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There are many different models of heating radiators on the market that are distinguished by their attractive appearance. However, they do not always fit well into the interior. To solve this problem, decorative grilles are installed on the batteries.

Decorative screen for heating radiator

Types of decorative grilles

The main purpose of the grilles is to hide the surface of the radiator. But at the same time, they should not prevent air from circulating in the room. At the same time, they also perform a protective function.

One of mandatory conditions, compliance with which is necessary when installing the grille, is simple dismantling, so that in case of maintenance or repair, it can be easily removed.

To size decorative panel should be 10-15 mm larger than the radiator.

Today on sale there are radiator grilles made from various materials:

• wood;
• metal;
• stainless steel;
• thin plastic;
• aluminum;

Wood

Wood gratings are not cheap, since they are made from oak and beech, and these tree species are quite expensive, but the quality of the products made from them is appropriate.

Wooden grilles fit harmoniously into any interior and add sophistication to it. Despite the fact that such devices are reliable and durable, over time they can become deformed, because high temperatures have a negative impact on wooden products. Therefore, it is especially important to pay attention to the type of wood used in the manufacture of the grille. It is important that when heated it does not release resin.

Wooden trellises can be created by hand. This is very convenient, because... You will be able to completely design the carving and get a unique product made to your liking.

Do not buy grilles that are made in a “handicraft” way, because if the manufacturing technology is made with flaws, the attractive appearance of the product will quickly deteriorate.

Decorative grilles for batteries made of beech and oak

MDF

As already noted, not everyone can afford wood gratings. If you want to save money, but at the same time want to have high-quality coating for radiators, then you should pay attention to grilles made of MDF. It's more a budget option coatings for radiators.

MDF tolerates moisture and high temperatures well.

Just as in the case of wooden grilles, you can choose any pattern and such a coating will be an excellent addition to the interior.

Steel

This material is in greatest demand and today there are many variations in the manufacture of steel gratings.

Usually they make a frame-type steel radiator grille with their own hands. For this, ferrous or galvanized metal is used. But stainless steel panels are produced in factories.

When choosing a steel grille, do not forget to check the method of painting the body. It is preferable that it be made using powder technology (baking). The advantage of this coating is that it does not change color when heated.

Forged elements are also used to decorate the interior.

In order to make a steel grate yourself, you need welding machine, and the panel should be painted exclusively with heat-resistant enamel or paint.

Screen for radiator of stainless steel

Plastic

This material is the cheapest, but not the most reliable, since such a coating will inhibit the flow of warm air masses. The material tolerates high temperatures well. However, remember that a large number of heat will be lost.

Plastic gratings are created from PVC-based compounds. If the manufacturing technology is followed correctly, the coating will be able to withstand temperatures up to 95°C, and the appearance will not be affected.

The main advantages of such coatings:

• acceptable price;
• wide choose forms

But! Compared to plastic protective screens for radiators with wood and steel, the former will lose their attractive appearance before the others.

Plastic screens for batteries

Glass

Glass decorative grilles for heating radiators look beautiful and expensive in appearance, but their price is appropriate. Such battery screens are made from colored or frosted glass. There are copies with drawings on sale.

This material is not very practical. This is due to the fact that glass does not always resist mechanical shock. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful with such material.

Decorative screen for a heating radiator made of glass

How to make it yourself

If you want to make decorative coating For a DIY radiator, it is best to use metal.

First of all, you need to decide on the size of the grate. For this, of course, the dimensions of the radiators are taken into account. Then take a sheet of galvanized steel and 15*15 mm corners. Take measurements of the battery and add 10-15 mm in width and height to the data obtained.

In any case, regardless of what material you choose to make the protective screen, the procedure will be as follows:

• Take measurements of the radiator and draw a design diagram.
• Make corners and form a frame.
• Install the grille into the resulting structure.
• Mount support units that will be in contact with the surface of the battery.

When drawing up the diagram, be sure to make sure that there are technological holes. They are needed to ensure free access to shut-off valves , And .

After completing all these steps, you need to cover the product with a protective layer. If you wish, you can apply a drawing. AND The final stage— check the finished grate for exposure to the maximum temperature of the coolant in the system.

To make a niche for a heating radiator, it is best to use drywall and profiles for it.

Your decorative radiator grille is ready!

As you know, not every house or apartment has an elegant-looking one. Unfortunately, some old-style heating radiators can significantly complicate the owners’ efforts 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 chosen wisely, 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 old, unsightly looking batteries.

