Decorative grilles for heating radiators: dimensions, making your own - step-by-step instructions

Decorative grilles for heating radiators have become widespread. A wide range of models, differing in design, color, material of manufacture, method of fixation, fit harmoniously into any interior - from classic to modern. At the same time, the products perform the main function - they do not interfere with the effective heating of the living space.

Overlay facade on a heating radiator

Plastic

Polyvinyl chloride having suitable characteristics can be used to make protective screens.
Finished products can be either homogeneous or composite (in addition to PVC, the composition may include metal or rattan). The outer surfaces of plastic gratings can imitate several types of coatings - wood, stone or metallic. It’s worth noting right away that PVC has a low degree of thermal conductivity compared to wood and metal, so plastic grilles cannot provide full heat transfer from batteries. The conclusion is obvious - the use of such products cannot be called economically profitable, since reduced heat transfer always leads to increased heating costs.

However, low efficiency is the main drawback of plastic grilles, but in other respects they are quite good. Thus, PVC products can withstand high temperatures well, have a long service life and are completely safe. In addition, such grilles have very good decorative qualities and can be used to decorate any style. And lastly, the cost of plastic protective grilles and screens is much lower than all analogues.

Factory fixtures

Almost all modern cars have fairly large holes in the protective grilles installed between the headlights and in the bumper. This leads to both damage to the radiator and rapid clogging of the free space between the cooling plates.

Numerous manufacturers of car accessories have not ignored such a tuning element as the manufacture of a protective mesh for the radiator. Nowadays, finished products can be purchased (or pre-ordered) for almost any brand of car.

Advantages of a finished factory product:

Easy to install on a car, since the fasteners are designed for a specific model. Designers and manufacturers take into account all design features. As a rule, installing such products does not require dismantling the standard grille and bumper. These products are designed for do-it-yourself installation, so no special skills or special tools are required.

For anti-corrosion protection and, as a result, to increase durability, manufacturers apply a special polymer powder coating.

On a note! For some cars, additional nets are produced only for installation in the bumper. It is this part that is most vulnerable, since it is closest to the road surface.

An additional protective mesh for installation in the bumper from the outside for Renault Duster, Nissan Almera or Hyundai IX35 today costs 2200–2500 rubles. The cost of a set of two nets (the upper one for installation on the grille, the lower one for installation in the bumper) for Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander or Kia Ceed will be 4400÷4800 rubles.

How to reduce heat loss

When installing, you can apply some tips and reduce heat loss and save on heating and natural gas bills.

Attention! Context-type batteries must not be covered with grilles or other coverings. The equipment can cause airflow obstruction

The radiator may deteriorate.

The following simple tips will help increase heat transfer:

1. Before installing the radiator grille, thick foil must be glued to the window sill and the niche under it. It will help retain heat and enhance heat transfer.
2. Do not place furniture or other objects close to the grille.
3. The body of the decorative overlay must have perforations. If it is missing, heat exchange cannot be restored.

If the radiator is powered by an electrical network, it is prohibited to use it as a clothes dryer.

By choosing a decorative grille you can not only improve the interior, but also reduce heat loss. The main thing is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each material, and then make a choice. The item should fit the overall look of the room and not stand out in it.

Anti-mosquito nets

Another convenient device for protecting the radiator from small debris and insects is a mosquito net, which can be installed in two ways:

Mounted in front of the radiator (behind the inside of the standard protective grille). To install such a device, it is necessary to dismantle the standard protective grille.

They are fixed externally to the car radiator grill using special harnesses and hooks. This device is very convenient to use as temporary radiator protection during long trips on the highway or in forested areas. It can be quickly installed and removed.

Anti-mosquito devices are made from elastic mesh material with small cells. The main advantages of these products are:

• versatility (can be installed on almost all brands of cars);
• low cost;
• ease of installation/disassembly and subsequent cleaning/washing.

How to make it yourself

First of all, you should choose the design format itself. If the battery is located in a niche (alcove), a grid in the format of a flat screen would be appropriate to enclose and decorate it. Such a screen is always selected taking into account the actual dimensions of the niche, and the installation of this product is actually not too difficult.

But much more often the batteries are suspended and located under the window opening. In such situations, experts advise making a choice in favor of mounted radiator grilles.

