plates or noi plates

Norm Harvey

I have installed extruded plates after the fact when the installing contractor had not used them on more than one occasion.

The difference using extruded plates makes is huge!

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ken zindars

plates or no plates

need different views on I have a 2500sq ft ranch with in floor pex tubes in basement, and 16 inch on center with floor joists, please on the best system, I am sold on the in floor heat system, would like some help. thanks ken z

Brad White_203

Plates

Not sure I grasp the entire question but if it is a matter of plates versus no plates, use plates. Better yet, extruded aluminum plates versus the "Omega" thin sheet plates. The higher the degree of contact with the underfloor surface and the wider the conductive surface touching the tubing, the higher the heat transfer and the lower the water temperature you will need.

This is a principle which stands regardless of your heat loss; it is about delivering that heat which is needed.

Derheatmeister

Heatloss....

Start with a Heatloss Calculation to "See" how many BTU's are needed!!

And yes Plates if you "Need" to do an staple up..

Ron Gillen

16\" Centers?

Yes to extruded plates. Are the joists 16" on center or the tubes? If it's the tubes you will have terrible striping (hot and cold spots). I would use 8" for the staple up and 12" in the slab regardless of heat loss.

klaus

16\" centers

I agree with Ron. Max of 8" centers between your tubes in the joists regardless of heat loss, to avoid thermal striping. Adjust for heat loss by adjusting water temperature. You can safely deliver up to ~30btu's/sq ft to meet your needs.

You'll have a much more efficient transfer of heat to where you want it with extruded plates. Insulate under your plates to control where that heat goes. (Heat does NOT rise!)

Rich Kontny_3

Plates

Are the plates more efficient than holding the pex down 1/2" from the surface with hangers like "Clics" and what about the noise factor with the plates? Two different objects tend to have different co-efficients of expansion don't they?

I have often wondered about taking an otherwise silent system and creating some noise factors with the plates????

Thanks Rich

kpc_41

the real plates

don't make noise... http://www.radiantengineering.com/TFinBrochure.pdf

Ron Gillen

Kansas State University Report

On Mr. bean's site "healthyheating.com" there is a link to the Kansas State University report that clearly shows the significant benefit of using plates and the difference between leaving a 3/4" or 2" gap above the insulation.

http://www.ngml.ksu.edu/research/project_archive/project_archive_publications/ashrae/1036_final_report.pdf

John Schober

plates or no plates

You might also consider contacting Watts Radiant about their new flexible graphite-based alternative to aluminum plates in staple up applications. They are launching this product soon (it may be available on a limited basis now), and they are doing extensive testing on it to show that it outperforms extruded plates, that it makes for an easier installation, and that it is cost effective. GrafTech exhibited this product at the Radiant Expo in August.