Sealing Steam Pipe Chases

richelle

I have a question about sealing the gap between the floors/ceilings and the steam risers.  We had an energy audit that found that we have more than one air change per hour.  Among the recommendations were to seal off the unconditioned portions of the building from the conditions portions including sealing any gaps between the steam risers (one pipe steam) and the floors or ceilings.  They recommended a firestop foam sealant, such as DAP® FIREBLOCK FOAM Polyurethane Foam Sealant, which states that it has a safe temperature range of -200°F – 240°F. 



Before spraying it the gap and not being able to get it back out, I wanted to check and see if this was safe.  Given that water boils at 212°F, it seems like the radiator pipe could get warm enough to exceed the maximum recommended temperature. 



If this isn't a good idea, does anyone have any other air sealing recommendations that can come in contact with the risers (or in a few cases the mains)?



Thanks!

jpf321

my header ....

maxes out @ 218 deg F...you should be ok...you can always try it first somewhere in the basement very accessible so you can scrape it off later..



fyi..I have some regular "great stuff red" around a rad supply...and it is holding up fine.

Steamhead

We've used a similar product

with no problems so far. Not sure if it's DAP's foam though.......

jpf321

could be ..

great stuff fireblock .. http://greatstuff.dow.com/products/fireblock/

Steamhead

Yup, that's it

I think it's rated for 400° F or so.