Materials and tools used

Among the existing options for manufacturing a flat radiator grille, the lightest and fastest options are those made from MDF or chipboard. This design is quite simple to make. For this you may need:

• MDF or chipboard sheets, the colors of which will harmoniously fit into the existing interior;
• hacksaw;
• wood glue;
• sheet steel mesh, which will be used to install the front and two side panels;
• sheet of metal to create a reflector;
• nails;
• screws, staples and possibly other fasteners.

Of course, you can’t do without a tape measure and a pencil. If desired, you can use decorative perforated MDF for the grid.

Making the grating step by step

The manufacturing process of a radiator grille can be described as follows.

First, the height and width of the radiator are measured. Then you need to add 10 cm to the width and 5 cm to the height. It is on the basis of the results obtained in this way that the front panel will be manufactured.

The depth of the radiator is also measured. Add another 2.5 cm to the resulting value - this is exactly the width of the side panels of the future product.

The dimensions of the screen cover are measured in exactly the same way (and still, its dimensions should ultimately be a couple of centimeters larger than the dimensions of the sidewalls).

After completing the measurements, you can begin cutting parts. To create a front profile, take sheets of MDF or chipboard and cut out rectangular parts about 11 cm wide from them. And then, using a hacksaw, make angles equal to 45 degrees in the contact areas.

A metal reflector is installed at the rear wall; its dimensions should be approximately the same as the decorative grille itself. Thanks to this, heat loss is reduced, and the waves of infrared radiation from the battery will be redirected from the near wall to the middle of the room.

Then a steel mesh sheet is installed, which in this case plays the role of a frame, and the structure is assembled from the previously cut parts.

The flat grille can be attached not only to the frame, but also to anchor collets. However, due to the need to purchase expensive parts, this method is not very popular among those who want to make the screen themselves.

Installation of a metal box - step-by-step instructions

The method of fixation and design of the decorative screen should provide easy access to the battery for its maintenance and prompt resolution of emergency situations. An attached or hinged metal screen has similar qualities.

Lightweight mounted model

Table 2. Step-by-step instructions for installing a metal box.

Tasks and materials

Most often, grilles are installed on heating radiators for decoration - not all heating devices look attractive, but the grilles are sometimes made very beautiful. The second task that battery screens often perform is to cover sharp and hard edges. This is relevant in families with children, especially if old-style cast iron radiators, the “accordion” type, are installed. Their shape is dangerous, and their appearance is unattractive; they would only be suitable in loft-style rooms.

Grates for heating radiators are made from different materials:

• Metal screens for batteries are produced in large quantities. They are made from thin sheet steel, which is then coated with paint. For the most part, they don't cost much, but they also look average. The service life depends on the quality of the paint. Powder enamels are preferable. They last longer, maintaining their attractiveness for decades. From the point of view of the effect on heating, metal screens for radiators are the best choice. The metal heats up quickly, and then it begins to radiate heat. So the option is inexpensive (usually) and does not greatly affect the temperature in the room (if there is perforation).
• Forged grilles are very beautiful. But the forging is too delicate, so some kind of background is required, and it is often made contrasting in order to highlight the forged elements more clearly. To ensure normal air circulation, it makes sense to make the “background” from a perforated metal sheet.
• Wooden grilles and screens. Wood has always been and remains a premium material. The high plasticity of the material allows them to be made in different styles and shapes. And although there are inexpensive products made from wood, they look very good. But, as mentioned above, a radiator covered on all sides with wood transfers little heat to the room.
• MDF and HDF. For production, laminated sheet materials are used. Staz should say that no binders are used in the production of MDF and HDF. The softened wood fibers are pressed, releasing lignin, a natural binder found in wood. Lignin is what glues fibers together. So both of these materials are absolutely safe. While we know products made from MDF more or less well, HDF is an unfamiliar material for many. It differs from MDF only in the pressing conditions. It is molded under higher pressure, as a result it is very thin (3-4 mm), but more dense and uniform. HDF holds its shape well, which is why openwork grilles for heating radiators are often made from HDF. From the point of view of their effect on heating, they are slightly better than wood - the layer is thinner, and there are usually more perforations.
• Plastic. Plastic products are most often used in bathrooms and toilets. This material is the most hygienic; it can be washed an unlimited number of times. For production, heat-resistant plastic is used, which is not afraid of heating up to 60-80°C. If the grill slats are installed at an angle, as in the photo, the heating will work efficiently. Air flows through the cracks unhindered. It all depends on how the lid is made.
• Glass screens for radiators appeared several years ago. They are not ideal from a heating point of view, but they have an attractive appearance. They are made from special tempered glass, frosted or patterned.