You can make decorative grilles or screens yourself by choosing the material and color that matches the curtains and wallpaper. It is possible to order an exclusive sample in the workshop, and the easiest option is to purchase ready-made screens at a hardware store or furniture showroom(store).

In order to choose the right grilles or make them yourself, we must not forget about the main thing - the functional purpose of the radiator itself. installed to heat rooms, and the grille should not interfere with effective heat exchange 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 a grille that will perfectly mask the battery, and at the same time not What will not close, but on the contrary, with its configuration and arrangement of parts it will even increase the flow of heat into the room.

To purchase the right grille, you need to understand the operating principle of a heating radiator and some laws of thermophysics.

The principle of operation of the radiator and the requirements for the screen ( grate)

How does a standard heating radiator work?

When heated, the battery transfers heat into the room in two ways: using 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 vary 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– presence of interference, etc.

For example, cast iron batteries in not very cold weather, the room is heated for the most part with the help of a convention. But when the heating system reaches its maximum, when the coolant heats up to 70 degrees or more, 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 radiators are closed thick curtains), then the heat flows in the battery move closer to the outer front planes of the sections. In this case, the radiator goes to work in heat-emitting mode.

In any case, for the radiator to operate as efficiently as possible, it is necessary to provide both heat exchange possibilities. For example, on converter radiators it is necessary to install grilles that do not have an upper horizontal panel. This is necessary for free circulation of heated air.

If a screen is installed, it must be selected to ensure free circulation of heated air flows and the passage of direct infrared radiation. Such 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 to achieve the most efficient heat transfer.

Combination of physics and design

To ensure that the selected grille or screen does not interfere with the radiator functioning properly, you need to consider a couple more points.

The external 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 inside of the grille or screen should be painted a dark color. This ensures good heat absorption and further transfer. External side can have any shade, the one that would be better suited to interior design - this does not affect the heating efficiency in any way, but inner part recommended to cover dark brown or black paint.

Video: decorative screens for radiators

Prices for popular models of heating radiators

Heating radiators

Heat Reflective Wall Screening

Heat transfer can be significantly reduced due to the fact that a lot of thermal energy is spent on absolutely unnecessary heating in the external walls in places where heating batteries 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 usually made from rolled foam insulation with a mandatory foil surface. The shiny side of the screen is attached towards the room - this “mirror” will effectively redirect the heat emanating from the battery towards the room.

Sometimes, before installation, foam plastic, which also has a reflective layer, is fixed to the wall, and only after that the battery is mounted. This option will help preserve heat and save considerable money on energy consumption.

Efficient grille

In order not to make a mistake when choosing or manufacturing a grille or screen, you need to take into account some points.

• A very unfortunate version of the screen is a solid panel that has very small holes at the top and bottom or across the entire surface.

Poor option - small holes will limit convection flow

They will not be able to ensure the necessary circulation of heated air masses, even if inner surface the grilles will be coated with black paint. In this case, you will have to spend a large amount of fuel to heat the rooms, which means high costs will follow.

• Another, more acceptable, but still not very good effective option The grille is a wide frame made of wood that covers the battery around and has a grille of slats located far apart from each other on the front side.

A wooden lattice is a good thing if it is not covered with a solid shelf on top

This option gives good heat transfer only On the 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, since wood is suitable for any interior. Besides, top part frames can be adjusted for placement indoor plants. However, given the insufficient circulation of warm air, this is not the best option gratings

• The optimal screen option in all respects would be a grille, which will simultaneously direct warm air upward, thereby blocking the path of cold flows from the window, which means there should be either holes or directed slits on top of the grille.

In addition, a design that includes an aerodynamic visor will be very successful. It is especially convenient if the radiator is hidden under a window. Made from a narrow strip of metal or even thick cardboard, it will prevent heated air from accumulating on top of the radiator and will redirect it towards the room.

Another very effective addition to the design is the so-called thermal injector. A lot of warm air collects 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 flow. This is completely unnoticeable when the radiator operates barely, at low temperatures. But as soon as the coolant begins to heat up strongly, in full “winter” mode, the effect of such an injector is impressive - the flow of hot air becomes very noticeable.

The figure shows a screen grille that almost completely satisfies all the listed requirements:

Diagram of the “ideal” lattice with additional improvements

• From external wall The heating radiator is surrounded by a thermal insulation layer with a foil coating (A).
• An aerodynamic canopy (B) is installed from the top of the wall to the edge of the window sill.
• The two blades of the upper front form the heat injector (B).
• The front panel of the screen is a lattice structure (D) with large cells.

Cold air ( blue arrows, pos. 1), penetrates from below, heats up, rises up, without stagnating under the window due to the installed visor, it is directed into the room (brown arrows, pos. 2).

