MVP Panel Configuration — Rev 1.0

ThermaSlab Panel Specification

Standard Residential Configuration · 16" OC Hydronic · Tongue & Groove

1 Engineered Hardwood (Oak) 3mm wear layer, prefinished
Al plate
PEX
GEL
2–3 Gel Chambers + Radiant Matrix 2 rows · 12" OC · 3/8" PEX · aluminum plate
4 Structural Core — MR30 HDF 1-1/8" thick · 24" × 48" · tongue & groove
Finish
Al plate
PEX
Gel
Core
Dimensions & Construction
Panel dimensions24" × 48" (610 × 1219 mm)
Panel thickness1-1/8" (28.6 mm)
Edge profileTongue & Groove (T&G), 4 sides
Structural coreMR30 HDF or marine-grade plywood
Core thickness7/8" (22.2 mm)
Finish top layerPrefinished engineered hardwood (oak), 3mm wear layer
Surface area8 sq ft per panel
Weight (estimated)~22 lbs per panel
Hydronic Heating
Tubing type3/8" PEX-A or PEX-B
Tubing spacing (OC)12" on-center
Tubing runs2 parallel runs per panel (24" direction)
Heat transfer platesAluminum plate under each run, 0.016" min thickness
Flow/return connectionsManifold — not terminated in panel
Zone configurationSingle-zone per panel; multi-panel manifolds for zones
System pressureDesign for 60 psi working pressure
Compatible heat sourcesBoiler, heat pump water heater, solar thermal
Gel-Cushion Chambers
Chamber rows2 rows between PEX runs
Gel fillNon-toxic, phase-change material (PCM) or viscoelastic polymer
PurposeImpact absorption, sound attenuation, thermal mass
Chamber heightApprox. 3/8" cavity between finish and core
Sound reduction (IIC)Target: IIC ≥ 52 (with finish floor)
Thermal mass add+15–20 min heat storage lag vs. bare tube
Structural Performance
Joist spacing16" OC (standard residential)
Live load rating40 psf minimum (per IRC / IBC)
Deflection limitL/360 under live load
Span capabilitySingle span only; not approved for cantilever
FasteningScrews or nails, 6" OC at edges, 8" OC field
Subfloor replacementDirect replacement for 3/4" OSB or plywood subfloor
T&G jointGlued + screwed at joints; sealant in T&G channel
Thermal Performance
R-value (panel only)R-0.75 approx. (HDF core)
Assembly R-value (floor)R-2.5 to R-4.0 depending on joist cavity insulation
Finish layer RR-0.09 (oak, 3mm)
Effective loop length~44 lineal feet per panel (2 × 22 ft runs)
Water content per panel~0.6 gallons (tubing volume at 3/8" PEX)
Heat output (typical)~30–40 BTU/hr/ft² at 110°F supply, 70°F room
Thermal responseGel adds 15–20 min delay; aluminum plate speeds initial ramp
Materials & Compliance Path
Core material specMR30 HDF: density ≥ 50 lbs/ft³, thickness tolerance ±0.3mm
PEX tubing specASTM F876/F877, oxygen-barrier rated (EVOH) preferred
Aluminum plate spec3003-H14 or equivalent, 0.016"–0.025" thick
Moisture resistanceCore: interior-grade MR30; marine ply option for wet locations
Fire ratingPending — flame spread test required (ASTM E84)
Architect spec pathNOA (Miami-Dade) or ICC-ES Evaluation Report
Building code refIBC Chapter 25, IRC Chapter 44 (radiant floor)
Indoor air qualityCARB Phase 2 / TSCA Title VI compliant for HDF
Installation Notes
01
Acclimate panels for 48 hrs at job site conditions (40–80°F, 30–70% RH). Do not stack outdoors.
02
Subfloor prep: Level to ≤ 3/16" per 10 ft. Clean and dry. Treat any concrete subfloors with moisture barrier per manufacturer.
03
Layout: Lay panels with T&G joints staggered. Orient 48" dimension perpendicular to joists. Leave 1/8" expansion gap at walls.
04
Fastening: Structural screws or ring-shank nails. 6" OC at panel perimeter, 8" OC in field. Countersink fasteners 1/4" below finished surface.
05
T&G joint sealing: Apply PVA adhesive in tongue-and-groove channel before assembly. Wipe excess. Allow 24 hr cure before loading.
06
Hydrostatic test: Pressure-test PEX circuits to 100 psi for 30 min before enclosing. Check for leaks at manifolds.
07
Manifold placement: Locate manifolds in accessible locations (mechanical room, closet). Run supply/return lines to each panel. Label zones clearly.
08
Do not cut panels in the field to accommodate PEX — all routing is factory-set. If a panel is damaged, replace whole unit.
Target Economics — 1,000 Unit Production Run
Cost Line Estimated/unit Notes
MR30 HDF core (7/8")$7.50Based on current HDF sheet pricing at 1,000 panels
PEX tubing + aluminum plates$4.00Factory-preloaded, per panel allocation
Gel chamber fill + mold$3.00Viscoelastic polymer; amortized tooling
Prefinished oak top (3mm)$5.50Engineered; prefinished at mill
T&G machining + edge prep$2.504-side profiling in one pass
Lamination & press$3.00Hot-press lamination of top layer
QA, packaging, freight$3.00Final inspection, pallet-pack, delivery to DC
Total estimated cost$28.50 / sq ftTarget range: $28–35 / sq ft

Pricing is directional. Final cost depends on manufacturer relationships, order volume, and material market conditions. Target margin: 20–35% at $35–45/sqft MSRP.