Used in the manufacture of decorative grilles for radiators and more exotic materials. For example, bamboo and rattan. Such products are more demanding for interiors and are rare.

Rattan screen on wooden frame

There are also combined grilles. Most often there is a wooden frame on which some kind of decorative mesh is stretched. Bamboo and rattan wickers are most often attached to such a frame. MDF and HDF panels are usually mounted on a wooden frame.

Lincoln MKT

photo: en.wikipedia.org

Some American automakers, apparently, got too carried away with style, and the result was bad taste! Lincoln was a stylish manufacturer only until the end of the 90s, then it slipped into the design hole. And having tried to play at being a stylish guy, I completely missed the mark.

Fixation Features

Attaching a screen box for a heating radiator to the wall
The main requirement for radiator grilles is the ability to quickly access heating appliances and pipes. This is due to the need to periodically clean the heating elements from dust and dirt. It is recommended to clean twice a year. There are also emergency situations in which the technician must have easy access to the failed area

It is important to think through such a fixation system in advance so that you can easily remove the screen if necessary.

Mounted and attached screens meet this requirement. They can be removed in a few seconds and installed just as quickly. Problems arise with flat and closing radiators, as well as boxes. It is recommended to attach such models to the wall using two slats - one on the box, and the second on the wall. The top edge should be beveled towards the grille. When installing the grille, this part acts as a lock, which can be easily removed if necessary.

There is another installation option. You can put metal elements (for example, plates) on one bar, and magnets on the other. Then there will be no problems with removing and installing the grilles.

Flat screens can also be attached with hooks or loops. They are easy to make, but they can be difficult to install and fit into the loop. Sometimes they also install a decorative version of grilles with sliding doors.

Recommendations from experts

For ease of use, manufacturers make several types of heads with the following features:

• Manual or factory, but pre-adjusted using a special plumbing wrench.
• Installation: on the left or right side of the battery, axial, angular, straight, three-way heads are mounted in the bypass.
• The thermoelement is a sensor on the wall, a remote controller or an internal bellows.
• The substances in the bellows are cheap paraffin heads, devices with liquid, and gas-based thermocouples.
• The heating system has a high capacity of heads in terms of passage, manufactured for single-pipe systems.

The thermal head in 90 percent of the options is used to reduce the air temperature. But in a country house, by installing thermal heads with valves on all registers, it is easy to increase the temperature. Varieties of thermostats allow you to choose a convenient sensor option to solve this problem.

The maximum heat loss in the heating system circuit will be in the rooms farthest from the boiler. Because of this, blocking the supply in the nearest registers, hot water will heat up more in rooms far from the boiler.

Decorative screens made of wood

Made of wood

Wooden ones that fit over radiators are made from solid wood and are made exclusively to order.

They go well with a wide variety of, even exclusive, decorative elements made in the same style.

The main disadvantage of wooden decorative fences for batteries is the ability to deform and dry out under severe temperature changes and even slight fluctuations in humidity levels.

To minimize this disadvantage as much as possible, manufacturers use only high-quality wood to make such screens, which, it is worth noting, ultimately determines the price of the product, which is quite impressive.

Handmade work is also highly valued today. Wooden decorative screens for batteries will be happy to be made to order by cabinetmakers, but this pleasure, for obvious reasons, will not be cheap.

But do not forget that only such designs will help to withstand all the rigor of the classical style or the elegance of the country style.

Decorative grilles made by weaving also look great on batteries. They bend well, and therefore, if desired, you can give them a beautiful curved shape.

Metal

Metal has increased thermal conductivity, but you need to know how to work with it. This is an excellent material for homemade construction. Two types of products can be made from it: stamped and welded.

Stainless steel dampers look more elegant and beautiful. They can cover either part of the battery or the entire radiator. They are divided into 3 types: with two sidewalls, with one and without sidewalls. The choice of option depends on the method of connecting the heating device.

