How to install a screen for a heating radiator step by step. DIY screen for a heating battery
Batteries are not always pleasing with their appearance. Some models make you want to hide them. One of the solutions to the problem is grilles for heating radiators. There are a lot of options, for different budgets, in different types and styles.
A little about heat engineering and radiator grilles
Even if you need radiator grilles for decoration, do not forget that the radiators must heat the room. Any screen reduces heat transfer, even the most delicate and delicate one. Another question is that one will reduce the amount of heat transferred by 10-15%, and the other by 60% or even more. It is unlikely that you will want to sit in a beautiful but cold room, so when choosing a decorative grille you need to take into account how the heat will spread.
Heat Spread
The principle of heat transfer from a heating radiator without a grille is shown in the figure. The main idea is that air should come from below, pass along the battery, heat up, and go up. This is how our heating works. When choosing a grille or screen, you need to remember this. For normal air circulation, it is necessary that there is a gap at the bottom and no lid at the top. As a last resort, the lid should have a large perforation 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 especially affects grilles on heating radiators in the form of a box, which have walls on all sides. If they are very lacy, as in the photo above, there is no particular problem, but if they are made of solid wood (as in the photo below), with almost no or minimal perforations, be prepared for heating inefficiency.
The top of the battery is covered with a solid layer of wood without holes
Wood is, of course, 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 grille will be hot, but the room will be cold.
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).
The most common form, and the design can be anything
- 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.
The forging is very beautiful
- 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.
Wood always looks solid
- 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.
Openwork decorative grilles for batteries are usually made from MDF and HDF
- 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.
Plastic washes well, is durable and unpretentious
- 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.
Screen for glass radiators
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.
Types and forms
In addition to different materials, radiator grilles come in different designs. All this together creates a huge number of options.
- Flat screens. Most often used if the radiator is installed in a niche. In this case, the flat panel is attached to bars fixed around the perimeter of the niche. In addition, glass screens for batteries also have this shape, but are attached to special pins embedded in the wall. This type of decorative grille for heating radiators is also called “facades”.
Flat screens are installed if the radiator is hidden in a niche
- Hanging screens. There are two types:
- With top cover. They are usually used on accordion-type batteries if the radiator protrudes beyond the window sill. The shape of the cover is made so that the grille holds onto the radiator without any problems.
- Without cover. Clings to the upper battery collector using hooks that are attached to the front panel.
Hanging grilles
- Grate-box. From a heating point of view, this is far from the best option, since air circulation is difficult. Install if you need to cover the side parts of the radiator. These grilles can be made in the form of some kind of piece of furniture, most often a chest of drawers or a cabinet. If they can stand on their own, without support (like the photo below), they are also called attached. There are also boxes that require fixing to the wall - they do not have legs. For better heat dissipation, a 3-5 cm wide gap is made under the lid and above the floor in the grille box. It is also a good idea to make a hole in the top lid.
Attached grille-box for radiator
These are only the main types of screens and grilles covering heating radiators. Fantasy is limitless, there are very interesting models, but they are most often made by craftsmen with their own hands.
Homemade screen - an original idea
Price often plays an important role when choosing a screen for a radiator. The price range in this segment is more than significant - from 230 rubles for a metal hinged screen to 8,000 rubles for a glass one. Some prices are shown in the table.
