We hide the battery behind a decorative lattice made of wood and MDF. Heating radiator grate: a few tips on how to choose the right protective screen Decorative heating grate dimensions
The design of some heating radiators, especially in older houses, serves dust collector.
Also, some radiators may be cause of injury.
To hide harmonica batteries, secure space and give the interior a more aesthetic appearance, it is worth using decorative grilles.
Purpose of gratings
Protective screens for heating batteries have a number of functions:
- protect inhabitants of the house from accidental injury - a child can hit the protruding corners of the register, and in winter at the temperature of the coolant at 70 °C and above you can get burned;
- prevent the accumulation of dust and debris in the registers- the flow of cold air towards the battery carries all the small debris and dust that accumulate in the folds of the registers, the protective screen prevents the movement of dust.
Attention! The grid must provide free air circulation: inlet in the lower part, outlet at the window sill for heating the window glass and the room.
Types and sizes of screens for radiators: photo
Main condition hanging panels of any design - it should not prevent free circulation of air. In order for the radiator to give off more heat, it is recommended to do a large number of holes in the top cover, or remove the top panel.
To service the battery, shut-off valves or thermostat design it is preferable to choose a removable. pay attention to no sharp corners- the grate itself should not cause injury. Not all designs meet these requirements.
Hinged without side panels
This type of grid is screen, which is suspended on brackets to Wall, fixed to the windowsill or installed on the floor. The latter design meets the requirements of convection and provides access for repairing the heating system, as it provides an influx of cold air from below, an exit of heated air at the top, and it is easy to remove it for repairs.
Photo 1. An example of a hinged screen without side panels, attached to the wall with brackets.
If the battery is not installed in a window sill, but a window sill of small width, then 2/3 batteries left open as required by building regulations.
Important! Design flaw - visible not closed side surfaces.
Mounted with top cover
The grid is made from metal sheet. The advantage is high heat transfer. Screens are hung with hooks on the battery, their easy to remove and clean, but due to the top cover, such gratings prevent air exchange.
Photo 2. It looks like a protective grill for a radiator with a cover, made on the basis of a metal sheet.
Box with ventilation holes
Box screens give free access to cold air from below and from the side, and the top panel with a sufficient number of holes freely releases heated air into the room. box - the most correct from the point of view of thermodynamics design.
Such a screen has excellent opportunities for decoration - front panel can be decorated a decorative pattern using laser cutting, or a wicker rattan insert, a fabric that repeats the pattern of the wallpaper.
Photo 3. Battery screen in the form of a box with ventilation holes.
The three structures described are more common, but do not exhaust all design possibilities: for individual orders some firms make furniture with built-in or sliding bars, which saves space.
Protective grilles for radiators made of various materials
For the manufacture of radiator screens, a variety of materials are used: perforated steel sheets, wooden beams of various sections, MDF, NDF boards, plastic, glass, rattan and many others. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
You will also be interested in:
Steel
Steel gratings are made from perforated sheets 0.8-1 mm thick with various shapes and sizes of holes, in a frame made of a special profile or bent sheet without a frame. Color can be selected according to RAL catalog. Enamel, pural, galvanized or powder cladding can be used as a coating.
The most expensive screens are manufactured industrially from stainless steel.
And to make a lattice with your own hands, you will need a special welding machine for thin-walled metal.
Steel panels are durable, do not require special care, and fit perfectly into current interior styles. loft, hi-tech, techno.
Wooden
Do-it-yourself grating from a wooden beam available to a master who has the skills to work with a drill and a jigsaw.
Reference! Better to use hardwoods, as they emit less resin.
The wood must first be well dried to avoid warping later, impregnated with flame retardant for fire protection and antiseptic- from rot and mold. With the help of stain or glazing compositions of different colors, you can give an ordinary birch a look of valuable wood. Terminates a process heat resistant varnish, compositions for a sauna are suitable.
Lattices made of wood Easily fit into most interior styles, the main thing is to choose the right shade of coating.
MDF
Plate MDF or NDF also suitable for the manufacture of a protective screen thanks to great heat dissipation.
Laser cutting allows you to make any drawing you like on the panel - an ornament, a landscape or another image.
Plates it is better to choose laminated, they are easier to care for and more durable in high temperature conditions.
The frame for the screen is made of wood or plastic profiles, the surface of the plate can imitate precious wood, mosaic, natural stone. From the variety of options, you can always choose the appropriate style and color scheme for the interior.
Plastic PVC
Heat resistant plastic PVC is often used to make grilles for radiators due to its simple processing, low weight design, easy cleaning from dust and dirt, budget cost. The heat transfer resistance of PVC is greater than that of metal, so such a grid will retain some of the heat.
