I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to run.
The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to replace them
with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very dangerous!) The
only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum flashing. It's pretty
thin so likely I'll have to use several layers, thicker than I'd like. Is
there anything else I can use? I looked around Lowe's but nothing caught my
eye. I'm sure there are small flat pieces of sheet steel available that
will work but I can't think of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12:54:00 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to run.
The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to replace them
with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very dangerous!) The
only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum flashing. It's pretty
thin so likely I'll have to use several layers, thicker than I'd like. Is
there anything else I can use? I looked around Lowe's but nothing caught my
eye. I'm sure there are small flat pieces of sheet steel available that
will work but I can't think of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

I assume these are in the floor? If so, typical flashing, especially
aluminum, is too thin to walk on. HD and similar have sheet metal
in various sizes and thickness. You could see what they have and the
price. A sheet metal fabricator place would have it, could cut it to
size, etc, but I suspect most of them won't do a peanuts deal.
If there is a local welding shop, they might be a possibility.

To install them I'd probably use some construction adhesive and four
screws, weight it down till it cures so it's flat, in contact all around.

On 1/4/2020 12:53 PM, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to run.
The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to replace them
with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very dangerous!) The
only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum flashing. It's pretty
thin so likely I'll have to use several layers, thicker than I'd like. Is
there anything else I can use? I looked around Lowe's but nothing caught my
eye. I'm sure there are small flat pieces of sheet steel available that
will work but I can't think of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


Magnetic register covers adhere only to steel registers. Check your
existing register with a small (example: refrigerator) magnet. If the
magnet doesn't adhere, and you don't have too many registers to cover,
you may want to consider replacing your existing register with a metal
one and then using a magnetic cover.

In alt.home.repair, on 4 Jan 2020 17:53:54 GMT, KenK
wrote:

I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to run.
The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to replace them
with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very dangerous!) The
only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum flashing. It's pretty
thin so likely I'll have to use several layers, thicker than I'd like. Is
there anything else I can use? I looked around Lowe's but nothing caught my
eye. I'm sure there are small flat pieces of sheet steel available that
will work but I can't think of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA

I think I understand the situation.

I have a furnace vent in the kitchen just in front of a door and I
didnt' like either stepping on it or having to go around it, so I took
off the metal cover (with louvers and a lever to open and close, just to
describe it though it doesn't really matter) and replaced it with a
rectangular piece of wood, probably 3/16" thick, and under that I glued
another smaller piece of wood that just fit inside the duct. The second
piece kept the first piece from moving.

But you wouldn't have to use wood. A piece of metal 1/8" or even
probably less would be strong enough. Can be cut with a hacksaw, etc.
The smaller piece could still be wood. Are you likely to put your whole
weight where the duct is, so that it has to be strong enough to hold all
of you. Or will have of your foot be on the current floor even when you
walk by?

This was intended to be used only in the summer when the heat wasn't on,
and when I was likely to use that door, and it turned out I normally
didn't step on it at all, though I probably scuffed it.

Somewhere near the nuts and bolts at Home Depot t here is a small
section of rods and sheet metal. They are not big pieces.

(If anyone ever needs big pieces there is a very good mail order house,
www.onlinemetals.com And probably cheaper for small pieces to if you
need several. It says "Cut-To-Size Without the Wait" which I guess means
they will cut it and you don't have to go to a store and wait.)

On 1/4/2020 12:53 PM, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to run.
The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to replace them
with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very dangerous!) The
only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum flashing. It's pretty
thin so likely I'll have to use several layers, thicker than I'd like. Is
there anything else I can use? I looked around Lowe's but nothing caught my
eye. I'm sure there are small flat pieces of sheet steel available that
will work but I can't think of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA



Got a router?

https://www.prosourcecenter.com/prod...ss/?Item=12299

trader_4 wrote in
:

On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12:54:00 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to
run. The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to
replace them with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very
dangerous!) The only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum
flashing. It's pretty thin so likely I'll have to use several layers,
thicker than I'd like. Is there anything else I can use? I looked
around Lowe's but nothing caught my eye. I'm sure there are small
flat pieces of sheet steel available that will work but I can't think
of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

I assume these are in the floor? If so, typical flashing, especially
aluminum, is too thin to walk on. HD and similar have sheet metal
in various sizes and thickness. You could see what they have and the
price. A sheet metal fabricator place would have it, could cut it to
size, etc, but I suspect most of them won't do a peanuts deal.
If there is a local welding shop, they might be a possibility.

