FHW Problems that One Doesn't Think Of During Demolition

I have started getting some stuff done in the house that is way overdue. Seriously, this is something that has waited since fall of 2014 and I just got around to it. Well, truthfully, I just found a satisfying solution to the issue a couple of months ago.

See, when I deconstructed all the exterior walls, I had to remove all the hardware for the FHW fins (backplates, supports, front faces and dust covers. That was fine, they are made of a metal alloy and were all rusty so I sanded them down and painted them. Then stuck them in the basement until I finished mudding and painting the new sheet rock. When I went to install the backplates, an issue made itself apparent.

The sheet rock that I had removed was 1/4". I had 1/2" installed. That caused a problem with fitment - heck, just trying to get the backplates, uh, in back, was a major deal, but I finally got it done. However, the supports no longer had room to get hooked up to the backplates (I  had a heck of a time getting them out of the original configuration in the first place). So, I couldn't hang the front faces or install dust covers. For years I have ignored the fact that I just have copper pipes and fins running along the base of most of the exterior walls that look like cr*p.

Then, one day as I was wandering around a BBS, I saw the answer; plastic slip on covers with legs for the side covers!!!

I bought one 4' section, and the matching left/right side legs to try out in the bathroom and the assembly slipped over the backplate like a charm (picture from 3/2/19)

Now these are expensive so I decided to wait until I got a 10% off coupon before buying more (the BBS sends me coupons after I've used its card). Upon getting the coupon, I proceeded to buy enough to do the bedroom, craftroom and office. And that is where I ran into a snag, the backplates for those rooms were a full 2" taller than the bathroom backplate so the slip ons and legs were just hanging in midair.

Cutting the backplates was not an option as they are made from a thick metal that tin snips barely dent. Plus, trhying to cut 8' of backplate would be difficult at best, so I was stymied for a bit as I looked around for an answer. For the shorter rooms, the office and bedroom, I was able to come up with using corner brackets to hold the covers in place. This was not satisfying as there was no backplate at all. Plus, trying to align them so that the 4' & 6' sections matched height was difficult. But still, it works as long as they aren't bumped (pictures taken 3/31/19)

The longer bedroom heater had to wait until I found another answer. Cleaning out the garage yesterday helped. Actually, I was just moving the rest of the pellets into the basement and had to move a box I have moved many times when adding/subtracting pellets from the garage. The box is 10' long and contains a couple of pieces left over from when I had the roof done. This time, I figured I would just take the metal to the dump so I opened the box, took a look and said, "self, hmm, this looks like it could work." There were several short sections of drip edge sitting there, plus one that is about 6' long. I took a short section, fitted it up, and sure enough my hoarding had once again provided a solution :)

Although not quite tall enough, the drip edge still provides a nice backplate that can be screwed to the wall. It even has a little shelf that my level can just perch on, but it is still small enough to fit under the cover.  The back lip of the slip on cover slides just behind the top edge for a nice snug fit and there are no worries about bumping it. So, as of today the craft room is sporting its new heater cover.

I'm going to be watching CL for standing seam roof leftovers so I can do the living room too (which is still looking as the top pictures show). I may have to put an "in search of (ISO)" ad, but eventually I will find some more drip edge. Hopefully I can find enough to improve the office and bedroom installs too. Meantime, I just got another 10% off coupon from the BBS, so soon I will be buying the parts needed for the living room.

Comments

[Cop Car]

Well done, well done! Hoarding isn't all bad. Happy to see your progress.