Steps to Installing a Long Baseboard Radiator Cover

Not every home baseboard radiator has standard dimensions. Learn the steps to installing a long baseboard radiator cover and persist through the challenge.

Like our homes, our baseboard heater systems can come in various shapes and sizes. So, when you decide to replace your old and rusted baseboard radiator cover, it can be difficult to figure out where to begin. This can be the case for those tackling a project with a longer heater. These are the steps to installing a long baseboard radiator cover to get you the best possible results.

Determine the Size of the New Cover

To get the most accurate dimensions, you should measure for the covers with the ends on the heater. Once the old cover is removed, it’s important that you then calculate the size your new cover will need to be. Since a standard-length baseboard heater cover is seven and a half inches, you’ll most likely need multiple cover pieces to properly secure a longer model. In order to best fit the heater, make sure that you measure its entire length, subtract a half-inch to account for wiggle room during installation, and mark the new cover accordingly. You should measure the height from the floor to the top of the back plate, the depth from the wall to the outside of the fin tube, and the length between the outside of each end cap. If your covers are over seven feet, you’ll need joint couplers. Then, confirm your measurements and place your order.

Remove the Face Plate and Damper from the Old Cover

Depending on what type of baseboard heater you have, you may not even have to worry about removing the protective face plate and damper from your heater. This is because some heaters allow you to put the cover on with existing parts in place. However, if you discover that you do have to remove them, they’ll need to separated from the rest of the cover before the new cover can be attached. Once the parts are removed, you are now ready to install. Take this chance to also clean the inside of the heater and maintain any potential issues.

Cut to Size as Needed

After you have your measurements, remeasure to confirm all dimensions before cutting the new cover—then mark each piece. Remember that you might end up with two sections of different lengths, depending on your heater’s length, and you will need a coupler to couple them together.

Test Fit the Cover Plates and Install

Next, test fit the cover parts to the back plate of the heater. Swapping them on over the existing plates, they should snap cleanly into place. Once they’re in position, you should notice that you still have a half-inch of wiggle room between them. This is a good sign that your measurements were correct and that the cover will fit properly once the end caps are secured. After double-checking your work, complete the project by sliding the end caps onto each end of the heater cover and snapping the coupler over the joint between covers. The covers should butt together.

At EZ Snap™ Covers, we know that the process of installing a longer baseboard heater cover can have a higher degree of difficulty, but it will be awesome when done. This is why in addition to providing you with top-quality replacement baseboard radiator covers, we also offer you the knowledge to get the job done right.

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