Got some spray foam on the top of my recessed rad. Okay?

JustinDavid86

Hey, guys. I had a gap in the wall above my recessed rad, about 3 inches wide by 2 inches deep. I couldn't get to it without pulling the rad out because it's about half inch from the top, and I'm not savvy enough nor do I have the money to hire someone to pull it out for me (just spent a ton on my house). So I shot some spray foam in there (and around the gap in the floor where the pipe comes through).

I figured I'd just cut away anything that touches the actual rad, but it's going to be difficult. I can probably do it, but not without some residue. I underestimated the tackiness of this stuff.

So, my question is, is it okay to leave it? You can't see it, so that's not a problem. The foam says it's safe for temps under 240˚, and I'm no scientist, but I figure the rads don't go above 215ish˚ (boiling point and all that), so I should be safe there.

Any idea? Thanks in advance!

Fred

You didn't foam it in a way that prevents air from circulating around that rad, did you? That will certainly reduce the heat output. Otherwise it should be okay.

JustinDavid86

No, thankfully (didn't even think of that. Yikes). It's just in that 3-inch area and a bit along the back (where the gap extended some).

Thanks for the fast response!

the_donut

Let it cure for a day or two. Stuff will expand a bit. Then cut and flake it off. Doesn’t really adhere to other materials as it does itself and will pull off in chunks with a little force. Acetone works well when a little tacky, but will eat paint finishes.

JustinDavid86

I'll definitely try to get off what I can. I just wanted to make sure the rads didn't get hot enough to combust the foam and start a fire.

Thanks!

Grallert

You might get a whiff of it when it heats up but other than that you should be fine.