Complete information on screens for radiators

Types of grilles for radiators

Lattices can be made of various materials:

• sheet metal,
• sheet aluminum,
• stainless thin steel,
• thin plastic,
• wood,
• MDF.

metal grills for radiators

The most economical solution can be sheet metal, it can be applied with a decorative coating, enamel or powder paint. This option is interesting in the presence of a wide choice of colors. You can also choose a different design, that is, the holes can be made in different shapes. They are unpretentious in care and are suitable for any room.

Sheet aluminum products can be made in the form of polished metal, or they can be painted. Grilles made of stainless sheet steel are not coated with paint, so they are suitable only for certain rooms where the interior is designed in a special style.

Metal is interesting in that it retains heat well, even if the heating radiators themselves do not work very well. It does not interfere with the transfer of warm air, heat loss will be minimal.

In addition, the metal is a completely ecological metal, it is suitable for any room. It is also possible to order any pattern of perforation on such gratings, usually a standard selection of patterns is offered, but it is possible to order a special pattern on an individual basis.

Grille for underfloor heating radiator

Practical decorative plastic grilles

Plastic is a cheap option for decorating radiators, but it is worth remembering that plastic will inhibit the flow of warm air. Plastic perfectly tolerates the heating effect, but the heat loss will be significant.

Plastic is interesting in that here you can choose any perforation options during the manufacturing process. They also attract many with their affordable price. Such screen options are great for a bath, as moisture does not affect plastic.

Plastic products do not require special coloring, they are available in various colors. All you need to do is choose the right color for your space.

It is better not to use plastic fences in residential premises and children's institutions; they are usually used in offices and restaurants.Most often, plastic products fit perfectly into office premises, where this particular material prevails in furniture and design. They also include decorative screens.

Unique decorative wooden grilles

Wood grates are expensive because they are made from woods such as beech and oak. In addition to the fact that such grilles are quite expensive. They tend to absorb moisture over time, and therefore lose their shape.

However, such options go well with the interior, which has a lot of wood elements. For the manufacture of gratings, only high-quality wood is selected, which is subjected to special processing. All this significantly affects the cost of gratings as a whole.

Often these gratings are handcrafted to create unique, beautiful carvings. Without such gratings, it is not possible to completely recreate the country style, so these options are often chosen for country cottages.

Decorative grilles made of MDF - a replacement for natural wood

Often, MDF material is used as a replacement for natural wood. MDF gratings will also fit perfectly into the classic style, into the country style, while they will cost much less and will last a long time thanks to a special manufacturing technology, they are able to withstand moisture longer.

MDF material also allows you to choose any beautiful pattern, and it can both fit perfectly into the interior and be a good contrast.

Most often, a pattern for MDF models is developed using computer programs. Therefore, any pattern can be recreated, even a client's own sketch.

Grilles mounted on radiators allow you to add beauty and comfort to any interior.They also allow you to protect your children from burns to protect radiators from contamination. This facilitates the maintenance of the radiator, besides, the grille can be replaced with another at any time, in case of a change in the overall style of the interior.

Thermal power of 1 section

As a rule, manufacturers indicate average heat transfer rates in the technical characteristics of heaters. So for heaters made of aluminum, it is 1.9-2.0 m2. To calculate how many sections you need, you need to divide the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room by this coefficient.

For example, for the same room of 16 m2, 8 sections will be required, since 16 / 2 = 8.

These calculations are approximate and it is impossible to use them without taking into account heat losses and real conditions for placing the battery, since you can get a cold room after installing the structure.

To get the most accurate figures, you will have to calculate the amount of heat that is needed to heat a particular living area. To do this, many correction factors will have to be taken into account. This approach is especially important when calculation of aluminum radiators heating for a private house.