| Radiator grille material | View of the grille on the heating radiator | Dimensions (height*width*depth) | Price | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 cm * 29 cm * 15 cm | 230 rub. | White | ||
| Sheet metal, thickness 0.7-0.8 mm | 44 cm * 39 cm * 15 cm | 250 rub. | White | |
| Sheet metal, thickness 0.7-0.8 mm | Hinged screen for a cast iron battery | 61 cm * 49 cm * 15 cm | 280 rub. | White |
| Sheet metal, thickness 0.7-0.8 mm | Hinged screen for steel radiator | 53 cm * 49 cm * 10 cm | 350 rub. | Beige |
| MDF | Facade (flat screen) | from 1500 rub | 7 shades of lamination | |
| MDF | Box | from 2300 rub | 7 shades of lamination | |
| Glass | Screen | from 8000 rub | matte, no pattern | |
| Powder coated metal | Wall mounted with one side | 60 cm * 40 cm * 15 cm | 1790 RUR | colors upon request |
| Powder coated metal | Wall mounted with one side | 70 cm * 60 cm * 15 cm | 2050 rub. | colors upon request |
| Powder coated metal | Wall mounted with two walls | 60 cm * 40 cm * 15 cm | 2340 rub. | colors upon request |
| Powder coated metal | Wall mounted with two walls | 70 cm * 60 cm * 15 cm | 2600 rub. | colors upon request |
| Natural wood | Pristavnoy | from 6200 rub. |
Mounting features
Grilles on heating radiators must be mounted in such a way that you can easily and quickly access heating appliances and pipes. Periodically, at least twice a year, the heating system elements must be cleaned of dirt and dust, so access is necessary. In addition, emergencies arise from time to time. In this case, a quick reaction is required and there is no time to unscrew the fasteners. Therefore, try to come up with a fastening system that allows you to remove the screen in one motion.
The easiest way is with mounted or attached screens. They are removed/retracted in seconds. But flat, covering radiators in niches and box screens that are attached to the wall are the most problematic. But even here everything is solved simply. You can secure the box to the wall using two strips: one on the box, the second on the wall. The whole secret is that the top edge of the planks is beveled (you can see it in the picture). The one that is nailed to the wall has a slope towards the wall, the one on the frame has a slope towards the grating. When the box is installed in place, it turns out something like a lock.
How to fix a screen box for a heating radiator on the wall
Another option is to attach metal plates to one of the strips and magnets to the other. Or attach not a wooden plank to the wall, but a metal corner, for example.
In the case of flat screens, the solution may be the same - metal plates and magnets. Another option is hooks and loops. It is easy to implement, but not very convenient to use: while you get into loops, you have to suffer. There is also a difficult-to-install but convenient way: make a screen like a sliding door.
Sliding screens for radiators
You can take the guides that are sold for furniture doors, install them, and insert the screens into the corresponding grooves. If you do not plan to actively use the niche near the battery, you can not install roller mechanisms, but it will be difficult to move them away. This method, by the way, can also be used for the box lattice. It can then be nailed “tightly” to the wall, and the front wall can be made movable.
Interesting design options for battery screens: photo ideas
In addition to the technical side of the issue, the aesthetic side is no less important. There are grille and screen options that are more of a design element rather than a technical detail. Some of them are in the photo.
The decorative panel that covers the radiator itself looks like the work of an avant-garde sculptor
Looks like a chest from a fairy tale. This is made using laser cutting
Openwork always looks attractive
Option for designing grilles for heating radiators in a modern style
Making a backlight is an original idea
Repeat the pattern on the wallpaper - a stylish solution
Make not just an attached box, but a functional thing
Glass screens can have any design, be it a landscape, an ornament, even your personal photo
A stylish version of a metal screen for rooms in minimalist and high-tech styles
Modern rules for the design of premises, as well as growing safety requirements, recommend limiting access to heating devices or at least partially blocking them.
Therefore, various types of screens have been developed, including those made of metal, which can be used both as decoration and as protection from accidental contact with them. In addition, they can be used to decorate other elements of the heating system, as well as to partially disguise some undesirable details in the room.
Metal battery screens feature a complete, ready-to-install design that fits most product sizes. The industry offers models for heating devices not only of the new type, but also of the old one, made of cast iron, steel and aluminum. Their price depends on the size and type of product.
Where to use them
When decorating or finishing a room, a situation may often arise when the installed old heating devices do not fit into the new interior and spoil it with their appearance. In this case, their complete or partial replacement will be quite expensive, so metal screens have been developed to hide the unaesthetic nature of such products.
With their help, it is possible to block the view of the front surface of the radiator, top and end surfaces. However, there are also designs that allow the creation of single extended ceilings along walls consisting of several, which allows them to be used as an independent decorative element.
