I bought a 60 year old house with baseboard steam heat in pipes that run the circumference of the house. I want to remove the covers to clean the fins and put in new covers. However, I can’t get the old covers off. It is as if the pi[pes were inbedded in the covers and the whole thing soldered together.
Because some of the corner joints are tight (too tight to work with) I believe that the covers do come off without disconnecting the pipes.
Attached are photos of the radiator covers. I’m hoping someone can recognize the type and know the name of the manufacturer where I can get directions.
Better yet does someone have experience with this type of cover and knows how to remove them? Thanks,
Carlos
Replies
Carlos, you didn't succeed in posting the picture. When you load them onto here you have to wait till the process is finished, then hit "done". There's some indication on that "attach files" page that will show you it's loading and when done.
I've messed with some HW basebd radiators from the 30's that were cast iron and in fact the covers/pipe were all in one. One bit of heavy too.
A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Steam heat baseboard makes me think cast iron too. We still install cast iron regularly, for hot water heat. If that's what you have, those aren't covers, those are one-piece cast radiators in a baseboard style. If you can get to the nuts the ends can come off but the main part is there for good.
Like Calvin said, your pictures didn't come through....
Thanks guys for the comments. The second time I waited until the pictures were "loaded" but they still did not come through. I guess my next question is - how do you attach photos to a message?
About the radiator covers. They are made of aluminum and I was able to pry off the ends and corners without too much trouble. In case the photos still don't load I'll do my best at describing the situation.
The house is 60 years old but the baseboard radiators are newer (I don't know exactly when). The pipes are copper and some of the corners are soldered. Because some of these corners are very tight I find it difficult to believe the installation was done with the covers on. However, a good plumber may not need more than an inch or two to work in. Additionally, the design of the covers makes it impossible to clean the fins.
I hope this added information helps solve the puzzle and welcome any suggestions.
Thanks,
Carlos
Here are some other options if you choose to upgrade:http://www.go-overboard.com/http://www.radiantwraps.com/
Thanks for the leads. I wrote to both of these sites asking for help and sent my photos.
Carlos
One possible way to clean the fins would be to use a compressor to blow air over them and use a vacuum at the same time to suck as much dust/air out. I did this recently to clean my slant-fin baseboard radiators.