Surface of PVC screens decorate under valuable breeds of a tree or a stone, they can be applied film coating with any pattern. The main requirement for the material is safety: all structural components must be heat-resistant and not emit harmful substances when heated.
Are unattractive heating systems installed in your house, which by their appearance bring disharmony to the overall interior? This is not a reason to despair because of the prospect of forever watching unsightly radiators in front of you. And even more so, this is not a reason to spend money on new devices. The problem can be solved much easier and cheaper - to disguise the batteries with decorative grilles. It is not necessary to buy them in a store or order them individually from a master, because it is quite possible to make screens of the required sizes with your own hands - then we will tell you how to realize such an idea using various materials: PVC, drywall and wood.
The benefits of decorative grilles
Before starting to consider the features of making battery screens, let's outline the advantages of these decorative elements in order to understand what their benefits are. So, grilles for radiators make it possible:
- Effectively hide batteries. Do you want to transform your home and understand that the existing radiators, albeit quite neat, will not fit into the new environment? Or are the heating devices already so old that they spoil the interior with their very appearance? In both cases, decorative screens will come in handy - they will not only disguise the batteries, but also act as a full-fledged decoration of the room.
- Protect radiators from dirt and dust, thereby facilitating their maintenance.
- Ensure uniform distribution of warm air masses throughout the room.
- Protect household members, in particular young children, from burns and bruises from contact with heating appliances.
Decorative screens hide unsightly radiators
An absolute plus of decorative screens is that their appearance can be completely different. Colors, texture, shape, material, dimensions - everything here depends only on your wishes. But note that there is also a standard line of screen sizes:
- 60 x 30 cm;
- 60 x 60 cm;
- 60 x 90 cm;
- 60 x 120 cm;
- 60 x 150 cm;
- 60 x 180 cm.
Now we will directly consider how to make decorative gratings from PVC, drywall and wood.
PVC screens
PVC is a heat-resistant and durable material, characterized by a low price and a wide range of colors. Almost the only drawback of plastic is its low resistance to mechanical shocks. The screen can be made entirely of PVC, or with wooden or metal supports to increase the overall strength of the structure.
The first stage in the manufacture of PVC grating is the creation of a drawing. Measure the height, depth and width of the radiator. Add 4 cm to the width on each side to ensure free air circulation, and 3-5 cm to the depth. Using the data obtained, draw a diagram of the future screen.
The second stage is the construction of the box. Using a hacksaw or electric jigsaw, cut out the side, front and top parts of the screen from PVC. Drill shaped air holes in the top and front sections. Connect the elements of the box together with carnations and metal corners.
Important! The fewer holes in the screen, the worse the heated air spreads around the perimeter of the room, which is fraught with a low level of room heating.
The third stage is the installation of the screen: attach the box to the battery and fix it with self-tapping screws either on the wall or on special wall canopies.
Plasterboard gratings
Drywall is another affordable, heat-resistant, and easy-to-work material that is great for grating.
Drywall
Screen manufacturing sequence:
- Mark up: at the top, bottom and on both sides of the battery, draw, respectively, vertical and horizontal lines with an indent of 5-7 cm - a profile frame will be attached to them.
- From a metal profile 6 cm wide, cut the strips for the frame: side, bottom and top, as well as two protruding ones - to ensure the depth of the screen. The latter should be the longest, as they will need to be bent in two places.
- Fasten the top, bottom and side rails of the profile to the wall with screws. Bend the long strips for the protruding part of the box at a right angle in the right places so that you get oblong U-shaped elements, and then connect their edges with screws to the side rails on the wall.
- Cut drywall elements for sheathing the box. Make air holes in the top and front panels. Then fix all panels to the frame with screws. The finished box can be painted, wallpapered, painted, etc.
Wooden screens
Wooden screens are a classic decor that will fit perfectly into literally any interior. Despite the fact that this option cannot be called the cheapest, it is wooden gratings that are one of the most popular in their category. The reasons for the demand for wooden screens are naturalness, elegant appearance and, of course, ease of construction:
wooden screen
- Take measurements for the future box. Measure the width, height and depth of the battery and add 8-10 cm to each indicator.
- Build a screen frame from thin bars. First, cut out the top and two side strips and connect them together with metal corners. Then hang the resulting product on the radiator and fix it with self-tapping screws either directly on the wall or on pre-installed canopies.
- Cut out the front panel of the screen from the MDF sheet, make the necessary holes in it and fasten it to the frame with self-tapping screws.
