Most apartment owners own old-style heating batteries, which perfectly cope with their function, but have an unpresentable appearance. The screen on the heating battery will help to solve the problem, which will not only hide the unsightly from the eyes radiator, but also will become an important detail of the interior of the room and at the same time will perform a protective function for the owners of the room.
Special screens will help to radically transform the appearance of a heating radiator
Content
Why do you 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:
- by convection, which involves air exchange between a cold stream coming from below and a hot stream going up;
Screens are designed to protect against mechanical damage, especially for fragile cast iron radiators
- using electromagnetic radiation of the infrared spectrum, the power of which increases with increasing temperature of the radiator.
The air from cast iron radiators is heated by convection processes. With an increase in the heating intensity, 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 start from two components: aesthetics and thermal conductivity
Despite the fact that radiators are an integral part of a room, very often they have an unattractive appearance and a structure that is traumatic for others. To solve these problems, you can use the battery cover.
The radiator grill has several functions:
- protective;
- decorative;
The screen protects the coolant and prevents small children or pets from accessing it
- 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 heater can cause burns. You can hide a potential source of trouble with a protective grill.On the other hand, many modern batteries, for example, aluminum or copper plate radiators, also need protection from all kinds of mechanical influences, since the structure can easily be deformed as a result of falling objects.
Screens allow you to decorate heating equipment, providing an attractive interior to any room
Most radiators, especially old-style ones, do not fit into the modern interior of the premises. Thanks to the presence of a decorative grill for the battery, the heating device will acquire a more attractive appearance. The design of the radiator is very inconvenient to clean. Small debris, dust, pet hair accumulate in cavities and hard-to-reach places. The grille 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 positioned, and have a back wall made 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 version of the screen that will look good in the interior, will be able to completely close the structure and fit under the windowsill
Important! In order for the screen for the radiator to provide the maximum supply of warm air from the heater, its design must be of the grille type, without a top cover and with sufficient clearance at the bottom of the battery.
Varieties of grilles for heating radiators
Despite the fact that the heating radiator screen has a number of positive characteristics, it has one significant drawback. The grille is capable of absorbing some of the heat that comes from the radiator, thereby making it less efficient. However, with the right choice of the shape and material of the product, you can significantly reduce the heat loss when installing the screen.
Screens for a radiator are a decorative screen that can be made of different types of materials
Depending on the shape of the structure and the type of fastening, the grille can be:
- hinged without top cover;
- hinged with a cover;
- flat;
- in the form of a box.
Often flat screen options are used by designers to add exclusivity and originality to the interior.
The first option is used for batteries that are located in a niche. Such structures do not require special installation and provide the maximum process of heat exchange of air in the room. The second type is installed mainly on a heating radiator protruding from under the windowsill. A screen on a cast-iron battery allows you to give the heater a more aesthetic appearance, however, it reduces the amount of heat energy transferred.
Flat products are attached to the wall, covering only the front side of the radiator. The top, bottom and sides remain open. If you need to completely hide the radiator, you should use a screen in the form of a box, which can be attached to the wall or located floor.
Experts recommend using screens in the form of a box if you need to completely hide the battery from prying eyes
The price of a screen for a heating battery depends on the material of manufacture. Depending on this, the lattices can be:
- metal;
- plastic;
- wooden;
- glass;
- from MDF.
The variety of materials used for the manufacture of screens allows you to find the option most suitable for the interior of the room.
Options for mounting a decorative grille on a heating radiator
The screen can be mounted in one of the following ways:
- by insertion method;
- hinged method;
- box method;
- in an attached way.
Method of installing the screen on a heating radiator
If heating radiators are recessed into pre-prepared niches in the wall, which saves space, it is necessary to use mortise grilles. The element is fixed in front of the battery in such a way as to create a small gap on the side walls. The size of the product is selected in such a way that the niche can be closed along the perimeter.
Related article:
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When the heater is placed on the wall, use a hinged plate, which is fixed directly to the radiator using special hooks. This solution creates the most convenient access to the battery for possible repairs.
Important! The weight of the hinged screen should be minimal so as not to put additional stress on the battery.
The screen is easy to install by yourself and does not need special care
The most massive structure is the side screen, which is installed near the radiator, covering it from all sides. The product can be represented by several lattices, which are attached to the prepared frame from four sides. Due to the fact that the structure can be easily pushed aside, the process of cleaning the battery is facilitated.