Why was it decided to use a fence for batteries? This is due to the very high temperature of the coolants in heating devices, which can be especially dangerous in kindergartens, administrative and educational buildings, and medical offices. In this case, designed metal screens for radiators are mandatory to prevent accidental contact with their hot surface.
Their special application can be found in rooms where there are complex entries of highways, openings and niches, ventilation ducts and other similar elements.
Metal screens of the following designs completely or partially cover such areas:
- in the form of a flat panel;
- with an upper open or blind plane;
- with side and top planes;
- in the form of a box. (See also article.)
Tip: you can use them in individual structures and installations that require closing holes and passages to ensure air circulation.
Kinds
Metal screens for heating devices are made with:
- various structural elements;
- additional structures of various types;
- full or partial overlap in planes;
- different design of the front surface.
It won't be difficult to install them yourself.
Design differences
- Fastening system and lattice part:
In the photo - types of screens for heating devices
- The presence of top and end planes, with or without their own mesh inserts:
- the first can be made in a removable design or made from the same sheet as the front panel;
- the latter are made taking into account the supplied pipelines and may have ready-made places for them or prepared holes that are easy to make.
Some models allow you to connect multiple faceplates into a single structure using end plate fasteners. In this case, it is possible to produce a metal screen for radiators of large or non-standard length.
Tip: using prefabricated structures, you can install products along the entire wall so that they immediately cover the radiators and the pipelines connected to them.
Product Features
Screens for metal radiators, although simple in design, have several mandatory characteristics. Thanks to this, it is possible to install them on heating radiators and operate them for a long time without changing parameters.
Let's take a closer look at these characteristics:
- standard size– selected according to the size of the heating device being designed;
- strength– ensures the preservation of geometry and position after a slight mechanical load;
- heat resistance of the coating– its properties and color should not change under the influence of high temperature;
- required grid capacity– after using a metal screen, the instructions require that the air circulation near the radiator not decrease;
- possibility of quick dismantling of the entire structure or its individual parts during repair and maintenance work.
Conclusion
Metal screens for heating radiators are a simple universal product that allows you to eliminate most undesirable situations. With their help, it is possible not only to disguise some sections of the walls, but also to protect people from accidentally touching the hot elements of the heating system.
Currently, such designs are used in many rooms, which indicates their simplicity and accessibility. The video in the article will help you find additional information on this topic.
The interior of heating radiators is no less significant than the interior of a sliding wardrobe in the hallway. A decorative screen made in your own design is not only a successful camouflage, but also an additional heated surface. If you properly fix the decorative screen and place it in a niche, you can ennoble your living space. And if you install a stylish screen made of opaque glass, you can imagine how a boring heating device will change.
How to improve an ancient battery
When making renovations in an apartment or private house with your own hands, you always want it to be warm and beautiful. But abandoned old-fashioned and clumsy cast-iron radiators, to put it mildly, do not always fit into the updated, interesting interior.
What can be done to improve the appearance of the heating device? These can be decorative screens that serve as an element of decoration and allow the flow of heat from the radiator to pass through well.
Naturally, the necessary conditions for choosing a material for a radiator grille or screen should be its decent thermal conductivity properties and attractive appearance.
Otherwise, why even organize this masquerade? Let us remind you that materials that provide better thermal conductivity from heating radiators are: metal, wood, plastic and glass.
What types of screens are there for heating radiators?
Today, for the decorative design of heating radiators, you can choose the following types of screens:
Protective screen-box
Flat panel with niche
Hanging screen.
screen-box
A simple and optimal solution for covering heating radiators is a protective screen-box. The protective box is used if necessary to close direct access to the heating device. A screen for radiators of this type can be compared to a beautifully designed cabinet installed along the wall.
It is not difficult to build such a device. The protective screen-box can have a stationary structure, tightly fixed to the wall, or a movable version. A prerequisite for installing a box screen is the possibility of direct access to the radiator shut-off valves.
For box screens, it is better to give preference to carpentry, which can better hide heating radiators.
It is desirable that the front side of the heating device have a solid surface. Gratings made of wooden slats or rattan meshes, providing access and convection of heated air flows, are the most acceptable solution.