Advice. Be sure to varnish the surface of the finished screen to protect the wood from temperature extremes.
Now you know what the use of decorative screens is and how you can make them yourself using available tools. It remains to stock up on the necessary materials and you can get to work - following simple instructions and showing imagination, you can get lattices no worse than store-bought ones, but much cheaper.
DIY wooden battery screen: video
Screen on a heating radiator: photo
Heating radiators do not always harmoniously fit into the interior of the room, especially for old cast-iron batteries. Even modern heating appliances that have an aesthetic appearance look apart in a room stylized as a classic or country style. To hide a radiator that violates the design of the room, decorative grilles or screens are used.
When purchasing such a design, do not forget that the main function of the batteries is to heat the room and the grilles on the radiators should not be an obstacle to normal heat transfer. A wide selection of similar products is on sale, in order to choose the right grate, you need to understand the principle of operation of heating radiators.
Requirements for gratings and screens
The principle of operation of radiators is based on the convection movement of air flows and infrared thermal radiation. Convection flows are formed when air comes into contact with the radiator and are directed upwards, while thermal radiation proceeds perpendicularly from the heated surface of the battery and heats the space in front of it. At the same time, 60% of thermal energy comes from radiation, and 40% from the natural movement of convection currents.
When choosing grilles for radiators, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- The decorative design must ensure the free circulation of warm air and the passage of direct thermal radiation from the radiator. To do this, the product must have a front panel with openings of at least 50% of the total area, and an open upper horizontal surface.
- The dark inner surface of the grille on the radiator ensures better heat absorption and transmission. The color of the outer surface does not affect the heating efficiency, it is selected depending on the design of the room.
- The convection currents of warm air created by the radiator drag dust particles along with them, which will inevitably lead to the accumulation of dirt on the surface of the grille. The decor material should be easy to clean, including with the use of detergents.
- In addition to a decorative purpose, the grille also performs a protective function, covering the corners and ribs of radiators. This is especially true if there are small children in the house. The product must not have sharp protruding parts that could be a source of danger.
Many buyers make typical mistakes, paying attention first of all to the appearance of the grille for the radiator. For example, a solid panel with small holes at the bottom and top will not be able to provide free circulation of warm air, despite the fact that it will be tinted dark from the inside. A large amount of heat is required to heat the premises, which will result in an increase in energy costs.
Not the best option would be a wooden heating radiator grill in the form of a box with openings made of planks on the front panel, but covering the device from all sides. It will only allow thermal radiation to pass through and prevent convection currents blocking cold air from the window. In the interior, the wooden structure looks good, besides, flowers can be placed on the top surface, but, in terms of efficiency, it leaves much to be desired.
The best option for a grill on a heating radiator would be a design with holes or slots located in the upper part of a sufficient area to direct heated air upwards, which will ensure that cold streams are cut off from the window opening.
The heating efficiency will help to increase the aerodynamic visor installed under the windowsill. It is a narrow metal or cardboard strip that prevents warm air from accumulating on top of the battery. Another good addition is a heat injector in the form of two directional blades on top of the grate. The fact is that part of the heated air accumulates in the gap between the screen and the radiator. The heat injector collects the accumulated air and directs it in a powerful stream towards the room.
Design features of gratings
The determining parameters when choosing a grill design are the dimensions of the radiator and its position in the wall opening. Basically, the batteries are located in a niche under the window, the upper part of which is the window sill.
There are several basic designs for decorating radiators:
- The radiator grill in the form of a box completely covers not only the battery, but also the heating pipes connected to it.
- Hinged grilles with a lid are used to decorate radiators protruding from under the windowsill or located on a flat wall.
- Hinged grids without a cover are designed for batteries, the top of which is completely hidden by a window sill.
- Flat screens are used to cover heaters recessed in a niche.
When choosing grilles for radiators with a lid, it should be borne in mind that for normal convection, their upper part should protrude from under the window sill by 2/3 of its depth.
Metal gratings
Such gratings are a perforated metal sheet with holes in the form of a pattern. The metal has excellent heat dissipation, and looks elegant in any interior. There are varieties with a metal frame, inside of which a mesh with cells of various shapes and sizes is stretched. In addition to outwardly simple models, gratings are made with a coating that imitates various textures of wood and combined panels, in which, in addition to metal, other materials are used.
The paint and varnish coating on metal grilles is applied by powder spraying, which does not fade and reliably protects the metal from corrosion and minor mechanical damage in the form of scratches. In the event of a change in the design of the room, the grille can be repainted.