At high heating temperatures, the injector comes into play, making 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 foil insulation and redirected to the front part.

Here, rays of thermal energy either pass freely through the grille holes into the premises, or are absorbed by the grille material (as we remember, it must be painted black on the inside). If the material has good heat capacity and heat transfer (for example, metal), then the grill itself becomes a source of thermal radiation, not only without reducing the effect of heating the room, but even exaggerating it.

Types of gratings

Decorative grilles for radiators are divided into several groups, based on the types of design and materials of manufacture.

By the way, there are two more important requirements for grilles 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 surface of the floor, carries with it particles of dust and dirt (no matter how clean the house is, this cannot be avoided). This means that dirt will certainly accumulate on the edges of the grille or on the surface of the screen over time. Conclusion - the surface must be hygienic and easy to clean, including, if necessary, using detergents.
• In addition to the decorative function, the grille or screen also performs a protective mission - it covers sharp corners and ribs 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 grille itself does not become a source of danger, and the design is desirable without sharp corners and protruding parts.

Basic grating designs

Dividing screens and grilles according to design features, we can distinguish the following main types:

• The box grille is used in cases where it is necessary to cover not only the unsightly appearance of the radiator, but also the pipes connected to it.

• Hanging grilles with a top cover. They are used to disguise batteries that are not covered from above by a window sill and are not recessed into a wall niche.

Hanging grilles - very easy to install

• Hanging 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 mounted in a wall niche or even just on the wall surface.

Varieties based on material of manufacture

Grilles and screens are made from various materials, and in order to choose the one that is suitable in design and characteristics for 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 winter, the resistance of the material to thermal changes and its environmental friendliness.

• Metal gratings

A metal grill is often a panel made of perforated metal sheet with various mosaic patterns of holes. This screen has good heat dissipation and is neat and elegant in design.

This type of decorative grille also includes a screen in the form of a grid with cells of different shapes and sizes.

In addition to simple, modest versions of gratings, we produce metal panels, which are covered with a thermogram that imitates the texture of various types of wood. The same cannot be said about combined screens, in which other materials are used along with metal.

Painting on metal panels is often applied using the powder coating method, which protects the metal from rust and minor “injuries” in the form of accidental scratches, and the coating from fading.

Metal decorative elements are easy to install and dismantle. Due to their diversity, they can be selected for almost any interior. They have fairly affordable prices, and therefore such grilles are very popular among owners of both their own homes and city apartments. It must be said that metal version the grilles can be 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 yourself, and it is unlikely to turn out neat. Therefore, if you decide to use exactly metal elements interior masking batteries, it is better to purchase them ready-made. The table shows, as an example, averages for metal gratings made from a sheet 1 mm thick (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

They make gratings and 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 with different materials- it can be a tree of different species, a cut of stone or metallic. The thermal conductivity of these panels is much lower than that of metal or wooden grilles, so they will block most of the heat transmitted by infrared radiation, which means that you will need to spend more fuel to heat the house, which will lead to unnecessary costs.

Among the most affordable are 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 always, while new, have an aesthetic appearance and can be made in different forms and colors.

Grilles and screens made of PVC have more affordable price than products made from other materials. The approximate prices for these products are as follows:

• Wood gratings

Wooden grilles will bring an atmosphere of special comfort to your home, which is why many people prefer this particular one. natural material. Well-treated and stained wood fits perfectly into any interior, since the grilles can be made in any architectural style.

Wooden grilles are usually strict and monumental, fit well into any interior

It should be noted that screens and grilles made of wood have a fairly high price, especially if they are exclusive - made to order, like an original work.

The gratings are made from various woods, and this largely determines their price. For example and comparison - a review of average prices for wooden grid screens.

Approximate 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 grilles must be coated with several layers of varnish on water based. This coating will reduce the impact of temperature changes on the wood.

Cannot be installed wooden gratings for batteries operating on the converter principle, since the design of screens made of this material assumes that the top panel will almost completely cover, with the exception of small holes, which will not be enough to allow all the heat given off by the radiator to enter the room.

Many people prefer rattan grilles stretched on a frame made of 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 on a slab that has a small thickness, it is quite possible to cut out designs that will give the gratings a peculiar attractive appearance and allow heat to flow freely into the room.

More affordable option- shaped MDF grilles

Drawings carved on MDF boards, quite a lot, and all of them By-to his attractive. But, despite this, it is still worth choosing panels that have a grille with large holes.