The formula needed for this is as follows:

KT = 100W/m2 x S x K1 x K2 x K3 x K4 x K5 x K6 x K7

1. CT is the amount of heat that a given room requires.
2. S is the area.
3. K1 - coefficient designation for a glazed window. For standard double glazing it is 1.27, for double glazing it is 1.0, and for triple glazing it is 0.85.
4. K2 is the coefficient of the level of wall insulation. For an uninsulated panel, it = 1.27, for a brick wall with one layer of masonry = 1.0, and for two bricks = 0.85.
5. K3 is the ratio of the area occupied by the window and the floor. When between them:
   • 50% - the coefficient is 1.2;
   • 40% — 1.1;
   • 30% — 1.0;
   • 20% — 0.9;
   • 10% — 0.8.
6. K4 is a coefficient that takes into account the air temperature according to SNiP on the coldest days of the year:
   • +35 = 1.5;
   • +25 = 1.2;
   • +20 = 1.1;
   • +15 = 0.9;
   • +10 = 0.7.
7. K5 indicates an adjustment in the presence of external walls. For example:
   • when it is alone, the indicator is 1.1;
   • two outer walls - 1.2;
   • 3 walls - 1.3;
   • all four walls - 1.4.
8. K6 takes into account the presence of a room above the room for which calculations are made. If available:
   • unheated attic - coefficient 1.0;
   • heated attic - 0.9;
   • living room - 0.8.
9. K7 is a coefficient that indicates the height of the ceiling in the room:
   • 2.5 m = 1.0;
   • 3.0 m = 1.05;
   • 3.5 m = 1.1;
   • 4.0 m = 1.15;
   • 4.5 m = 1.2.

If you apply this formula, then you can foresee and take into account almost all the nuances that can affect the heating of living space. Having made a calculation on it, you can be sure that the result obtained indicates for the optimal number of sections of aluminum radiator for a particular room.

If you decide to install aluminum heating radiators, it is important to know the following:

Whatever principle of calculation is undertaken, it is important to do it as a whole, since properly selected batteries allow not only to enjoy the heat, but also significantly save on energy costs. The latter is especially important in the face of ever-increasing tariffs.

Why do I need a screen for a heating battery

Radiators are an integral part of the heating system. The principle of their operation is based on the radiation of thermal energy, which is transmitted to the room in two ways:

through convection, which involves the air exchange of a cold flow coming from below and a hot flow going up;

Screens are designed to protect against mechanical damage, this is especially important for fragile cast iron radiators.

using electromagnetic radiation of the infrared spectrum, the power of which increases with increasing temperature of the radiator.

Air from cast iron radiators is heated by convection processes. With an increase in the intensity of heating, the ratio of radiant and convection energy changes, and a significant heat transfer begins to be carried out through infrared radiation.

When choosing decorative screens for radiators, it is important to build on two components: aesthetics and thermal conductivity

Despite the fact that radiators are an integral attribute of the room, very often they have an unattractive appearance and a design that is traumatic for others. You can solve these problems with a battery overlay.

The radiator grill performs several functions:

• protective;
• decorative;

The screen protects the coolant and closes access to it for small children or pets

• hygienic;
• reflective.

Often the design of heating radiators is represented by protruding parts, sharp corners and control valves. All this is especially dangerous for young children. Also, the high temperature of the heating device can cause burns. You can hide a potential source of trouble with a protective grille.On the other hand, many modern batteries, such as aluminum or copper plate radiators, also need to be protected from all kinds of mechanical influences, since the design can easily be deformed as a result of a dropped object.

Screens allow you to decorate heating equipment, providing an attractive interior to any room

Most radiators, especially the old ones, do not fit into the modern interior of the premises. Thanks to the presence of a decorative grid for the battery, the heating device will acquire a more attractive appearance. The design of the radiator is very inconvenient for cleaning. Small debris, dust, pet hair accumulate in cavities and hard-to-reach places. The grill on the radiator will help reduce the likelihood of dirt and dust getting into its cavity.

If the screen has a sufficient number of holes and cutouts, which must be correctly located, have a back wall of polished metal, it is possible to increase the convection of the heater by reflecting infrared radiation from the wall into the room.

It is important to choose a screen option that will look good in the interior, be able to completely close the structure and fit under the windowsill.

Calculation of heating radiators of a private house

Table of characteristics of 1 section of a heating radiator, depending on the material and size of the section.

The uniformity of heating and the efficiency of the entire heating system depend on how accurately and carefully the calculation of the number of heating radiators in a private house is performed. The average thermal power of heating is 100 W per 1 sq. m. area. That is, to heat a room with an area of ​​​​20 square meters. m.You need a 2000W heatsink. If we choose a bimetallic radiator with a heat output of 200 W per section for heating, then we will need a 10-section heater (or two batteries of 5 sections each). Cast iron batteries are characterized by lower heat transfer, an average of 120-140 watts per section, so there should be more sections here.