Metal products are easy to install, have an affordable price and a wide range of models. They are deservedly popular with both owners of country houses and apartments. It will be problematic to make a metal grill for a radiator on your own - it is better to purchase a finished product. It is possible to order a custom-made panel if standard products do not fit due to the exclusive shape of the radiator or its unusual installation location.
PVC gratings
Grilles for PVC radiators can be made entirely of PVC or have a steel frame. In terms of thermal conductivity, this material is much inferior to metal, so most of the thermal radiation will be blocked, which will accordingly lead to an increase in the cost of heating.
PVC withstands high temperatures well and does not emit toxic substances at the same time, the only exception is cheap types of plastic. Lattices retain an aesthetic appearance for a long time and can have a variety of shapes and colors that imitate natural materials. Polyvinyl chloride screens belong to the budget category - compared to products made from other materials, the cost is the lowest. The disadvantage of plastic panels is their low strength, which must be taken into account when installing in a children's room.
wooden lattice
Wood is a natural material that creates a special comfort in the room. That is why wooden grilles on radiators are very popular. In addition, wood is an environmentally friendly material and will never harm the residents of the house. Well-crafted and toned wood blends harmoniously into any room design, as grilles can be made in a variety of architectural styles. The cost of such products is quite high, especially if they are made to order, taking into account the individual wishes of the customer.
Various types of wood are used as a material, which is the determining factor in the cost of gratings. To reduce the susceptibility of wood to temperature changes, finished products are varnished in several layers.
A cheaper alternative to gratings made entirely of wood are screens with a wooden frame and an MDF insert. Fibreboards have good thermal conductivity and can easily withstand temperature fluctuations. A wide range of colors and cut patterns allows you to choose MDF gratings for any interior space.
Glass screens
Glass is considered a fragile material, but in this case it is not at all the case. For the manufacture of screens, tempered high-strength glass 6-8 mm thick is used, which is even specially problematic to damage.
Usually the glass screen looks like a solid panel mounted on the wall. It completely covers the radiator from the front, preventing heat radiation. Above and below there is space for the free movement of convection currents.
Glass can be transparent, translucent or frosted in various shades. It is also possible to apply drawings and photographs on order by thermal printing, which allows you to fit the glass screen on the radiator into any interior of the house.
Grilles for heating radiators
Although heating radiators do an excellent job with their immediate functions of heating rooms in the cold season, they will not always look aesthetically pleasing, fitting into a sophisticated interior. That is why the owners of houses and apartments often resort to the use of elements such as grilles for heating radiators. Such gratings can not only update your interior, giving it new exquisite features, but also protect against hot metal, make it easier to care for heat sources in your home.
Currently, the market is simply filled with an incredible number of variations of grilles for heating radiators, so choosing the right one for yourself is not difficult. Let's figure out what grilles for radiators can be and how they differ from each other.
Variety of grilles for radiators
It should be noted right away that grilles for heating radiators should be not only attractive, but also resistant to prolonged exposure to high temperature conditions. After all, the heating season passes for quite a long time, all this time the gratings will come into contact with the heated metal of the batteries.
If we evaluate the heat resistance, then the materials will be as follows:
- MDF. This is an imitation of wood, but the cost of such gratings is less. Decorative grilles for heating radiators made of MDF can be of various shapes, they look great, and different images can be applied to their plane.
- Wood. Wooden gratings for heating radiators are usually made of precious woods, so such gratings are expensive. They go well with other interior items of the premises, suitable for almost any style. But under the influence of high temperatures from heating radiators, the tree can become deformed and dry out. Wood is an indicator of sophistication in the interior, in addition, such lattices will add comfort to your home.
Wooden grilles for heating radiators
- Glass. Glass grids for radiators are included in the category of expensive ones. They are made of frosted or colored glass. You can also find gratings with a printed pattern. It is worth noting that the material is not very practical - after all, the glass may not withstand an accidental mechanical shock or prolonged pressure. It should be handled carefully and carefully so as not to break inadvertently.
- Metal. Metal grilles for heating radiators are the most common, they are often used in domestic conditions. This is a practical and convenient option to hide batteries from prying eyes and decorate your interior with a stylish element.
- certain types of plastic. Plastic grills for heating radiators are included in the category of budget products. Very often, such gratings are used in public spaces, in office buildings. And if the material is not of high quality, then when heated, such gratings can be dangerous to human health.
Flat grilles are usually placed on such radiators that are mounted in niches. Mounted - made with or without a lid. There are also pvc grilles for heating radiators in the form of a box - they are used if you want to completely close the heating elements and communications.