The metal element does not interfere with high-quality heat transfer. The box, made of aluminum or steel mesh, perfectly transmits heat. Such products are very easy to install. They are decorated with various designs. For example, an openwork lattice or a solid canvas with open space.

Screen manufacturing materials

When selecting grids for batteries, the type of material is taken into account. Not all types of such structures effectively absorb heat

You should pay attention to such a parameter as thermal conductivity. In addition, other properties are studied: radiator heating temperature; exposure to temperature changes

Considering that this design is regularly exposed to heat, it is recommended to purchase environmentally friendly products. This is due to the ability of some materials to release harmful compounds into the environment.

Metal gratings

Products in this group are presented in different types: simpler, classic, carved. Metal grilles are installed on heating radiators quite often due to the good heat transfer of the material. This allows them to conduct heat without affecting the efficiency of the battery and the entire system.

Metal structures are easy to clean. It is permissible to paint them repeatedly, changing the shade. The front panel can be mesh or perforated. Moreover, the shape of the holes changes depending on the wishes of the customer. The advantage of such products is long service life and durability. To prevent the structure from injuring residents, it is attached to the wall.

The metal is heat resistant. It is resistant to temperature changes and can heat up and cool down repeatedly. Products made from such material are classified as mid-price products. It is recommended to use structures with a metal thickness of 1 mm. This is enough to ensure good thermal conductivity of the screen. Moreover, in terms of strength, such products are not inferior to analogues made from other materials. The disadvantage is the difficulty of self-installation, since it uses a welding method.

Wooden gratings

This is an environmentally friendly material. When heated, it does not emit harmful substances. Wooden grilles for heating radiators will fit well into any interior. They are represented by a wide range of models. More often, lattice screens that are simple in design are used. Wooden products are not strong enough, so it is recommended to use the option with shelves, which in this case will serve as stiffeners.

Plastic covers for radiators

PVC gratings are made from polymer material in whole or in part. In the second case, plastic can be successfully combined with metal and rattan. The advantage is the ability to decorate with any texture: wood, natural stone. Plastic grilles are cheaper than their metal and wooden counterparts.

Such designs are lightweight and easy to maintain. They do not absorb moisture, do not deform when exposed to moderate temperatures, and do not emit toxic substances. However, all these properties of the material are preserved provided there is no direct contact of the plastic with the heat source.

The main disadvantage of PVC products is low thermal conductivity. Under other conditions, this property could be an advantage, however, if there is no goal to reduce heat loss, then low thermal conductivity causes delay in warm air flows. This reduces the efficiency of batteries and leads to excessive fuel consumption.

Glass screens

They are durable because they are made of tempered glass up to 8 mm thick. This prevents damage due to mechanical stress. Such screens are attractive and fit well into interiors of various styles thanks to their minimalist design.

Glass grilles for heating radiators differ in size, color and material thickness. The fasteners are installed on the corner areas of the screen. The disadvantage of such products is the lack of holes. Heat is dissipated from 3 sides: from the battery up and to the sides. This contributes to a decrease in the efficiency of the heating system.

Box made of HDF and MDF

Particle boards have an affordable price. They provide the ability to imitate wood, so products made from this material look attractive and fit well into any interior. The advantage is the small thickness of the sheet. In addition, decorative MDF grilles are available in a wide range of models with different patterns.

Stages of work

• Cut the workpieces to size. When measuring the dimensions of the battery, you need to add at least 3-8 cm on each side for air exchange.
• The joints of the parts must be processed at an angle of 45 degrees for a tight fit.
• Cut the sheet mesh according to the specified parameters.
• Connect the facade and sides with a metal mesh. You can attach it using a construction stapler from the wrong side of the frame. Small nails are also suitable for joining.
• Assemble the box using corners and screws.
• Install a metal sheet at the back of the radiator to increase heat transfer. Instead of a sheet, cardboard covered with foil can be used.
• Attach the legs to the bottom of the box. Adjustable models allow for more precise installation.
• Place the box to the battery. Attach the sides to the wall using metal corners and screws. Fasteners should be hidden, like hanging shelves. You don’t have to fasten the structure, as the legs provide sufficient stability.
• Fiberboard parts are painted, covered with wallpaper to match the walls or using self-adhesive.

