We are getting our unfinished basement done. We have replaced and rerouted (to make more space) our steam pipes (house built in 1937) with new pipes (Black and I believe 4 inches in diameter). These pipes run into/from the boiler and run very hot. We are getting sheetrock walls built in the basement to cover existing concrete walls and pipes will run behind the sheetrock.
Plumber says the pipes can remain behind the sheetrock walls to help generate heat and that the pipes don't need to be wrapped/insulated. He also says that the pipes can run against ceiling beams without being insulated.
Question: Is it safe to have these pipes behind walls or against (touching) wooden structural beams if the pipes will be non-insulated/wrapped? I am very concerned about potential fire risks.
Thanks!
Best Answer
Do you know the temperature of steam pipes? Do you know the ignition point of wood?
Some say the "ignition" point of wood is 451 deg F. Most say around 570 deg F. Either way, the surface temperature of steam pipes will NEVER even get close to that. Typically upwards of 250 deg F. I think you can trust your plumber on this one.