What's The Best Way To Deal With The Wall Behind A Radiator ????

[Gizmonster]

Hi all :)
We have a radiator that runs under 2 windows (it's a single radiator, 8' long and 18" high) and quite recently I've noticed that the wallpaper is coming off behind the radiator and the plaster is starting to crumble away as well.
The plaster doesn't appear to be damp, I think it's just crumbling away as it's been untouched for years - the rest of the room is fine, it's just behind the radiator that's affected.
I'm going to wait 'til it's warmer before I tackle the job, but I'm going to take the radiator off and re-plaster, etc.
Any recommendations as to what I should and shouldn't do please ??
Is there something I could add to the mix to make it less likely to crumble away again ?? Would you decorate it, or leave it blank or paint/seal it ??Would you recommend using one of the heat reflectors that reflect heat back into the room ??
Any links, tips much appreciated ..... thanks :)

[The Builder]

If it's just the surface plaster finish that's affected, then remove all the loose stuff and give the area a couple of coats of diluted PVA to remove background suction. Ordinary gypsum "skim" is all you want. No additives needed.

If the backing coat is also coming away, then you'll need to repair the backing first, then put on the finish coat. A much easier way for a DIYer is to buy a small bag of "one-coat" plaster.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-One-Coat-Plaster-5kg/p/163571

Remember to check the quantity you'll need, by measuring the total area.

As for decorating, it's a matter of personal preference. A lot of people just emulsion behind the rad, and paper around it. No problem to paper all over though ... once the plaster has dried out properly.

I've not had any experience with the reflectors, but I can't see that it'll do any harm.

You know how to take the rad off, Giz?

[Gizmonster]

Thanks for that :)
I've never actually taken a radiator off before - plenty of good DIY videos on youtube though. I once took my toilet cistern off and replaced the fill valve and syphon unit, even though I've never done anything like that before.
I'll want to leave the plaster to fully dry out for a few days and as I don't want to be without heating in the spare room, I'll tackle this job when the weather gets warmer :)
Any tips on radiator removal that I should be aware of ??

[bhg481]

We have reflectors behind all our radiators, most of which we made ourselves. Large cardboard box, cut two slits out to allow it to slip over the radiator brackets. Once you're sure it fits cover it with kitchen foil, shiny side outwards and put it in place.
If you're going to remove the radiator you need to close both valves. The adjustable one is obvious. The other one will need plyers or a small spanner. Turn it clockwise, counting the number of turns. When you put it back open the valve by the same amount, otherwise you will have upset the balance. You might just as well give it a good washing out whilst you can.
I always put rust inhibitor in my system - radiators never need bleeding. You'll have to top up the system when you refit the radiator so just add the rust inhibitor to the header tank before you open the radiator valves. A 5 litre bottle is enough for most systems (I use Fernox).

[The Builder]

You sound pretty capable, Giz. Most people are if they have a go.

Turn off the valve at each end of the rad. Put down plenty of sheets/towels to soak up the inevitable spillages. Undo the backnut connecting the pipework to the rad at one end only at first. (Should be a big chrome nut with a rubber O-ring inside.) Catch the water in a tub or washing up bowl. Be prepared for a whole rad-ful of water!!

Undo the other end... one person at each end of the rad ... quickly lift it off the brackets and immediately turn it upside down. Take it outside and give it a good flush with a hose.

[dannyk13]

You could build a frame on the wall behind the radiator and fix some aluminum foil within the frame which serve two purposes ie stop plastercrumbling and radiate hest

[Old_Geezer]

Or just box it in. Out of sight is out of mind.

As for reflecting heat; personal choice. Probably more use on an external wall; internal walls probably have rooms either side that you wish to heat anyway.