The battery box is represented by a kind of drywall niche into which a radiator is built. Then the battery is completely covered with a grid with a sufficient number of holes. The disadvantage of this method is significant heat loss.
Metal shield for battery heating
Metal grilles are in the highest demand among consumers. This is due to the practicality, durability and low cost of products. However, there are also expensive products made of stainless steel using artistic forging. A metal product is most often presented in the form of a box made of thin sheet metal, which is hung or attached to a heating radiator, which does not require specialized skills when installing a structure.
The most reliable and at the same time lightweight option that allows you to reduce heat loss in the room due to the use of a screen under the windowsill is metal
Helpful advice! The period of use of the metal grill depends on the quality of the product painting. The best performance is provided by powder-coated screens.
Metal screens for batteries on the construction market are presented in a wide range of colors and various configurations, which allows you to choose a product for any interior. The main advantage of the metal construction is the good thermal conductivity of the product, which contributes to minimal heat loss. Metal gratings are not prone to deformation under the influence of high temperatures. The screens are easy to clean and difficult to leave permanent stains on.
The disadvantage of metal screens is the unpresentable appearance of inexpensive products. Perforated patterned overlays will cost much more. You can buy a metal decorative screen for a battery from 2000 rubles, depending on the size of the product. Also, due to the significant weight of some construction models, it is not recommended to hang the grille on the radiator.
The cost of the screen depends on its size. You can buy a metal screen for a heating battery with a size of 700x400 mm from 1650 rubles, 1800x400 mm - from 4200 rubles, 700x800 mm - from 2100 rubles, 1800x800 mm - from 5200 rubles.
The market currently offers the widest selection of metal screens - from simple to exclusive options
Wooden screens for batteries: environmentally friendly room decor
The most common options are wooden decorative grilles on the battery... The products are distinguished by their environmental friendliness, good quality and presentable appearance. High-quality screens made of expensive wood species such as oak and beech will become not only reliable protection for radiators, but also an unusual decoration for the interior of a room decorated in a classic or country style.
Wooden screens can be coated with enamel, varnish, tinted or painted. Wicker decorative grilles look good, which is clearly shown in the photo of decorative screens for heating radiators. It is better to choose products coated with a water-based dye composition without harmful impurities in order to exclude the possibility of their evaporation and getting into the air of the room when the structure is heated.
The main disadvantage of wooden linings is the tendency to dry out caused by temperature extremes, and the subsequent deformation of the products. This applies primarily to inexpensive items. For high-quality screens, wood is used, which is preliminarily well and correctly dried, which will certainly affect the cost of the product. You can buy a screen for a battery made of wood from 2200 rubles.
Wooden structures are often installed in childcare facilities. To ensure sufficient heat transfer, the screen must be mounted at a certain height from the floor, and holes must be provided in the top of the product.
Wooden protective screens for heating radiators can best fulfill their decorative function.
Low-cost wooden grilles for the battery are made of a rack material that allows the air heated from the radiator to pass through well and performs a protective function. You can buy a screen for a cast-iron heating battery on average 1,500 rubles.
Glass decorative screens for heating radiators
Glass screens for batteries are exclusive models, for the manufacture of which tempered glass is used. The product is 8mm thick, so it is very difficult to break. Due to the fact that a special laminated protective coating is applied to the screen, the structure will maintain its integrity even in case of damage. The surface can be easily cleaned with simple detergents, without affecting the appearance of the product.
The mirror screen will just perfectly fit into the interior of any room and easily give it a finished appearance
The edges of the screen are durable and safe for future use. Glass screens maximize heat dissipation without hindering convection. The surface of the product is resistant to mechanical damage, which allows you to keep the original appearance of the screen for a long time.
Helpful advice! When choosing glass screens, it is recommended to give preference to products made of triplex, which have increased strength and safety.
Glass products, which are made using a special bending technology, can be of different shapes, colors and transparency. There are models with LED backlighting. This design is an unusual and sophisticated decoration of the interior, which is clearly displayed by photos of screens on heating batteries. The price of the product depends on the size and thickness of the glass, the installation option and the method of drawing. So the cost of 1 sq. m. of transparent screen will be from 8.5 thousand rubles, color and matte - from 11.5 thousand rubles, with a picture - from 13.5 thousand rubles.
Helpful advice! On an individual order, you can make an image on the screen in the form of your own portrait.