To install them I'd probably use some construction adhesive and four
screws, weight it down till it cures so it's flat, in contact all
around.

Thinking of putting some foam or other light foamy material into a
sturdy plastic bag and putting it under the flashing. Make it possible
to step on it without putting anything in the duct that can't easily be
removed.

--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 12:01:19 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
trader_4 wrote in
:

On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12:54:00 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to
run. The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to
replace them with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very
dangerous!) The only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum
flashing. It's pretty thin so likely I'll have to use several layers,
thicker than I'd like. Is there anything else I can use? I looked
around Lowe's but nothing caught my eye. I'm sure there are small
flat pieces of sheet steel available that will work but I can't think
of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

I assume these are in the floor? If so, typical flashing, especially
aluminum, is too thin to walk on. HD and similar have sheet metal
in various sizes and thickness. You could see what they have and the
price. A sheet metal fabricator place would have it, could cut it to
size, etc, but I suspect most of them won't do a peanuts deal.
If there is a local welding shop, they might be a possibility.

To install them I'd probably use some construction adhesive and four
screws, weight it down till it cures so it's flat, in contact all
around.

Thinking of putting some foam or other light foamy material into a
sturdy plastic bag and putting it under the flashing. Make it possible
to step on it without putting anything in the duct that can't easily be
removed.


Doesn't sound like a good idea to me. How much does it have to flex for
you to lose your balance and fall down? Also, what support does it have?
Typically there is little to no support for the duct work. The existing
covers rely on the floor to support them.

On 1/7/2020 11:01 AM, KenK wrote:
trader_4 wrote in
:

On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12:54:00 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to
run. The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to
replace them with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very
dangerous!) The only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum
flashing. It's pretty thin so likely I'll have to use several layers,
thicker than I'd like. Is there anything else I can use? I looked
around Lowe's but nothing caught my eye. I'm sure there are small
flat pieces of sheet steel available that will work but I can't think
of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.
I assume these are in the floor? If so, typical flashing, especially
aluminum, is too thin to walk on. HD and similar have sheet metal
in various sizes and thickness. You could see what they have and the
price. A sheet metal fabricator place would have it, could cut it to
size, etc, but I suspect most of them won't do a peanuts deal.
If there is a local welding shop, they might be a possibility.

To install them I'd probably use some construction adhesive and four
screws, weight it down till it cures so it's flat, in contact all
around.
Thinking of putting some foam or other light foamy material into a
sturdy plastic bag and putting it under the flashing. Make it possible
to step on it without putting anything in the duct that can't easily be
removed.


Â* Put a piece of cardboard in the duct boot then about 4" of that spray
foam and cover it with a piece of wax paper then that flashing . Foam
can be cut out if needed with a drywall saw .

--
Snag
Yes , I'm old
and crochety - and armed .
Get outta my woods !

I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much to
run. The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like to
replace them with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is very
dangerous!) The only thing I can come up with that I have is aluminum
flashing. It's pretty thin so likely I'll have to use several layers,
thicker than I'd like. Is there anything else I can use? I looked
around Lowe's but nothing caught my eye. I'm sure there are small
flat pieces of sheet steel available that will work but I can't think
of or find anything.
Suggestions? TIA


I assume these are in the floor? If so, typical flashing, especially
aluminum, is too thin to walk on. HD and similar have sheet metal
in various sizes and thickness. You could see what they have and the
price. A sheet metal fabricator place would have it, could cut it to
size, etc, but I suspect most of them won't do a peanuts deal.
If there is a local welding shop, they might be a possibility.
To install them I'd probably use some construction adhesive and four
screws, weight it down till it cures so it's flat, in contact all
around.

Thinking of putting some foam or other light foamy material into a
sturdy plastic bag and putting it under the flashing. Make it possible
to step on it without putting anything in the duct that can't easily be
removed.


Doesn't sound like a good idea to me. How much does it have to flex for
you to lose your balance and fall down? Also, what support does it have?
Typically there is little to no support for the duct work. The existing
covers rely on the floor to support them.


