Compatibility & Specifications

Works With Every System
You Already Specify

Ultra-Fin is engineered to integrate seamlessly with all standard hydronic components — no proprietary fittings, no special boiler requirements, no new learning curve for your installation crew.

Section 04 — Compatibility

System Compatibility

Universal Fit by Design

Ultra-Fin was designed from the start to work with the tools, materials, and components already in the hands of every professional hydronic installer.

A
Boiler Types
  • Condensing gas boilers
  • Non-condensing gas boilers
  • Oil-fired boilers
  • Electric boilers
  • Air-to-water heat pumps
  • Ground-source heat pumps
  • Solar thermal systems
  • Combi boilers with DHW priority
B
PEX Tubing Types
  • PEX-A (Uponor, Rehau, Watts)
  • PEX-B (Viega, Zurn, Apollo)
  • PEX-AL-PEX composite
  • 3/8" tubing
  • 1/2" tubing (most common)
  • 5/8" tubing
  • Oxygen barrier PEX
C
Manifold & Controls
  • Any PEX manifold with actuators
  • Thermostatic zone valves
  • Zone circulator systems
  • Honeywell, Ecobee, Nest thermostats
  • DDC and BMS integration
  • Outdoor reset controllers
  • Weather compensation systems
  • Mixing valve assemblies
D
Joist & Structure Types
  • Open web floor truss
  • I-joist (TJI and equivalents)
  • Solid dimensional lumber
  • Engineered rim board
  • Existing timber (retrofit)
  • 12", 16", 19.2", 24" O.C. spacing
E
Subfloor Materials
  • Plywood (min. 3/4" recommended)
  • OSB (min. 3/4" recommended)
  • Tongue and groove subfloor
  • Double layer subfloor assemblies
  • Existing subfloor in retrofits
F
Finish Floor Coverings
  • Hardwood (solid and engineered)
  • Ceramic and porcelain tile
  • Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
  • Laminate flooring
  • Carpet and carpet tile
  • Slate and natural stone
  • Cork and bamboo (verify with mfr.)

Full Technical Specifications

Detailed Specification Reference

Use these specifications for design, submittal documentation, and installation verification. All values are for the Ultra-Fin standard residential panel system.

Extrusion Physical Properties
Alloy
6063-T5 Aluminum
Thermal Conductivity
~200 W/m·K (Al alloy)
Panel Width
4" (standard), 6" (wide)
Panel Length
4 ft standard; custom lengths available
Wall Thickness
0.050" nominal
Panel Weight
~0.8 lbs per 4 ft panel
Contact Wrap
270° (three-side)
Surface Finish
Mill finish standard
Channel Diameter (3/8")
0.375" ID channel
Channel Diameter (1/2")
0.500" ID channel
Channel Diameter (5/8")
0.625" ID channel
Operating Limits
Max Water Temperature
180°F (82°C)
Min Water Temperature
90°F (32°C)
Max Operating Pressure
100 PSI
Pressure Test
80–100 PSI cold water, 30 min hold
Max Floor Temp (hardwood)
85°F (29°C)
Design Life
50+ years (aluminum)
Hydronic System Parameters
Max Loop Length (3/8")
300 ft
Max Loop Length (1/2")
400 ft
Max Loop Length (5/8")
500 ft
Flow Rate Range
0.5 – 1.5 GPM per loop
Design Delta-T
15 – 20°F (water in/out)
Tube Spacing: Low Load
12" O.C.
Tube Spacing: High Load
6" O.C.
Glycol Compatible
Yes — propylene glycol (inhibited)
Oxygen Barrier Req.
Yes (for ferrous components)
pH Range
7.0 – 9.5
Output Performance
BTU Output: 6" O.C., 120°F
~25–35 BTU/hr/SF
BTU Output: 12" O.C., 120°F
~15–22 BTU/hr/SF
BTU Output: 6" O.C., 90°F
~12–18 BTU/hr/SF
Warm-Up Time (typical)
5–15 minutes to floor response
Steady-State Time
30–60 min to full room output

Fluid Compatibility

Water Chemistry Requirements

Aluminum is compatible with most hydronic fluids but requires attention to water chemistry to prevent galvanic corrosion and scaling. Follow these guidelines for long-term performance.

Parameter Required Range Risk if Out of Range
pH7.0 – 9.5Corrosion below 7.0; scaling above 9.5
Chloride Content<25 ppmPitting corrosion above 25 ppm
Dissolved OxygenMinimalAccelerated corrosion
Glycol TypePropylene (inhibited)Ethylene glycol: check inhibitor for Al
Glycol ConcentrationUp to 50%Performance reduction above 50%
Hardness<150 ppm CaCO3Scaling at elevated temps
InhibitorsAluminum-compatibleSome HVAC inhibitors degrade aluminum
Use inhibited propylene glycol formulated for systems containing aluminum, copper, and ferrous metals. Test water chemistry annually and replace inhibitor per manufacturer schedule.
Dielectric isolation is required where aluminum panels connect to copper or ferrous components. Use dielectric unions or ensure system pH and inhibitor levels are within range.
Oxygen barrier PEX is strongly recommended in systems with any ferrous components (cast iron boilers, steel radiators). Oxygen intrusion accelerates corrosion of iron and can affect inhibitor life.
Tested. Specified. Installed. Ultra-Fin is ready for your project today.

Floor Covering Specifics

Finish Floor Compatibility Detail

All finish floor materials can work with Ultra-Fin — but each has specific requirements. Use this table when advising owners and flooring subcontractors.

Floor Covering Compatible Max Floor Temp Design Note Special Requirements
Solid HardwoodYes85°F (29°C)Design system for self-limiting operation22°C home temp, 6–12% MC before install
Engineered HardwoodYesVaries by productCheck manufacturer's radiant approvalAcclimate per manufacturer spec
Ceramic / Porcelain TileYesUnlimitedExcellent conductor — efficient outputFlexible thinset recommended
Natural Stone / SlateYesUnlimitedGood conductor; design for stone R-valueFlexible thinset; grout compatible with heat
Luxury Vinyl PlankYes80–85°F (verify)Check manufacturer's max temp ratingFloating install; allow for expansion
LaminateYes80–85°F (verify)Check mfr. radiant approval and temp limitFloating install only; no glue
Carpet & Carpet TileYes (with design)85°FAccount for carpet R-value in loop designUse pad with R < 0.5 for best results
CorkConditionalCheck mfr.Natural cork can dry out — check approvalVerify with flooring manufacturer
BambooConditionalCheck mfr.Varies significantly by product and binderVerify with flooring manufacturer
6+

Compatible finish
floor material types

8+

Compatible boiler
types and heat sources

100%

Standard PEX fittings —
no proprietary hardware

50+

Year design life with
proper water chemistry

Need a Compatibility Verification?

Our engineering team can review your specific boiler model, PEX product, floor assembly, and finish floor selection — and confirm compatibility before you commit.