Also included in the calculation process:

• Amendments to the type of glazing;
• The presence of thermal insulation and wall thickness;
• Ceiling height (the standard formula takes into account ceiling heights from 2.5 to 3 meters);
• The presence of heated rooms above the current room;
• Number of exterior walls (corner rooms are colder);
• Number and area of ​​windows;
• Climatic features of the area.

The most accurate calculations include taking into account the wind rose and the location of the outer walls relative to the cardinal points.

Connection schemes: "Leningrad", lateral connection and diagonal.

How to connect heating radiators in a private house? If you plan to run a one-pipe system, we recommend the Leningradka scheme with a jumper (bypass) for each battery. If you plan to use a two-pipe system, then a diagonal or lateral connection is used here. Adjustment of heating radiators in a private house is carried out using taps that block the supply of coolant. If necessary, taps can be placed on each battery - this will help even out the temperature in the rooms.

Adjustment is also available in a single-pipe system, but for this it must be performed according to the Leningradka scheme, with a bypass / jumper and three taps for each battery.

Features of fastening decorative radiator grilles

Fastening decorative screens should provide easy and quick access to communications and equipment. This is due to the fact that periodically the battery must be cleaned of contaminants and maintenance must be carried out, and the possibility of emergency situations cannot be ruled out.

In the latter case, it is especially important that the screen can be removed "in one motion". In this regard, side and hinged structures are most convenient, but with flat ones and those that are rigidly fixed to the wall, difficulties may arise.

To facilitate the process of removing the box will allow the locking method of fastening it with the help of strips, one of which is installed on the box, and the second on the wall. You can use magnets and metal plates to attach flat screens or hooks and loops.

In the table below, we show the sequence of actions when attaching a hinged metal screen.

Illustration	Description
	To order a product with the correct parameters, it is necessary to responsibly approach sizing.
	Using a tape measure, it is necessary to measure the geometric parameters of the heating battery.
	We measure the length, height, which will correspond to the height of the screen, and the width of the radiator - from the wall to its edge.
	After the screen is made or purchased in a store, you can proceed to install it. Using the level, we apply the markup - the line on which the fasteners will be located.
	Using a tape measure, mark the place for fasteners.
	With a pencil on the line we mark the places for self-tapping screws.
	We drill holes.
	We immerse dowels in the holes.
	We screw in the screws.
	The distance between the screw head and the wall should be 1-2 mm.
	We hang the screen on the screws.
	Installation completed.

The video will tell you how to install a flat screen:

Watch this video on YouTube

Do screens affect heat distribution?

Radiators emit two types of energy - radiant (with direct radiation) and convective. If the coolant has a low temperature (less than 50 degrees), even thin screens can prevent proper heat transfer. Massive closed structures completely force warm air to accumulate inside, preventing natural convection.

It turns out that just a decorative screen returns part of the heat to the heating system. It is possible, and even necessary, to prevent heat loss by using a heat-reflecting foil film. It is glued behind the battery.

What materials are made from

Screens are made from a variety of materials. When choosing the best one, it is necessary to evaluate the given premises and its design. An important criterion is endurance under temperature extremes and the environmental friendliness of the material used.

When creating screens, various materials are used:

• perforated steel sheets;
• wooden beam of different sections;
• MDF boards (medium density fibreboard) ;
• plastic;
• glass;
• rattan and others.

Wood

A special cosiness will be created by wooden grilles for heating radiators, so many make a choice in favor of this natural material. Carefully sanded and toned wood creates a beautiful architectural style that will fit into any home interior.

For masters who have the ability to work with a jigsaw and a drill, it is quite possible to independently create these products.The wood will need to be dried to avoid warping and impregnated with a flame retardant to protect against fire, and treated with an antiseptic from rot and mold.

Ordinary birch, having previously treated it with stain or glazing mixtures, it is quite possible to give the appearance of expensive wood

Finally, the surface is covered with a heat-resistant varnish (a composition for a sauna is suitable) - it is important to choose the desired shade

Plastic

Products made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are either completely made of this material or have a metal base. Decorative or real rattan inserts may also be present.

Screen decoration is carried out by imitation of different tree species, stone cuts or metallic painting. But since heat is transferred in the form of infrared radiation, they will prevent the exit of thermal energy, which will lead to unnecessary costs.

PVC is a heat resistant material and can last a very long time. During heating, it does not emit toxic substances, so that harm to the body is minimized. Available in various colors and shapes.