I agree - "foamy material" under thin tin is a terrible idea.
Depending on the condition of the sub-floor - I might try some
Z-brackets .. 4 - 6 per vent hole ?

https://www.amazon.com/United-Pacifi.../dp/B01HAFR5ZU

maybe modify the existing vent covers to fit into the cavity
for looks and rest snugly on the Z-bracket.
or some other piece to fit flush .. eg. 3/8 1/2 plywood ..
John T.

trader_4 wrote in
:

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 12:01:19 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
trader_4 wrote in
:

On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12:54:00 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much
to run. The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like
to replace them with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is
very dangerous!) The only thing I can come up with that I have is
aluminum flashing. It's pretty thin so likely I'll have to use
several layers, thicker than I'd like. Is there anything else I
can use? I looked around Lowe's but nothing caught my eye. I'm
sure there are small flat pieces of sheet steel available that
will work but I can't think of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

I assume these are in the floor? If so, typical flashing,
especially aluminum, is too thin to walk on. HD and similar have
sheet metal in various sizes and thickness. You could see what
they have and the price. A sheet metal fabricator place would have
it, could cut it to size, etc, but I suspect most of them won't do
a peanuts deal. If there is a local welding shop, they might be a
possibility.

To install them I'd probably use some construction adhesive and
four screws, weight it down till it cures so it's flat, in contact
all around.

Thinking of putting some foam or other light foamy material into a
sturdy plastic bag and putting it under the flashing. Make it
possible to step on it without putting anything in the duct that
can't easily be removed.


Doesn't sound like a good idea to me. How much does it have to flex
for you to lose your balance and fall down? Also, what support does
it have? Typically there is little to no support for the duct work.
The existing covers rely on the floor to support them.


Agreed. How about I use two or three layers of flashing with counter
sunk or flat head screws to fasten them down to minimize height above
floor level?



--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

On Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 9:11:46 AM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
trader_4 wrote in
:

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at 12:01:19 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
trader_4 wrote in
:

On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12:54:00 PM UTC-5, KenK wrote:
I have an old mobile home and the propane furnace costs too much
to run. The vent covers stick up a quarter inch or more. I'd like
to replace them with something I won't trip over. (At 85 a fall is
very dangerous!) The only thing I can come up with that I have is
aluminum flashing. It's pretty thin so likely I'll have to use
several layers, thicker than I'd like. Is there anything else I
can use? I looked around Lowe's but nothing caught my eye. I'm
sure there are small flat pieces of sheet steel available that
will work but I can't think of or find anything.

Suggestions?

TIA


--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

I assume these are in the floor? If so, typical flashing,
especially aluminum, is too thin to walk on. HD and similar have
sheet metal in various sizes and thickness. You could see what
they have and the price. A sheet metal fabricator place would have
it, could cut it to size, etc, but I suspect most of them won't do
a peanuts deal. If there is a local welding shop, they might be a
possibility.

To install them I'd probably use some construction adhesive and
four screws, weight it down till it cures so it's flat, in contact
all around.

Thinking of putting some foam or other light foamy material into a
sturdy plastic bag and putting it under the flashing. Make it
possible to step on it without putting anything in the duct that
can't easily be removed.


Doesn't sound like a good idea to me. How much does it have to flex
for you to lose your balance and fall down? Also, what support does
it have? Typically there is little to no support for the duct work.
The existing covers rely on the floor to support them.


Agreed. How about I use two or three layers of flashing with counter
sunk or flat head screws to fasten them down to minimize height above
floor level?



--
I love a good meal! That's why I don't cook.

If by flashing you mean the typical thin aluminum or similar, I say it
won't work. Try laying some across any span, put some weight on it
and see what happens. It will behave like individual, flimsy, thin
pieces. A thicker piece of sheet metal made of steel will work.

Flat head screws won't work though, unless the material is so thick
that it will accommodate them. To keep it flat, you could use construction
adhesive around the edges, use some short roofing nails at the corners.
That's assuming you don't intend to use it again and don't care about
the adhesive. If you do, then I would keep the glue close to the opening
and use silicone or contact cement, something easier to remove if needed.