In addition, the originality of the design allows you to use such boxes in the form of additional shelves or tabletops.
fastening the screen box
The box is fastened in the traditional way: the box is first assembled, and then it is installed in place and attached to the wall using corners and self-tapping screws.
However, box screens made of wood-look panels with openwork grilles are no longer fashionable. However, inexpensive metal mesh screens are also not an original option. As a result, you will get a blank rectangular metal box for accumulating dust, which will rattle when accidentally hit by any object. An outdated and boring way to improve the battery is being successfully replaced by panels and hanging screens.
screen panel in niche
Decorative screens for flat-shaped heating radiators exaggeratedly represent a frame with a filled internal space. Screen grilles are made from various materials: metal and plastic. I install flat panels on the battery for heating devices located in niches. The most correct solution would be to create a combination of a false wall and an open niche.
This type of screen can lead to inevitable heat loss, but if the room has an area of less than 20 square meters, then installing a false wall with a radiator is acceptable. Naturally, the outer part of the screen should have the maximum number of perforations for air passage.
The optimal solution for the panel screen is a niche along the width of the window. In this case, the screen should reach almost to the level of the window sill.
This will create an overall vertical solution and layout. It should be remembered that gaps for the passage of warm air must be located at the window sill and the floor.
There are several types of fastening screens for radiators: fastening with self-tapping screws to the guides, assembling the structure with stops and a top panel. In this case, a special mounting recess is made in the top panel, with which the screen is placed when installed on the radiator.
flat screen mount
The mounting of the screen must be coordinated with the overall construction of the niche and false wall. This method is labor-intensive and requires accurate calculations. It must be remembered that heating radiators should not protrude beyond the boundaries and limits of the created plasterboard niche.
The video will show you how to build a niche out of plasterboard to disguise the battery.
hanging screens
A mobile and simple option for decorating a battery is hanging screens. Hinged screens can be made with or without a cover. Hanging screens with a lid are preferable to use for radiators protruding from under the window sill or the plane of the walls.
Screens without a cover are designed for devices located under the window sill in a shallow niche.
Opaque tempered glass can confidently be called an excellent material for decorating a heating radiator.
Installation of decorative glass screens
For screens, it is preferable to use tempered glass with a thickness of up to 8 mm, dimensions 2300x1000 mm. The screens are fastened to the wall using point-mounted remote holders with remote control.
The length of the remote holders (from 20 to 30 cm) allows you to install the screen on cast iron and aluminum radiators.
If necessary, the separation from the wall is adjusted using special hinged distance holders. A plug is placed on the front part of the holder, either on the same plane as the glass or slightly protruding.
Spacer holders can be used on concrete, natural stone and solid brick.
The type of fastening of glass screens can be open or closed, withstanding a maximum load of up to 20 kg.
In this case, the placement of the fastening can be positioned relative to the elements of the existing interior. In addition, a decorative glass screen has an excellent appearance, the advantages of which can only be dreamed of.
Heated air is removed from all sides naturally, bypassing any obstacles.
So maybe it makes sense to make your dream come true?
To hide the ribs of the heating radiators, a screen is installed on them. This design makes the room holistic, but becomes to some extent a barrier to warm air. There are several ways to install a protective screen, using which you can make any room more beautiful and comfortable.
Screen installation rules
- the protective screen for the battery should have as many holes as possible so that warm air can freely escape;
- On the back of the battery, reflective material (foil or isolon) is attached to the wall.
Ideally, you need to install the screen on the battery yourself so that it can be easily removed. This will allow you to wipe away dust, and in case of heating problems, solve them quickly. The screen should be located at some distance from the radiator (2–3 cm) so that air can circulate freely. Only materials that can withstand prolonged heating are used. They should not melt, emit an unpleasant odor or harmful fumes.
Material selection
The battery screen is made of plastic, metal and wood materials. You can also find exclusive glass grilles on sale, but you are unlikely to be able to build one with your own hands. The most affordable in the case of self-production is plywood or chipboard. Laminated chipboard (LDSP) and MDF are also used. It is useful to look at each material separately.
