Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Revital/Line be used on electric baseboard?
A: While it may fit electric baseboard, manufacturer insists that it is for hydronic (hot water) heating baseboard only.
Q: Revital/Line vs Baseboarders - which is better?
A:
Price - for covers only, standard Slant/Fin Revital/Line is priced at or below the most basic Baseboarders line, but with cost of accessories accounted for, Slant/Fin is a significantly lower-priced option and is a clear winner.
Quality - Baseboarders uses 24 gauge steel for its Basic series (and only offers a 2-year rust warranty), which is below the thickness of lowest-priced Slant/Fin option (2000 series). Revital/Line series uses heavy-duty extruded (not stamped) aluminum, which offers a significantly better heat transfer and, unlike steel, is 100% rust-proof (suitable for basements, bathrooms and humid climates). Slant/Fin also claims that their design outputs up to 40% more heat than the competition. We think that simply due to the choice of material, Slant/Fin is a better option.
Design - Baseboarders offers multiple design options, which is a clear advantage over Revital/Line, but these come at a much higher cost (~30% or more for Premium and ~60% or more for Elliptus - not including cost of accessories which are even more expensive).
Safety - Baseboarders makes the claim of being more child-safe due to using perforated steel with small holes (too small for little fingers), but omit the fact that the heating element can be reached just as easy from below. The air gap between the floor and bottom of the baseboard cover is necessary for proper baseboard functioning and cannot closed off without affecting its' operation. All baseboard covers, regardless of brand, will get hot to touch when operating and all baseboards, by design, have heating element with thin and sharp aluminum fins inside for proper heating of premises. For safety reasons, children should be kept away from baseboard.
Conclusion - for a lower-cost, quality build w/ superior heat output and classic baseboard looks, Revital/Line is a common-sense choice. If cost is not a concern and looks are important, Baseboarders might be an option.
Q: Which baseboard size would work with Revital/Line?
A: Revital/Line comes is two options - Standard and XL versions. Standard version is compatible with most residential (and some light commercial) baseboards. XL series is generally used for commercial/high output models (such as Slant/Fin Multi/Pak 80 with non-standard jumbo heating element).
Standard - fits existing baseboard which is less than 2-5/8" thick from wall (back of baseboard) to the front of the heating element (not to be confused with the front cover) AND has a maximum distance of 6-1/16" from top of baseboard to the bottom of the heating element (or base of the supporting bracket - which is the same).
XL - up to 3-3/4" thick and up to 7-3/8" in height - in the same manner described above.
Standard version is far more common and is the one most likely needed for a typical residential installation. To confirm the fit, see dimensional drawings file in the Revital/Line baseboard cover listing.
Q: Which baseboard brands are compatible with Revital/Line?
A: Revital/Line is a universal replacement for most brands on the market, including Slant/Fin, Argo, Embassy, Mestek, Sterling and many others. To ensure compatibility, use sizing guidelines above or see dimensional drawings file in the product listing.
Q: What is the purpose of the end plate (part# 061-007-000)?
A: It replaces end caps for a cleaner look. The plate has screw holes (and comes with screws), allowing to attach it directly to the Revital/Line baseboard cover. In our opinion, it offers a much better look than the end caps, but make sure that the baseboard cover length is sufficient to cover the wall with any old paint on it and confirm that the floor trim is of sufficient length.
Q: Do you need to remove any of the old baseboard parts, or do you just slide the Revital/Line over it?
A: Front panel, damper and (preferably) damper pivots need to be removed for proper fit and functioning. Front panel on all baseboards is snap-on style and is easy to remove. Damper pivots are most commonly also snap-in style and can be pulled out together with the damper with some force applied. If pivots are not removable - the damper can be slid to the side and the pivots can be cut using metal snips.
Q: Can Revital/Line be cut?
A: The general answer is yes - if using Revital/Line end caps, the cover can be cut using a chop saw, grinder, hacksaw, etc. However, the cover has screw holes on the sides for the optional end plate (part# 061-007-000), and if cut, the plate would have nothing to mount to.
Q: Are caps included with the baseboard cover?
A: No, the caps and all other accessories are sold separately. A typical installation would only require a cover and two end caps.
Q: How does it secure to the wall?
A: The cover has a 5/8" back "lip" which slides over the back cover of the existing baseboard heater. Metal support brackets (included) firmly secure the bottom of the cover to the wall and prevent any movement or unwanted removal. Plastic spacers are also included and prevent the heating element from touching the cover and making any noise.
Q: Is there a way to adjust heat with these?
A: No, there is no damper on these covers.
Q: Could these baseboard covers rust in a bathroom environment just like the older baseboards?
A: Revital/Line are made from aluminum and will not rust due to moisture or occasional water exposure.
Q: What is the base factory color? Can Revital/Line be painted?
A: The color is bright white, same as on most typical baseboards. An yes, it can be painted (preferably using a spray gun) with latex or enamel paint.
