Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - HELP...The wall in my apartment is HOT!!!!

I live in an old (1833) apartment in New York City. One of the walls, which abuts the next building, is always HOT. The building has 12 foot ceilings and there is a 2 foot wide band of heat that goes all the way up to the top. It is so hot, that my apartment in unbearably hot all year long. (I turn off the heater in the winter, but still need to turn on the A/C sometimes). My landlord, who is very cheap, says there are probably hot water pipes in the wall. He also will not open up the wall to insulate them because he says he doesn't know what is on the other side. I can't stand this oppressive radiant heat much longer!! Does anyone have any ideas what can be done short of breaking down the wall and insulating the pipes? I thought of having my landlord put up foam board on the side of the wall facing the room and then paint it with water based paint. Any ideas??

Thanks,

Mister Hot (but not in the good sense:( )

Hi Mr Hot, Your idea of adding some rigid foam board on the room side of that wall is workable. The only techincal issue would be covering it with a fire protective barrier, ie 1/2" sheetrock, or using a product that does not require one. 2" plus would be best, but even one inch would make a difference. They make a commercial grade foil faced polyisocyanurate that is fire rated, although NYC may say otherwise, so check. I have also looked into "Duct Board" for similar applications. DB is a rigid fiberglass board used to build HVAC ducts. It is fire rated and can be applied directly over the walls. I have priced it in 4'x10' by 1" ($40) but I believe it is available in greater thicknesses. NYC again so check for approval.

The only other caution I can think of would be water pipes in that wall that could freeze in winter if you isolate your heat from them.

GL
Bud

As Bud said about freezing. Maybe this: Reflectix at Lowe's: 2' x 25' R-8.3 Double Reflective Foil Insulation (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=13357-56291-BP24025&lpage=none)

Or a wider one: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&N=4294961544&Ne=4294967294&Ntk=i_products&Ntt=foil+insulation

Maybe tape it up? Be safe, G