There are a lot of options for MDF grating patterns

MDF grille installed in wooden frame, can perfectly replace a wooden grille, but such a screen will cost much less. A decorative screen made of MDF is able to withstand greater mechanical loads compared to natural wood. The material has good thermal conductivity and can withstand temperature changes well. These grilles are easy to install and remove if necessary.

The colors that screens made from MDF can have are quite varied. This table shows only a few of them.

The approximate price level for MDF gratings is as follows:

Grill size in mm (height × width)	Approximate 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
Grilles made to order and having non-standard sizes(price per m²)	2755

• Glass screens for heating radiators

These screens may be a concern for some people, but they are completely unfounded. For production it is used super-hardened high-strength glass with a thickness of 6 to 8 mm, which will be very difficult to break even if desired.

Typically, such screens are a flat panel reinforced on the wall using racks and completely covering heating radiators. There must be space above and below for free convection flow. Transmission by thermal directed radiation in this case is significantly limited.

The advantages of such glass screens:

• Relatively low price compared to, for example, wood.
• Easy to install - anyone can do it on their own.
• High decorative qualities - in addition to transparent, translucent or frosted glass various shades, you can purchase or order screens with thermally printed drawings or photographs - to suit any chosen interior style.
• Such screens, we repeat, are safe, easy to clean, and have good heat resistance.

Now that the reader has received necessary information, he can be more judicious in choosing the protective equipment necessary for the interior decorative screens or gratings. They will help hide unsightly radiators, protect against various contaminants, and relieve parents to some extent from constant worry about their children, who could get injured or burned if heating appliances are left open. There is no need to doubt it - grilles or screens for batteries, especially old designs made of cast iron, are simply necessary. Moreover, in modern stores there is a fairly wide range of these products on sale, which means it is possible to choose those that are optimally suited in all respects.

Prices for screens for radiators

Radiator screens

Video: a variety of screens and grilles for heating radiators

Arranging a house or apartment takes a lot of time. All interior details must be thought out, meet modern requirements and, of course, create a favorable impression and comfort. The decoration of radiators must be approached with full responsibility.

When making a room stylish, we must not forget about the technical part of the design of batteries and safety. Beautiful decorative details should not interfere with the functioning heating system. When choosing the material and structure for the radiator grille, you need to remember the safety and reliability of the design.

Defining the middle ground between compliance and stylish look, it is necessary to take into account, first of all, the purpose heating radiator and the role of the decorative grille. Nothing should interfere with the battery’s heat exchange in the room, so ideas with blank screens are immediately eliminated.

Functional purpose decorative design radiator is determined by:

• aesthetic appearance;
• protection against mechanical impact on the surface heating device;
• restricting access to sharp, hot metal parts of the battery (especially in homes where children live).

Advantages of decorative grilles:

• the ability to create an element that matches the design style of the room;
• does not affect air circulation;
• the use of thermally conductive material can increase heat transfer;
• prevents dust from collecting on the battery;
• price accessible to any category of the population;
• serves as a protective barrier against injury for young children;
• does not require periodic painting;
• can mask the unsightly appearance of old batteries.

The disadvantages are not presented to the design itself, but to the materials from which it is made:

• possible deformation;
• increased static;
• metal models are difficult to adjust to the size of the radiator;
• reduction in heat transfer due to the properties of the material.

Requirements for gratings when choosing:

• attractive appearance;
• the ability to carry out wet cleaning;
• structural strength;
• no sharp corners;
• must not reduce the efficiency of the heating system;
• the material must have good heat transfer properties.

Kinds

Decorative screens may differ in design elements:

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

The variety of materials for making grilles increases the chances of purchasing exactly the model that will look organic in the setting:

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

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

If desired, you can order the production of a screen according to individual measurements. Manufacturers produce grilles of approximately the same size. The color range ranges from white to all shades of natural wood, which makes it easy to choose the option that best suits your interior.

The price directly depends on the material. Natural wood and metal will always be higher in cost than synthetic and artificial models. Exclusive glass processing makes glass screens expensive.

Eg:

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

DIY installation

Knowing the principle of operation of a radiator and the elementary laws of thermophysics, you can independently make a design that improves room heating. The best material would be metal. But to work with it you will need quite a lot of tools, and certain skills.

You can build a screen from a sheet of fiberboard and metal mesh. The grille will be made in the form of a box with a lid at the top and legs at the bottom. The facade and sides are assembled on the basis of fiberboard frames. Air circulation on all sides will be ensured by a metal mesh filling the frame core.

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 using 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 behind 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 self-tapping screws. Fasteners must be hidden, like wall 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 perforated plywood with a pattern cut out or wicker rattan.

