Hey Guys,

I'm starting a new thread abour cleaning of the old convector boxes in my house. As per my last thread, I've started cleaning the fins and plan to plug any holes in and around the convector cabinets with caulking and foam.

I'm wondering if it would be worth my while to install any reflective foil type product in the back and top of the inset cabinet while I am doing this.

I will also be replacing the felt seals with some weatherstripping the help control the flow of air into and out of the cabinets.

Here are some photos of the cabinets...

Please let me know your thoughts....

 

Can't hurt... and depending on what is in the wall behind them, might help...

 

Yeah yeah, so I was a bit overzealous with the spray foam... but who doesn't love that stuff!!!

I spent the afternoon foaming up the many holes in the bottom of the convector cabinets. Seems there were open passages in the walls to the basement from the first floor... UGH. UGH. UGH. I managed to seal up the cabinets pretty well, and it seems to be making a difference. Before, with the leaks, I was pulling cold air up from the basement. Thats not an option anymore

I'm starting to thing that the blown in cellulose insulation in the walls that the old homeowner said was present is not in fact present... That or it is totally settled and not doing much good. The house is old, and cold!

The heat is working better after the foaming and weatherstripping of the cabinets, but I am still contemplating the reflective foil. The back sides of the cabinets are cold when the weather is chilly outside. Probably little insulation from the outer sheathing of the house....

At least the wife thinks the house is feeling warmer.

I'm going to tackle a few other draft sources and contemplate the reflective film.

Whats the best way to fix the film in place? some sort of construction adhesive?

Will report back with results...

Thanks,

Bryan

 

Sounds as though your home may be 'balloon framed' (google for info)

I would look for some type of spray adhesive... that hopefully will stand up to the temperature excursions.