The metal mesh can be replaced with a perforated MDF panel, plywood with a pattern cut out, or wicker rattan.

Humidifiers for cast iron batteries

Creating a comfortable microclimate is not only about warmth and comfort. If the air in the room is dry, it is unlikely to be beneficial for health. The simplest and most homemade way to improve the situation is to install humidifiers for cast iron batteries.

Their design is simple - they are small containers with a volume of up to 0.5 liters, having special holders by which they are suspended from the radiator. As a rule, the best material for humidifiers is ceramic, and this is due to its ability to warm up quickly.

For intense humidification, you can buy a container in which the inside is divided into small sections. Water in small quantities warms up and begins to evaporate faster. Stores sell both individual ceramic, plastic or metal humidifiers for batteries, as well as entire compositions that give the design an elegant and stylish look.

Cast iron batteries can be made beautiful, powerful, and a useful piece of furniture. If you had the desire and time or money, even old Soviet radiators can make efficient and stylish heat sources.

Toyota Avalon

photo: autoguide.com

The Avalon is an extremely popular car in the United States, proving that big grilles are in demand today. Some may think the grille is ugly, but the US sales numbers speak for themselves. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive sedan offered by Japanese automakers, and it costs more than many of its competitors. In Russia it is generally not available for purchase, but is occasionally found, although not in a new body.

Why are there grilles on radiators?

The grates prevent human contact with too hot radiators (primarily this applies to old cast iron modifications), protect against possible bruises from sectional ribs or protruding metal plates of convectors

It is also important that the grilles, in principle, make it difficult to access the radiators, and this reduces the risk of careless and careless handling of them

The radiator grille also resists dust from the batteries. Dust particles settling on a hot battery and gradually decomposing under the influence of significant temperatures fill the atmosphere of the room with decomposition products. This is harmful to the health of people living indoors (especially harmful for allergy sufferers and those who suffer from asthma). But if there is a grille, it is she who takes over everything - as a result, the dust is decomposed to a much lesser extent. And in order to prevent an increase in dust concentration, the grille should be periodically washed or cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

Another possible purpose of the grilles is to increase heat transfer. There are schemes for installing lattice screens with different thermal efficiencies. A well-designed and placed enclosure can significantly increase the heat transfer of the battery.

Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato

photo: motoringresearch.com

Another cool looking new car, the Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato is sure to leave a lasting impression wherever you see it. The design pays homage to the iconic Aston Martin DB4, but with a huge grille. This monster is also equipped with a twin-turbocharged engine capable of producing a majestic 760 horsepower. What a car!

Dimensions

The dimensions of the finished gratings are calculated based on the dimensions of a standard central heating battery, namely:

• 30*60 mm;
• 60*60 mm;
• 90*60 mm;
• 120*60 mm.

Products in these sizes can be purchased ready-made. If the radiator parameters do not correspond to them, the decorative grille will have to be made to order; to do this, you need to take the dimensions of the radiator and determine the required color in advance.

The price depends not only on its size and materials. A custom-made product costs more than the classic version. It is interesting to note that wooden overlays are rarely seen ready-made in stores. Manufacturers claim that the demand for them is small and the price is high, so they are rarely ordered as samples.

Kinds

So, let's tune our car? Then you need to choose a suitable new grille for yourself. The easiest way is to buy it specifically for your car. It is enough to know the article number and choose the color that matches your car.

Moreover, the finished grille may already have an emblem or badge that you like. That is, it is not necessary to save the badge of your car. You can literally stick anything on there.

The most important point is the material from which the upper and lower grilles are made. It could be:

• aluminum;
• plastic;
• stainless steel;
• carbon

Aluminum parts are the most expensive, while plastic is considered a budget option. Stainless steel can be called something in between.

Many people choose carbon. You will have to spend more money on it, but even in the photo the car with a carbon grille looks great. In fact, it's even better.

Existing structures

Decorative grilles for radiators vary in size, shape, design, material and other indicators. Before choosing, you need to determine the purpose of the item. Designers recommend not making it noticeable. It cannot be a key element in the interior; it must be used to support the style.