Why metal?
Metal grilles for heating radiators do not have any special design - however, they are very practical in all their variations. As a rule, such gratings are made of thin sheets of steel. They are powder coated for longer life.
Decorative grilles for stainless steel radiators do not require painting, as the material itself has good aesthetic characteristics.
Sometimes such material is perforated, resulting in a complex pattern. But such models will fit perfectly only into the interior, created in the style of hi-tech.
Metal grilles for heating radiators in high-tech style
So, metal grills for radiators have many advantages, which led to their wide distribution:
- They do not need to be repaired or painted.
- They will not interfere with heat transfer.
- Made from materials that are safe for human health.
- They are easy to put on.
- From heating are not deformed.
- If there is contamination, it is very easy to remove.
What affects the cost of battery grids?
Radiator grilles can help you save money. And if you have normal cast-iron batteries that give excellent heat dissipation, but have an unsightly appearance, then it is not necessary to remove them. It is enough just to purchase lattices for them - and they will be hidden under stylish interior elements that successfully complement it.
So, the cost of the lattice will be influenced by several factors:
- Manufacturing material. Of course, a wooden product made from expensive fine wood will cost more than a plastic product.
- Brand and trade mark. It is not worth arguing that if you have in front of you identical products of German and Chinese production, then their cost will be completely different.
- Dimensions of grilles for heating radiators. If you order a non-standard design, then the cost of such a product may be higher - even by 50%.
- Decoration. If you order a product with figured legs, complex weaves, beautiful edging, then it will cost more than standard lattices.
- Structural features. Flat gratings will be cheaper than closed boxes.
- Color and staining method. When ordering expensive exclusive variations such as "under the tree", "under the gold", etc. the cost of such products will be slightly higher than just white powder coating.
Decorative grilles, as seen in the photo, in any design can complete your interior. The design of the room will no longer be spoiled by sometimes completely unsightly cast-iron heating radiators. In addition, the owners of the premises will like not only the design task of the batteries, but also the ease of care for them - after all, you will no longer have to paint the batteries, and sometimes this is difficult to do because of the design of heating radiators.
As you know, not every house or apartment has an elegant look installed. Unfortunately, some old-style heating radiators can significantly complicate the efforts of the owners to keep the room in a certain style. Decorative grilles or screens can come to the rescue.
Such decorative grilles for heating radiators, if they are wisely chosen, should not disturb the harmony of the updated design of the room. On the contrary, they can be a great addition to the overall design and an effective camouflage tool for unsightly looking old batteries.
Decorative grilles or screens can be made independently by choosing the material and the color that matches the curtains and wallpaper. It is possible to order an exclusive sample in the workshop, and as the easiest option, purchase ready-made screens in a household or furniture showroom (shop).
In order to choose the right or make your own grilles, one must not forget about the main thing - the functional purpose of the radiator itself. installed for space heating, and the grate should not interfere with effective heat transfer in the room. Many homeowners refuse to install these decorative elements for fear that they will retain heat, and heating will cost a pretty penny.
There is, of course, common sense in such reasoning. However, it must be said that it is quite possible to choose or make such a grill that will perfectly mask the battery, and at the same time not something what will not close, but on the contrary, with its configuration and layout of parts, it will even increase the flow of heat into the room.
To get the right grate, you need to understand the principle of operation of a heating radiator and some laws of thermal physics.
The principle of operation of the radiator and the requirements for the screen ( lattice)
How does a standard heating radiator work?
When heated, the battery transfers heat into the room in two ways: with the help of heated air flows - this is called the convention process, and also through direct thermal radiation in the infrared range.
These two ways of transferring thermal energy can change in priority and efficiency depending on the ratio of the temperature of the coolant and the room in the room, on the specific design and on external factors - the presence of interference, etc.
For example, cast-iron batteries in not very strong colds heat the room for the most part with the help of a convention. But with the output of the heating system to the maximum, when the coolant heats up to 70 degrees or more, then heat enters the room mainly due to infrared radiation.
Modern ones work on the same principle, but they have the ability to adapt more flexibly to the influence of external factors. For example, if heat enters the room with difficulty (this can happen if the batteries are closed with thick curtains), then the heat flows in the battery move closer to the outer front planes of the sections. In this case, the radiator switches to work in heat-radiating mode.
In any case, for the operation of the radiator to be as efficient as possible, it is necessary to provide both possibilities for heat exchange. For example, it is necessary to install grilles on converter radiators that do not have an upper horizontal panel. This is necessary for the free circulation of heated air.