Glass

Some people are afraid to install glass screens. This is in vain, since the manufacture uses super-hardened very durable glass with a thickness of six to eight millimeters, which will be difficult to break even with great desire.

They look like flat panels, attached to the wall with racks. This design completely covers the batteries. Above and below there is a gap for the circulation of air currents.

At the moment, the assortment includes matte screens with different colors or transparent ones.

Their positive properties:

• low cost compared to wooden products;
• Anyone can install.

In the assortment there are glass panels of various shades, with images applied by thermal printing for various interiors. Such screens are undemanding in care and have excellent heat resistance.

Metal and forged products

In the process of manufacturing forged panels, sheets of metal with different patterns and slots are used. Such screens are elegant in design and have better heat dissipation. Grids of various shapes, sizes and designs can be attributed to this type of gratings.

In the manufacture of metal panels, they are pre-coated with a thermogram, after which they imitate the texture of various types of wood. There are screens in which metal is also combined with other materials. To save the surface from damage and scratches, a special powder is applied to them by spraying.

Forged gratings are able to satisfy the taste of almost any consumer and are easy to install.

Drywall and similar materials

Drywall is considered a popular material in the manufacture of gratings. It is easy to use, cheap and not dangerous when heated.

The rattan lattice has an interesting look. Customers like screens stretched on a wooden frame, they have a very attractive and sophisticated appearance. In addition, they have excellent thermal conductivity, and the material from which they are made is non-toxic and will not harm residents.

Available option are MDF panels. A huge number of images are created on such plates. The right choice would be gratings with large openings. Their price will be much lower - an MDF screen is more resistant to mechanical stress, which cannot be said about wood products.The material has excellent heat conductivity and high resistance to temperature changes. These products are easy to install and dismantle.

How to fix the radiator screen on the wall

Here is the screen and ready. If you have a screen for a heating battery designed in such a way that its lower part rests on the floor, then you can consider the matter finished.

But in my case, since the grate for the radiator is installed in the kitchen, and for aesthetic reasons, it was decided to use a hinged version. One of the main requirements was the ease of removal of the structure in order to remove dust from the radiator and there was access to a drain valve for flushing the battery. The oblong shape of the sample was not made by chance. At first I drilled a hole, but it was not so easy to get on the screw when installing the screen. I had to improve.

I fixed a corner that turned up under my arm on the wall, into which I screwed an M5 screw, since there was already a threaded hole in the corner at the place I needed. The protruding part of the screw, when the screen is installed in a regular place, is included in the sample and securely fixes the screen. If the length of the corner allows, then you can simply bend it up to a length of 10 mm, and then the sample will fit on the protrusion made. If you are not familiar with the technology of drilling holes in brick and concrete walls, you can fill in your knowledge gap by reading the article “Drilling holes in walls”, which describes in detail the drilling technology, how to choose a drill and choose drills

I draw your attention to the fact that it is better to mark up the sample before weaving, by attaching the screen case to a regular place, after fixing the corner on the wall. Otherwise, the markup will be extremely difficult.Since it was possible to lean the right side of the heating battery screen on the heat supply pipes, only one fastening was made, on the left side

To securely fix the screen on the pipe, in the place of its abutment against the upper pipe, a selection was made a few millimeters up

Since it was possible to support the right side of the heating battery screen on the heat supply pipes, only one fastening was made, on the left side. To securely fix the screen on the pipe, in the place where it rests on the top pipe, a selection of several millimeters upwards is made.

The same sample was also made on the down tube, although it can be omitted. And so the screen will be fixed securely.

We close the battery screen and invite friends to the presentation! No one believed that I made this screen with my own hands. I had to prove it, remove the screen from the battery and show it from the inside.

Kinds

Decorative screens may differ in structural elements:

• Frame grilles in the form of a box, completely hiding the location of the radiator.
• Hinged structures used for batteries protruding from behind the window sills. They have a removable cover.
• Hinged grids without a cover for batteries that do not protrude beyond the border of the window sill.
• Flat designs for radiators located in niches.

