term outdoor protection. Ideally, boards should be stored inside a building. If outside storage cannot be avoided, then the boards should be stacked clear of the ground and covered with a polythene sheet or weatherproof tarpaulin. Boards that have been allowed to get wet should not be used. Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board should be protected from getting wet during periods of inclement weather prior to the application of the weatherproof render.
Kingspan Kooltherm K5 External Wall Board should only be installed by approved installers. For more information please call Technical Services on 1300 247 235 or email technical@kingspaninsulation.com.au. System installation and construction details are available from their EIFS (External Insulation & Finishing System) partner.
Contact and Support
Reach out to MBS Architectural for support, samples, and advice:
- Phone: 03 9580 7800
- Email: hello@mbsarchitectural.com.au
- VIC: 7 Haymer Court, Braeside 3195
- QLD: 13 Pease Court, Bethania 4205
- Social Media: @MBSarchitectural




