Hot water baseboard heating question.

[Jay87T]

Hey guys, I have a hot water baseboard heater in my condo, and it goes through the wall to the next unit, person next door smokes and I think the smoke fumes are entering my condo by this passage, there is a gap around the hot water pipes. does anyone know how hot these heater pipes get, I want to seal it somehow but not sure what to use. I was thinking expansion foam, but it says its combustable and should not be used at high temps. any advice? its a faily big gap.

 

[Chris (WA)]

Depending on what pressure your hot water syytem is at the temperature of the water can vary. Most systems operate at 15psi so the hottest the water could be at that pressue would be 250*f.
Pack it with fiberglas. That will take the heat.

 

[oldts]

I have a hot water system at home, it's a good system. The normal operating temp. on most of these systems is 140 degrees F. Get some regular fiberglass insulation and pack it in the hole using a dull screwdriver.

 

[rd 2N in mo]

How old is your condo? Are all of them on the same boiler system and you all share the same gas bill? If not then you should be on a separate system and the heating pipe would not go thru the wall into your neighbors unit.

 

[MarkB_MI]

Hydronic systems usually run at no more than 175 degrees F. (Efficiency drops the hotter the water temperature.) If you're concerned about heat, though, you could use fire-block sealer, available at hardware and building supply stores. For example, 3M FB136 is rated at 750F.
3M FB 136 PDF

 

[circus]

Though fiberglass will help, I suggest smearing precut drywall paper with latex caulk on both sides then sticking this mess to the wall around the tubing. The paper will allow the caulk to bridge any voids for a good seal.

 

[Jay87T]

ok thanks guy, I guess I will get some fiberglass insulation and pack it around the hole, just hope that stops the smoke fumes from the guy next door from seeping into my room, its a older building from the 60's, that was totaly renovated except the heating system.

 

[evilboweivel]

after packing with fiberglass the best you can
tape it shut with metal foil tape, this will take the temp
good luck
Ron

 

[Dean]

Mine is set to cut off at around 190F. The red line on the gauge is 220F.

Dean

 

[Anonymous-0]

Hot water can not ignite foam. I would use the foam in a can.

 

[Sean Feeney]

http://www.smokefreehousingnw.com/condos/OptionsForCondoOwners_FactSht_090604.pdf

 

[Gun guru]

Use gypsum plaster and pump it in with a grout bag or something. Then use Silicone in a tube to seal it for good. Silicone is high temp to 250f or something, read the tube.

I hate the smell of cigarettes, stale, nasty. People who smoke dont know how bad they really smell cause they lay in it, breathe it, swallow it, wear it. (but at least they look cool)

 

[david - or]

Fiberglass is nearly worthless as an air barrier. If there"s any pressure difference between the two condos the air will whistle right through it. Fiberglass is only effective as an insulatuion if it is in contact with drywall or plywood or something similar that can act as an air barrier. The fiberglass won"t burn, and will help to mechanically support plaster or tape or whatever, but it"s the plaster or tape that is going to stop the cigarette smoke, not the fiberglass.

I second the recommendation for one of the Firestop products. Failing that, how about Permatex Ultra-Copper or similer RTV silicone sealant. These are good for 700 degrees (F).

(Great Stuff sealant is listed for a max cured temp of 240 degrees (F), a little too close to the hydronic temp for comfort.)