VEVOR PEX Heat Transfer Plates, 100pcs Box Radiant Heat Transfer Plates, 2ft Aluminum PEX Heat Transfer Plates, 1/2 inch Heat Transfer Plates Designed for PEX Tubing

I wondered the same thing. I figured it doesn’t take that long to remove it.

I heard no, it does not need to come off. I left mine on, plates don't get hot enough to affect the plastic.

Since plastic is an insulator of heat, you probably don’t want plastic between the aluminum and pex tubing. The film is extremely thin so probably won’t be a big loss of heat transfer. Strangely, leaving the film between pex and aluminum sometimes you will hear weird sounds as the pex heats up and the aluminum expands. Be sure to punch slotted holes and leave mounting screws loose so plates can move with temperature changes.

I’ve installed about a thousand of these. I would say, in theory, the film doesn’t affect anything because the goal is to deflect heat upwards. But I removed all of the film. I did so AFTER cutting pieces to length, when applicable.

These fit a little loosely on 1/2 PEX (5/8OD). I would think they would fit 5/8 PEX without issue. Just make sure you fasten the pipe straight before you turn to avoid wear during expansion and contraction

We stopped using transfer plates and switched to simply putting foil tape down in between wooden grooves. Transfer plates are too much of a haste

PEX Heat Transfer Plates 300/Box Radiant Heat Transfer Plates 4Ft PEX Aluminum Heat Transfer Plates 1/2Inch Heat Transfer Plates for PEX Tubing We will be introducing larger sizes soon, but not yet

I would say No because if mounted on the joist you would loose all the heat transfer to the subfloor.

Heat Transfer Plates can be installed on the side of the joist.

It is intended to distribute the heat above the subfloor, and under a cement board layer before the tile is laid.

Yes it can be on the side

They are 0.016 inches think so just a little less than .5mm

Thin enough to be able to use a standard staple gun to install. Very easy to cut. Works great.