In stores you can find three types of designs:

1. Flat or facade overlays. It is advisable to use them if the radiator is embedded in a niche. The product is in the form of a flat frame with a lathing. The shape of the overlays is square and rectangular. A significant drawback of the design is the difficulty of installation. The facade screen is installed overlapping the wall, trying to ensure that the battery does not protrude beyond its boundaries.
2. I often use mounted ones to hide old cast iron batteries, in the form of an accordion. It is difficult to attach them to ordinary bimetallic radiators. The hanging pad is attached to hooks or placed on the outer ribs of the battery.
3. Protective box This option is the most difficult to install and manufacture, but buyers often choose it because of practicality.

A video review will help you understand the types of design solutions.

Design

Screen design is an important factor. But in order for the chosen option not to reduce the functions of the radiator battery, it is necessary to take into account some conditions:

• the base at the front should conduct heat well;
• infrared rays should not remain in a confined space, but should effectively penetrate the room;
• the internal surface of the structure should be dark, since heat absorption and heat removal will be better in this case;
• the color of the outside does not affect the quality of heat transfer - you can choose the most suitable shade in the interior of the room;
• A special screen with film will facilitate the high-quality redirection of heat inside.

This accessory has foam insulation. This element eliminates heating of the external wall at the radiator mounting points. Without heat redirection, heat transfer is significantly reduced in some designs. It is recommended to place heat-reflective pads on the wall itself behind the battery. Decorative grilles are installed in front of the battery.

From an efficiency and design standpoint, a solid panel with small vents at the bottom and top is a bad option.

The small openings of such a hinged lid will restrict the flow of convection currents. If this protection option is installed, heat losses will increase, which means the cost of heating the medium for heating the room will increase.

An accordion-type protective frame would be acceptable, but also not a very effective option. Despite the fact that it is made with wide slats, it is closed at the top and sides with large shelves. There will be good heat dissipation only on one side - direct infrared rays will not help block the cold coming from the window.

From a design point of view, the model looks aesthetically pleasing if it is made of wood. The top of the shelf is convenient for placing indoor flowers. But the option with a grill is no better due to the poorly organized flow of hot air.

The optimal radiator is one that simultaneously directs heat upward and dissipates it into holes around the edges. As a result, the cold from the window will be blocked, and the flows passing through straight slits will heat the room.

Sometimes radiator grille options are complemented by a visor. It is convenient when the radiator is located under the window sill. A thin strip of steel or MDF option will prevent heat buildup and redirect it inside.

Another impressive improvement is the thermal injection device. This helps redirect the heat accumulated between the installed furniture and the appliance. The effect of the device is especially noticeable when the devices are operating in winter mode.

The ideal element grid includes the following improvements:

• foil thermal insulation fixed from the inside;
• special visor on top;
• special devices are installed on the sides;
• carved grilles with large perforations in the form of a front panel.

The structural properties of screens and grilles are related to their design characteristics.

There are several types:

• Box. Used when it is necessary to close pipes as well as the radiator.
• Hinged screen with top visor. Perfectly camouflages a battery that does not have a window sill, if the radiators are not recessed in a niche.
• a folding open screen is required for radiators installed in a wall or placed under a window.
• Flat grilles are needed for radiators that are located inside niches or simply mounted on the wall.

Features of use and impact on heat transfer of batteries

When radiator heating of rooms, the air moves in a circular motion around the room - cold air masses come into contact with the heat exchanger below and, after heating, rise upward along its plane. Moreover, the larger the contact area of ​​the air masses with the radiator surface, the faster and more efficient the heat exchange and, accordingly, heating of the air in the room occurs.

Based on the direction of circulation of air masses, the correct design of the radiator screen becomes clear - it must provide air access to the lower part of the heat exchanger and have an opening at the top for unhindered flow out.

Since any protective or decorative screen on a radiator, due to its design, to one degree or another interferes with heat exchange, cutting off air masses in the room from contact with the surface of the heat exchanger, certain factors must be taken into account to increase heating efficiency.

Options for placing radiators in the room

If we consider the materials for making screens, they can be divided into varieties with high thermal conductivity (aluminum, steel, glass) and low (wood, polymers, synthetic fabric materials). The air masses located behind the screen in the radiator area have a significantly higher temperature than the general temperature in the room due to the fact that they are cut off from contact with air by the radiator grille panel.