If a screen is installed, then one must be selected that will ensure the free circulation of heated air currents and the passage of direct infrared radiation. These conditions can only be met if case if there are sufficiently large holes on the front panel of the screen (at least 50% of the total area) and free space above the radiator - for convection currents.
In addition, there are other conditions that must be met in order to achieve the most efficient heat transfer.
Combination of physics and design
In order for the selected grille or screen not to interfere with the radiator to function properly, a couple more points must be foreseen.
The outer cladding material must have good thermal conductivity so that infrared radiation does not remain in a confined space, but is effectively transmitted into the room.
The interior of the grille or screen must be painted dark. This ensures good heat absorption and further transmission. The outer side can have any shade, the one that best suits the interior design - this does not affect the heating efficiency in any way, but it is recommended to cover the inside dark brown or black paint.
Video: decorative screens for radiators
Prices for popular models of heating radiators
Heating radiators
Heat reflective wall shielding
Heat transfer can be significantly reduced from the fact that a lot of heat energy is spent on absolutely unnecessary heating in the outer walls in the places where radiators are attached to them. In order to direct heat towards the room, a reflective screen is attached to the wall behind the radiator. This auxiliary element is usually made of rolled foam insulation with a mandatory foil surface. The shiny side of the screen is attached to the side of the room - this "mirror" will effectively redirect the heat coming from the battery towards the room.
Sometimes, before installation, a foam plastic is fixed to the wall, which also has a reflective layer, and only after that the battery is mounted. This option will help to keep warm and save a lot of money on energy consumption.
Efficient grid
In order not to make a mistake when choosing or in the manufacture of a grating or screen, you need to take into account some points.
- A very unfortunate version of the screen is a solid panel, which has very small holes at the top and bottom or over the entire surface.
Unsuccessful option - small holes will limit the convection flow They will not be able to provide the necessary circulation of heated air masses, even if the inner surface of the grille is covered with black paint. In this case, you will have to spend a large amount of fuel to heat the rooms, which means that high costs will follow.
- Another, more acceptable, but still not very effective version of the grid is a wide frame made of wood, which closes the battery around and has a grid of slats located far from each other on the front side.
A wooden grate is a good thing if it is not covered with a solid shelf from above. This option gives good heat dissipation only one side- direct infrared radiation, but does not create a thermal curtain and does not block the flow of cold air coming from the window.
In terms of design, this model looks good, as the tree is suitable for any interior. In addition, the top of the frame can be adapted to accommodate indoor plants. However, given the insufficient circulation of warm air, this is not the best grill option.
- The best option for a screen in all respects would be a grate, which will simultaneously direct warm air upwards, thereby blocking the path of cold streams from the window, which means that there should be either holes or directed slots on top of the grate.
In addition, the design in which the aerodynamic visor is provided will be very successful. It is especially convenient if the radiator is hidden under the window window. Made from a narrow strip of metal or even thick cardboard, it will not allow heated air to accumulate on top of the radiator, it will redirect it towards the room.
Another very effective design addition is the so-called thermal injector. A lot of warm air is collected in the space between the front wall of the screen and the radiator itself. If you install two directional blades, they will collect these accumulated warm masses and direct them towards the room with a powerful stream. This is completely unnoticeable when the radiator barely works at low temperatures. But as soon as the coolant begins to heat up strongly, to the full “winter” mode, the effect of such an injector is impressive - the flow of hot air becomes very noticeable.
The figure shows a grating-screen, which almost completely satisfies all of the listed requirements:
Scheme of the "ideal" lattice with additional improvements - From the outer wall, the heating radiator is fenced with a heat-insulating layer with a foil coating (A).
- An aerodynamic visor (B) is installed on top of the wall and up to the edge of the window sill.
- The two vanes on the top front form the heat injector (B).
- The front panel of the screen is a lattice structure (G) with large cells.
Cold air (blue arrows, pos. 1), penetrates from below, heats up, rises up, without stagnation under the window window due to the installed visor, it goes into the room (brown arrows, pos. 2).
At high heating temperatures, the injector comes into play, bringing its significant contribution to the process of creating a directed hot convection flow.
Direct thermal radiation is shown by dotted red arrows. Its rays, directed backwards, are reflected from the "mirror" of the foil insulation and redirected to the front part.
Here, the rays of thermal energy either freely pass through the holes of the lattice into the rooms, or are absorbed by the material of the lattice (as we remember, it must be painted black from the inside). If the material has good heat capacity and heat dissipation (for example, metal), then the grid itself becomes a source of thermal radiation, not only not reducing the effect of heating the room, but even exaggerating it.
