ThermoFin FAQ's
Why use heat transfer plates?
Heat transfer plates increase the efficiency and heating performance of radiant panel heating systems by increasing the floor surface area that is actively engaged in moving heat into the heated space. Simply put, heat transfer plates heat more of the floor. Heating more of the floor area allows for uniform floor temperatures and effective transfer of heat into the whole floor. The patented snap channel shape moves heat into flooring materials by direct conduction, which is the most effective means of heat transfer.
What is ThermoFin?
ThermoFin is the original, extruded aluminum heat transfer plate designed expressly for radiant heating. The ThermoFin extrusion incorporates a patented snap channel which effectively moves heat from the water stream in the radiant tubing into the aluminum heat transfer extrusion. Efficient heat exchange between the radiant tubing and the ThermoFin extrusion is critical. Thermofin firmly grips the radiant tubing, preventing air gaps and maintaining direct contact between the radiant tubing and the snap channel.
How does ThermoFin increase radiant panel heating performance?
ThermoFin tightly grips radiant tubing, without the use of glues, sealants, staples or other fasteners, to ensure heat transfer and prevent expansion noises. It is a heavy gauge, rigid aluminum extrusion that is highly conductive and provides substantial thermal mass. It allows lower water temperatures to work effectively. Additionally, because ThermoFin can be placed along the full extent of the joist bay, up to the perimeter of the building, it moves heat into areas of the floor that other heat transfer plates can't cover.
What is the difference between ThermoFin C and ThermoFin U?
The ThermoFin C shape is useful for under floor applications. The downward facing C channel design facilitates tubing installation from below. First, rigid 4' or 8' lengths of the extrusion are attached to the subfloor using staples, roofing nails, or self-drilling screws. Then the tubing is snapped into the channel using a pneumatic palm hammer.
ThermoFin U is intended for use above the subfloor. Tubing is laid out over the subfloor with the help of precut plywood return bends. The ThermoFin U is then placed over the tubing with the snap channel facing down. Finally, precut plywood sleepers are used to fill in between the ThermoFin runs and provide a solid nailing surface or finished floor materials.
What is the difference between ThermoFin C and ThinFin C?
ThermoFin C is the original extruded plate designed for maximum heat transfer and ease of installation. ThinFin C is a lighter, version of ThermoFin C designed to provide slightly lower heat transfer at a reduced cost.
ThermoFin C |
ThinFin C |
|
Width (inches) |
4.0 |
3.5 |
Thickness (inches) |
0.065 |
0.050 |
Can I use ThermoFin U with the snap channel facing up?
Yes! This layout is slightly easier to install because the tubing can be snapped into the channel after the ThermoFin U and plywood sleepers are in place. However, in this configuration, the ThermoFin covers most of the plywood, leaving less plywood surface available for the installation of finished floor materials. It's perfectly acceptable to nail right through the ThermoFin U into the sleepers, but many flooring installers prefer to work with a plywood surface. Some hardwood floor installers also require that the ThermoFin plates do not directly contact the hardwood.
Can I use ThermoFin C above the subfloor?
Yes! This layout preserves the plywood nailing surface for installing finished floor materials, and allows you to snap the tubing into the ThermoFin C after the sleepers have been installed. However, the tubing is not protected by the snap channel, so there is a greater risk of cutting the tubing while installing the finished floor.
Can I use ThermoFin products for radiant wall panels?
Yes! A radiant wall is illustrated in our ThermoFin U technical brochure.