I've got about 2000 sq.ft. of Joist Trak system installed. I recall reading here somewhere that clips or bushings securing the PEX as it passes through the joist was a good idea. Is it a good idea? The literature says don't anchor the end loops at all. Are the runs between joist bays any different?

I am looking for advice on whether or not to anchor through the joists and if so what brand/model of clips.

Thanks

John7

In general it's better to allow the pex some room for thermal expansion & flex room where it can, since it's otherwise constrained in the JoistTrak. There is some noise potential if it's sliding against wood in the process of expanding or contracting, and a non-constraining low-friction bushing can mitigate that.

Outdoor reset and the latest PEX with EVOH barrier on and inner layer will help this issue, which is not universal.

Following Uponor's directions is usually the best policy. Joist Trak is not the original Thermo-fin 'C' by the way, but a reasonable facsimile that we used on a recent remodel of a 1955 brick ranch here in Minneapolis. Some ticking in the shoulder months but no noise when it was cold. We have found nearly zero noise issues when we use heavy plates on new construction with liberal holes between joist bays.

Badger

At first I thought your comment was way off (outdoor reset and all) but it all makes perfect sense when I read the second paragraph. Outdoor reset would mitigate large swings in supply temperature and associated thermal expansion/contraction. Latest PEX presumably PEX-A might have less thermal expansion(?). EVOH barrier might be more slippery. The only part I didn't understand was the "inner layer" comment. Can you expand on that?

Also, what do you consider "liberal holes" with 1/2" HePEX?

Thanks

John

I understand that these panels already get good thermal contact with the tube. But with these plates or non-extruded plates, is there any benefit to using some type of caulk? I see that some companies recommend it.

A system with outdoor reset may or may not still have full on/full off control of flow. Best if it doesn't.