A variety of materials for the manufacture of gratings increases the chances of acquiring exactly the model that will look organic in the setting:

• Glass screens are made from durable hardened material. You can fix this model with brackets. A sandblasting method is used to apply a pattern to the surface.An image made to order will be exclusive. The glass screen maintains the laconic style of the interior. Durable glass still tends to break, so the use of screens made of this material is not recommended in places where children live.
• Good quality MDF is quite capable of replacing wooden models, but with a more affordable price. Thin wooden sheets glued together create a heavy-duty surface. It is possible to apply exquisite drawings on it using special machine tools with program control. Refined designs, executed in natural wooden colors, will take their rightful place, both in apartments and country houses.
• Plastic models are considered the most affordable way to improve the heating system. A beautiful ornament of light construction has a number of advantages. However, plastic gratings are not able to ensure the safety of human health. When the radiator is heated, this material releases substances hazardous to the body.
• Metal models are made mainly from a thin steel sheet, which transmits heat well. Thanks to modern technology, the surface has a durable coating that does not corrode. The color retains its brightness for a long time. Varieties of perforated pattern and ornaments can be purchased at a very reasonable price.
• Natural wood, processed with a unique cut, will satisfy the most refined taste. The interior style with wooden grilles fills the room with nobility and respectability. The reliability of the design will be ensured by models made of durable wood: beech, oak, etc. The battery finish looks very rich with a grate combined with a window sill.

The dimensions of the finished decorative grilles were calculated relative to the dimensions of the batteries:

• 300x600 mm;
• 600x600 mm;
• 900x600 mm;
• 1200x600 mm.

On request, you can order the manufacture of the screen according to individual measurements. Manufacturers produce gratings of approximately the same size. The color range from white to all shades of natural wood, which makes it easy to choose the option that best suits the interior.

The price directly depends on the material. Natural wood and metal at cost will always be higher than synthetic and artificial models. Exclusive glass processing makes glass screens not cheap.

For example:

• a wooden grate will cost 1000-1650 rubles;
• the metal decor of the battery is estimated from 320 to 780 rubles;
• a glass screen without a pattern is offered from 500 to 1000 rubles;
• lattices from MDF - from 540 to 900 rubles;
• plastic - from 88 to 295 rubles.

A little about heat engineering and grids for batteries

Even if you need grilles for radiators for decoration, do not forget that batteries should heat the room. Any screen reduces heat transfer, even the most openwork and thin. Another question is that one will reduce the amount of heat transferred by 10-15%, and the other by all 60% or even more. It is unlikely that you will want to sit in a beautiful, but cold room, so when choosing a decorative lattice, you must also consider how heat will spread.

Heat distribution

The principle of heat transfer from a heating radiator without a grill is shown in the figure. The main idea is that air should come from below, pass along the battery, heat up, go up. This is how our heating works. When choosing a grille or screen, you need to keep this in mind.For normal air circulation, it is necessary that there is a gap at the bottom, and there is no cover at the top. As a last resort, the lid should have a large perforated area.

Not a bad option - large holes allow air to move freely

But if you look at many of the decorative grilles, you can immediately tell that the room will be cold. This is especially affected by grilles for heating radiators in the form of a box, which have walls on all sides. If they are very openwork, as in the photo above, there is not much trouble, but if they are made of solid wood (as in the photo below), with almost no perforation or with minimal holes, be prepared for heating inefficiency.

From above, the battery is covered with a solid layer of wood without holes.

Wood, of course, is an aesthetic material, but it has a high heat capacity. Until the wood heats up, the room will be cold. And since the array is located above the radiator and there are no holes for circulation, the radiator under such a grill will be hot, but the room will be cold.

How to reduce heat loss

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

Attention! Batteries of the context type must not be covered with grills or other overlays. The equipment can cause a violation of the outflow of air

The radiator may be damaged.

The following simple tips will help increase heat transfer:

1. Before installing the grille for the radiator on the window sill and the niche under it, you need to glue thick foil. It will help to keep warm and enhance heat dissipation.
2. Do not place furniture and other objects close to the grate.
3. There should be perforation on the body of the decorative overlay.If it is not there, heat transfer 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 object should fit the general appearance of the room and not stand out in it.

Possibility of an alternative

If the budget does not allow, or there is no desire to start choosing a new interior detail, which, in any case, will require additional care efforts, decorating the radiator itself may be the best screen replacement.

The easiest method is painting with ordinary oil paint. At the same time, in order to achieve the effect of masking, it is possible to enter the battery, pipes and the adjacent wall into a single pattern.

A standard radiator is a convenient object for realizing creativity in your favorite style: it can be covered with a chintz pattern or a picturesque picture using decoupage and acrylic paints, or simply “aged” to match the loft style.