Glass screens are one of the best options for achieving environmental friendliness and safety, but their price is an order of magnitude higher
Glass screens can be wall-mounted or have a special stand. Acrylic screens are especially popular today, which, due to their low weight, can be hung on a heating radiator.Despite the fact that this is a budget option for glass screens, acrylic glass is characterized by high performance.
Grilles for radiators made of MDF
Many people want to have solid, presentable and environmentally friendly wooden lattices in their home, but the price of the product is very biting. In this case, you should give preference to decorative screens for MDF batteries, which are included in the category of budget designs. You can buy a lattice for an average of 1000-1200 rubles. However, not all products are made from MDF. The frame is mainly made of this material, and the insert can be made of metal or wood, which affects the heat transfer of the screen. The more holes in the insert, the higher this indicator will be.
The screen for a heating radiator made of MDF is made of perforated panels, which are framed by a frame made of the same material.
The grille withstands temperature fluctuations, high humidity and high temperatures without visible deformation of the product. Decorative screens for a battery, photos clearly confirm this, are available in various shapes, stylistic design and colors, which makes it possible to choose a product for any interior. However, the MDF lattice is characterized by high weight, which excludes the use of hinged structures. Another disadvantage is the laboriousness of removing the system, which makes it difficult to clean the radiator.
Plastic screen for heating radiator
Plastic decorative grilles for radiators are popular among different segments of the population. This is due to the variety of the model range and democratic pricing policy. The main advantages of such products are durability, moisture resistance, resistance to corrosion, light weight and ease of maintenance. Due to the fact that the product does not deform under the influence of high humidity, plastic screens can be installed in bathrooms.
Plastic gratings have low thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. The product may deform when heated. This is especially true for budget options. In this regard, plastic screens are often made of heat-resistant, dense and durable material that can withstand temperatures of 60-80 degrees. However, this leads to significant heat losses. You can buy a screen for a battery for only 250 rubles.
Helpful advice! A plastic battery box can emit harmful substances when heated, so it is not recommended to install it in living rooms.
When choosing plastic screens for radiators, you should pay attention to its heat resistance and fusibility
Plastic screens can be installed in non-residential office premises. For more efficient heat transfer, it is recommended to choose products in which the grille strips are inclined. Another disadvantage of screens, especially for products in light colors, is the yellowing of the material.
Making a screen for a heating battery with your own hands
With their own hands, the screen for the battery is mainly made from chipboard or MDF sheets. For the front panel, choose a metal mesh of any configuration. Also, for installation, you will need sheet metal to create a reflective element, fasteners in the form of construction brackets and screws, wood glue and nails.
Before making a screen for a heating radiator, you need to take measurements
The first step is to measure the dimensions of the radiator. 10 cm is added to the obtained value of the width, and 5 cm to the height. These data are parameters for the future front panel of the screen. To obtain the width of the side parts made of MDF, it is necessary to add 2.5 cm to the depth of the radiator, and the length of the products will be equal to the height of the front panel. The top of the screen should be 1-2 cm larger than the side panels.
Helpful advice! For good heat transfer, the top of the box must have holes.
Based on the data obtained, rectangular products are cut from MDF or chipboard. An angle of 90 degrees is formed at the points of contact of the parts. Openings for pipes should be provided in the side faces. The front part in the form of a metal mesh is decorated with chipboard edges along the entire perimeter of the structure from the inner sides of the front corners.
Decorative grilles can be made independently by choosing a material and a color suitable for curtains and wallpaper
The next step is the assembly of the structure. A reflector screen is installed at the rear wall, the dimensions of which correspond to the dimensions of the decorative screen. It serves to prevent heat loss and redirect the infrared flux from the battery into the room. Fastening of all frame elements is carried out using special glue.
The decorative screen can be attached to the wall using anchor grips or attached to the radiator. For the second option, special legs should be provided in the lower part of the structure, which are attached with construction corners. This method not only creates a mobile structure that can be moved aside when cleaning, but also allows you to adjust the height of the screen relative to the radiator.
It is quite possible to make a screen for a radiator that not only does not worsen heating, but also improves it.
Thanks to a wide range of decorative grilles for heating radiators, you can choose the most suitable option, which will not only become an ideal addition to the interior, but also decorate the battery and become reliable protection against possible injuries. Also, when choosing a product, one should be guided not only by aesthetic considerations, but also give preference to a design that should not degrade the heating characteristics of the device.