• Before installing the screen, the wall behind the radiator must be sheathed to increase heat transfer.
• It is better to decorate the radiators of children's rooms and bedrooms for adults with grilles made of natural material.
• It is not recommended to cover convector-type radiators with decor or furniture at all due to the disruption of air outflow.
• When choosing a design, you need to pay attention not only to its reliability, but also to the speed of disassembly. In the event of a leak, the guard should be easy to remove.
• The screen model should fit organically into general interior, and not stand out against the background of the situation.
• Rooms with plastic decor on heating devices must be ventilated more often due to the toxicity of the material.
• The decorative grille must not be covered with furniture. The heat exchange regime will be disrupted, and unique look will go unnoticed.
• The body and façade of the screen must have perforations or holes for air circulation.
• When installing the grille, it is necessary to maintain a distance from the heating device. It must be at least 3 cm.
• The structure cannot be used as a dryer.

The radiator grille is a decorative element and not a mandatory application. This finishing element must be used only for its intended purpose.

The appearance of bare batteries does not always correspond to the owner’s idea of ​​beauty. Decorative grilles can solve this problem. They disguise old radiators and when the right approach perfectly complement the interior design of the room. However, radiator grilles have not only aesthetic, but also several very practical functions.

Why are there grilles on radiators?

The grilles prevent human contact with too hot batteries (primarily this applies to old cast iron modifications), protect against possible bruises from sectional ribs or protruding metal plates 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 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 enhance 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.

Differences in design

Depending on how the gratings are positioned relative to heating batteries, there are three types:

• flat;
• with lid;
• volumetric.

Flat grilles (screens) hide radiators, fittings and pipes recessed in niches. Grilles with a lid that fit directly onto the fins of the heating elements. They are capable of covering the radiator both from the front and from the top. It is important to use them if the battery protrudes slightly from the plane of the wall. Volumetric grilles cover the radiator on all four sides, resulting in a full-fledged box.

Differences by material

Classic options in this case include wood and metal gratings. However, now they are also made from other materials, for example, MDF (MDF), chipboard, glass and plastic. The capabilities and effectiveness of their use depend on the properties of each of these materials.

Features of the tree

Wooden grilles for heating radiators are, as a rule, exclusive, a kind of piece product with carved patterns. Wood structures look great when they are used for batteries that protrude noticeably beyond the line of the window sill. However, a flat wooden version of the lattice can also turn out to be a real masterpiece.

Such a lattice will become important element furnishings (no less important than sofas, armchairs and other pieces of furniture) and interior decoration of an apartment, office or home. And also the gratings made experienced craftsman made of wood, can improve the microclimate of the room. Natural wood, as studies show, has a real health-improving effect- that is, the choice in favor of this material is more than justified.

In general, wooden structures are characterized by:

• durability;
• reliability;
• environmental cleanliness;
• excellent heat dissipation.

A the best breeds Wood for such products is considered oak or beech.

However, it is worth pointing out the shortcomings. Practice shows that voluminous wooden grilles do not withstand temperature changes in the radiator area very well. Some of them warp or become cracked after 2-3 heating seasons.

Advice! Warping wooden structures This can be avoided if you place a container of water on the inside, near the radiator.

Advantages of metal

This is the most practical option, which, according to some parameters, has no equal in the radiator decoration market today. Here are some key benefits of metal gratings:

• super-resistant to temperature changes and mechanical stress;
• insensitivity to changes in pressure and humidity levels;
• ease of installation;
• low prices (this is due to the fact that the manufacturing technology itself does not involve too significant costs);
• long service life;
• wide range of models.

Metal decorative grilles for heating radiators are usually beautiful sheets with holes in an exquisite pattern.

Making a metal grating on your own is quite difficult (especially if you do not have welding skills) - it is better to buy ready product. Moreover, now in many companies you can order a product at custom sizes, if standard samples are not suitable, for example due to the fact that the radiator has unique shape or installed in an unusual location.

Can I use plastic?

This material is used everywhere today, including for the manufacture of radiator grilles. Plastic panels They really attract with their very affordable cost and variety of shapes. But at the same time, they quickly lose their original appearance (compared to steel or wooden counterparts).

And when plastic is heated, substances are released into the air that are undesirable for human health - they can penetrate into the lungs, cause a cough, a sore throat, and make the eyes water.

Attention! Despite the low cost plastic products, it is prohibited to install them in children's or health care institutions.

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 existing options When making a flat radiator grille, the easiest and fastest options are 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. Another 2.5 cm is added 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 parts from them rectangular shape about 11 cm wide. And then, using a hacksaw, angles equal to 45 degrees are made 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.