If the screen is made of materials with low thermal conductivity, then heat exchange between the air in the space around the radiator and the room will not occur and the heating efficiency will decrease. When using materials with high thermal conductivity as a radiator grille, the screen will be heated by the air behind the radiator and transfer its heat into the room - as a result, the heating efficiency will be significantly higher

Therefore, in order to avoid unnecessary heat losses, which is especially important in private houses with autonomous heating, it is more rational to use metal screens on the heating radiator with high thermal conductivity

Metal screens

Plastic

This is an inexpensive material with low thermal conductivity. It heats up unevenly and has little strength. Working with plastic is quite difficult. The plastic should be thick, since thin material has low strength.

May release toxic substances when heated. Products made from such raw materials are light in weight, resistant to moisture, not susceptible to corrosion and do not heat up very much.

When choosing a material for a decorative product, you should remember not only the attractive appearance, but also the microclimate in the room. Therefore, it is necessary to select a damper with a minimum surface area and leave a small space from the floor for air movement.

The principle of operation of the radiator and the requirements for the screen and grille

When you plan to install linings on heating devices, you need to provide 2 options:

• free passage of heated air in the direction from the radiator into the room; for this, the grilles for the heating radiator should not have an upper shelf, due to which the heat will first pass upward and then be distributed throughout the room;
• ensuring the possibility of transmitting infrared radiation from the battery to the air space of the room, this is realized through the use of hanging decorative grilles on the heating radiator.

The described processes occur when the battery heats up. Heating appliances most often operate on the principle of convection, but they can emit infrared rays. Changing the method of heating the air occurs without human intervention. This process depends on operating conditions: room temperature, design of the heating device, and also on the presence of interference. For example, if access to the battery is blocked (by furniture, curtains), the radiator switches to emitting infrared rays.

Screen requirements:

high strength: such structures are often installed on heating devices in order to prevent injuries when falling and hitting a metal radiator, so it is important that the canopy is reliable, but at the same time safe; decorative grilles installed on the radiator should be easy to maintain, this need is due to the principle of heating the room: cold air flows rise from below, while they pick up small dirt and lift them, as a result, dust particles settle on the screen elements, which means it is important to choose designs that can be washed.

A combination of physics and design. A little about heat engineering and radiator grilles

When considering radiator grilles, it is necessary to take into account their properties, design details and even color

First of all, pay attention to the type of material and its ability to conduct heat. When heating a room using infrared radiation, surrounding objects are first heated, and only then they give off heat to the air

This means that the screen installed on a cast iron battery or an analogue made of another material must be characterized by sufficient thermal conductivity.

If the radiator screen does not have a coating inside, it is recommended to cover the surfaces on this side with dark-colored paint yourself. Moreover, it is necessary to select a heat-resistant composition. This is due to the fact that the panel is regularly exposed to heat. The coating on the inside will peel off if the material does not have suitable properties for the operating conditions.

Heat Reflective Wall Screening

When the battery heats up, heat spreads in different directions. This helps reduce the efficiency of heating devices. If a grille is installed on the radiator side of the room, due to the dark-colored coating it partially reduces heat loss. However, the heat will warm up other surfaces: the wall, fastening elements used to fix the radiator, etc.

You can prevent a decrease in heat loss by installing a protective panel or screen. It should be located on the side of the load-bearing wall under the window sill

Moreover, it is important that the coating of this panel is heat-reflecting (foil). The most suitable option is foam insulation

This will greatly increase the efficiency of heating devices.

The insulation is installed with a heat-reflecting surface on the side of the room. Thermal energy will be reflected from the foil material. In this case, it is redirected towards the room, which speeds up its heating.

Main function: improve the heating system

When choosing a panel for a radiator, you should take into account not only its decorative qualities. The fundamental criterion here is the ability to maintain a comfortable microclimate in the room

In addition, to avoid force majeure situations, it is necessary to provide the ability to quickly dismantle the screen.

A metal hanging screen fully meets these requirements, and it is very important that its lower edge does not reach the floor slightly. This feature will improve heat transfer and activate air flow circulation

Installing the most suitable metal protective panel will help avoid radiator replacement and cosmetic repairs. It will extend the life of the entire heating system and ultimately help save significant money.