Types of lattices
Decorative grilles for radiators are divided into several groups, based on the types of design and on the materials of manufacture.
By the way, there are two more important requirements for gratings and screens that should not be overlooked:
- Any always create powerful convection air currents. This means that on the way to the battery, cold air, moving along the floor surface, carries dust and dirt particles with it (no matter how clean the house is, this cannot be avoided early). This means that dirt will definitely accumulate on the edges of the grille or on the surface of the screen over time. Conclusion - the surface must be hygienic, easy to clean, including, if necessary, using detergents.
- In addition to the decorative function, the grille or screen also performs a protective mission - they cover the sharp corners and fins of radiators, reducing the likelihood of accidental injuries (especially if there are children in the house or apartment). This means that the material must be strong enough so that the grating itself does not become a source of danger, and the design is desirable without sharp corners and protruding parts.
Basic structures of gratings
Dividing screens and gratings according to design features, the following main varieties can be distinguished:
- The lattice-box is used in cases where it is necessary to close not only the ugly appearance of the radiator, but also the pipes connected to it.
- Hinged grilles having a top cover. They are used to mask batteries that are not covered by a window sill and are not recessed into a wall niche.
Hanging grilles - very easy to install - Hinged grilles without a cover are installed on batteries that are installed in a wall niche or under a window.
- Flat screens or grilles are intended for radiators fixed in a wall niche or even just on the wall surface.
Varieties according to the material of manufacture
Grilles and screens are made from a variety of materials, and in order to choose the one that suits the design and characteristics of a particular room, you need to consider each of them. It is very important to take into account the heating temperature of the batteries in the winter, the resistance of the material to thermal shocks and its environmental friendliness.
- metal gratings
The metal grille is often a panel made from perforated metal sheet with various mosaic patterns of holes. Such a screen has good heat dissipation, it is neat and elegant in design.
Also to this type of decorative lattices can be attributed a screen in the form of a grid with cells of various shapes and sizes.
In addition to simple modest options for gratings, metal panels are made, which are covered with a thermogram that imitates the texture of various types of wood. It is also impossible not to say about combined screens, in which other materials are used along with metal.
Painting on metal panels is often applied using a powder spray method, which keeps the metal from rusting and from minor “injuries” in the form of accidental scratches, and the coating from fading.
Metal decorative elements are easy to assemble and dismantle. Due to the variety, they can be chosen for almost any interior. They have fairly affordable prices, and therefore such grilles are very popular among owners of both their own houses and city apartments. It must be said that the metal version of the grille can be completely repainted if the need arises, for example, if there are any design changes in the interior.
It will be quite difficult to make such a lattice on your own, and it is unlikely that it will turn out neat. Therefore, if it is decided to use metal interior elements that mask batteries, then it is better to purchase them in a ready-made form. For example, the table shows averages for metal gratings made from a 1 mm thick sheet (for better heat transfer):
| 400×600 | 800 |
| 400×900 | 1000 |
| 400×1200 | 1200 |
| 400×1400 | 1400 |
| 400×2000 | 1900 |
| 600×600 | 960 |
| 600×900 | 1200 |
| 600×1200 | 1400 |
| 600×1400 | 1500 |
| 600×2000 | 2000 |
| 750×600 | 1000 |
| 750×900 | 1300 |
| 750×1200 | 1500 |
| 750×1400 | 1600 |
| 750×2000 | 2000 |
| 900×900 | 1800 |
| 900×1200 | 1950 |
| 900×1350 | 2000 |
| 900×2000 | 2300 |
Grilles are also made according to individual orders, since in some cases these dimensions are not suitable for radiators of exclusive shapes, configurations or locations.
- PVC gratings
PVC gratings and screens are made either entirely from this material, or on a metal base, or using natural or artificial rattan for insertion into the frame. Screens are decorated for different materials - it can be wood of different species, a cut of stone or metallic. The thermal conductivity of these panels is much lower than that of metal or wooden gratings, so they will cover most of the heat transmitted by infrared radiation, which means that more fuel will be required to heat the house, which will lead to unnecessary costs.
From the category of the most affordable - PVC gratings PVC is a fairly heat-resistant material and will last a long time. It does not emit substances toxic to humans when heated. Screens and grilles are always aesthetically pleasing when new and can be made in different shapes and colors.
Grilles and screens made of PVC are more affordable than products made from other materials. The picture of approximate prices for these products is as follows:
- Wood gratings
Wooden gratings will bring an atmosphere of special comfort to the house, so many people prefer this natural material. Well-finished and toned wood fits perfectly into any interior, as gratings can be made in any architectural style.
Wooden lattices - usually strict and monumental, fit well into any interior It should be noted that screens and gratings made of wood have a rather high price, especially if they are exclusive - made to order, like an author's work.
Lattices are made from various woods, and this largely determines the price for them. For example and comparison - a review of average prices for wooden lattice screens.
| Estimated price per m²: ash - 1050 rubles, beech - 1200 rubles, oak - 1350 rubles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Length | ||||||||
| 1300 mm | 1600 mm | 2000 mm | 2500 mm | ||||||
| Oak | Beech | Oak | Beech | Oak | Beech | Oak | Beech | Ash | |
| 600 mm | 1053 | 936 | 1296 | 1152 | 1620 | 1440 | 2025 | 1800 | 1575 |
| 700 mm | 1229 | 1092 | 1512 | 1344 | 1890 | 1680 | 2363 | 2100 | 1838 |
| 750 mm | 1317 | 1170 | 1620 | 1440 | 2025 | 1800 | 2532 | 2250 | - |
| 800 mm | 1404 | 1248 | 1728 | 1536 | 2160 | 1920 | 2700 | 2400 | - |
| 900 mm | 1580 | 1404 | 1944 | 1728 | 2430 | 2160 | 3038 | 2700 | - |
| 950 mm | 1668 | 1482 | 2052 | 1824 | 2565 | 2280 | 3207 | 2850 | - |
Finished parts for gratings must be covered with several layers of water-based varnish. This coating will reduce the effect of temperature changes on the wood.
It is impossible to install wooden grids on batteries that work according to the converter principle, since the design of screens made of this material assumes that the top panel will almost completely close, with the exception of small holes, which will not be enough for all the heat given off by the radiator to enter the room.
Many prefer rattan gratings stretched on a frame made from wood. They have a fairly aesthetic appearance and good thermal conductivity, and these materials are environmentally friendly and will never harm the residents of the house in any way.
Instead of rattan, MDF panels are also installed in the frames. In this wood fiber a plate that has a small thickness, it is quite possible to cut out patterns that will give the gratings a peculiar attractive look and allow heat to flow freely into the room.
A more affordable option - curly MDF lattices There are a lot of drawings cut out on MDF boards, and all of them on-his attractive. But, despite this, it is still worth choosing panels that have a grate with large holes.
There are a lot of options for MDF lattice patterns An MDF grate installed in a wooden frame can perfectly replace a wooden grate, but such a screen will cost much less. A decorative screen made of MDF is able to withstand more significant mechanical loads compared to natural wood. The material has good thermal conductivity and withstands temperature extremes very well. These grids are easy to mount and remove, if necessary.
The colors that screens made of MDF can have are quite diverse. This table shows only some of them.
The approximate price level for MDF gratings is as follows:
| Grid size in mm (height × width) | Estimated price in rubles per unit |
|---|---|
| 400×600 | 1020 |
| 400×900 | 1220 |
| 400×1200 | 1420 |
| 400×1500 | 1620 |
| 600×600 | 1015 |
| 600×900 | 1270 |
| 600×1200 | 1565 |
| 600×1500 | 1900 |
| Grids made to order and with non-standard dimensions (price per m²) | 2755 |
- Glass screens for heating radiators
Perhaps some people are afraid of such screens, but they are completely groundless. Used for manufacturing super hardened high-strength glass with a thickness of 6 to 8 mm, which, even if desired, will be very difficult to break.
Typically, such screens are a flat panel, reinforced on the wall with racks and completely covering heating radiators. Above and below there is necessarily space for free convection flow. Transmission by thermal directional radiation in this case is significantly limited.
Advantages of such glass screens:
- Relatively low, compared, for example, with a tree, the price.
- Easy to install - anyone can do it on their own.
- High decorative qualities - in addition to transparent, translucent or frosted glass of various shades, you can purchase or order screens with thermally printed drawings or photographs - for any chosen interior style.
- Such screens, we repeat, are safe, easy to maintain, and have good heat resistance.
Now that the reader has received the necessary information, he can more judiciously approach the choice of protective decorative screens or grilles necessary for the interior. They will help hide unaesthetic radiators, protect against various contaminants, and save parents to some extent from constant worry about babies who can be injured or burned if the heating devices are open. There is no doubt - grids or screens for batteries, especially old structures made of cast iron, are simply necessary. Moreover, in modern stores, a fairly wide range of these products is on sale, which means that it is possible to choose those that are optimally suited in all respects.
Prices for screens for radiators
Screens for radiators
Video: a variety of screens and grilles for heating radiators