It is not advisable to use plastic as a screen in a room where people are constantly present. When heated, it releases toxic fumes. Over time, it may warp if it is chosen incorrectly, or change color, become covered with stains and streaks.
Metal is the strongest and most durable material. The gratings are made of thin sheet steel and painted with metal paint. It is better to do this with a spray bottle so that the paint goes on evenly, without streaks. This manufacturing method is suitable for those who know how to weld, bend, cut, and drill metal.
Solid wood is not used often. But still, skilled craftsmen can make slats out of it, connecting them into an elegant screen. The wooden planks should be located at a certain distance from each other; you can overlap them, but only at an angle so that there are gaps. Do not forget that wood insulates heat well and can interfere with heat transfer from the surface of radiators.
MDF is easy to process and environmentally friendly. It’s not at all difficult to make a screen for the battery with your own hands. The same can be said about plywood.
Often, a screen is assembled from inexpensive laminated chipboard panels of class E1 (the safest). In this case, the edges of the parts are trimmed with adhesive edging tape and heated with an iron.
The frame can be filled with wicker rattan, perforated wood board, or various types of mesh. Screens are assembled from thin slats and figured or straight balusters.
Device and fastening
To understand how the screen is attached to the battery, you need to remember the following. Heating radiators are made recessed into the wall or protruding. In the second option, modern apartments and houses use plasterboard sheathing, leveling the walls and hiding everything unnecessary, including batteries. But if the area of the room is already small, it is not advisable to hide it with a frame structure.
Thus, depending on the location of the batteries relative to the walls, there are several options for the device and mounting of the screen:
- flat grille if the battery is located in a niche;
- installation of the frame on the floor on legs;
- hanging on corners or hooks (removable hanging option);
- retention using pipes and additional fastening.
The easiest way to make the front panel is with latches. Then with one movement of the hand it can be put on and taken off. Another option is screwing with self-tapping screws.
Necessary accessories for work
To make a screen from laminated chipboard you will need a hacksaw or jigsaw, a pencil and a tape measure, a metal corner and a screw, a drill, a screwdriver. The corners are used the same as for shelves or wall cabinets. They can be purchased at any furniture or construction store. Anchor bolts for hanging the frame or dowels with hooks are also used. The hooks are very convenient for hanging the screen frame.
There are several options for making the front panel. The simplest of them is to buy a ready-made decorative perforated panel. Grilles come in standard sizes and to order. The patterns also differ, so there is always the opportunity to purchase the most suitable item. In case of color mismatch, it can be easily painted.
Note! If you have the skills to work with a jigsaw, then you can cut the decorative panel yourself from a plywood sheet.
You can assemble the frame and attach the side, front and top walls to it (there is no need for the bottom). Or twist all the elements directly together without a frame structure.
Sequence of work
The first thing you need to do is take measurements. Using a tape measure or a centimeter, measure the battery, make a drawing on a piece of paper with notes - the length, width and depth of the screen. Depth is the distance from the wall to the location of the front panel. The structure should not stand close to the battery, so leave small indentations of 1–2 cm.
In accordance with the measurements, the elements of the box or screen frame are cut out. Holes for the exit of heated air can be made in the upper part and even in the sides, which will improve heat transfer.
Note! You can connect the parts with self-tapping screws, corners or glue - as you prefer.
Then you need to attach the screen to the wall and mark where you will drill holes for dowels with hooks for hanging (or corners with screws). The locations of the pipes are also marked on the sides of the frame in order to cut out the excess.
After installing the hanging elements, hang the screen and attach the front panel. Sometimes slats are glued or nailed along the perimeter with decorative nails. This creates a beautiful frame.
And further! Don't forget to stick reflective foil on the wall behind the radiator. Its size is selected so that the ends do not peek out from behind the screen.
If you don’t like the color of the material from which the screen is made, you can cover it with self-adhesive wallpaper or paint it.
How to make a wicker screen
An interesting option is to weave a screen with your own hands from furniture edges. This edge is a dense tape. It is used for finishing the ends of furniture, protecting it from getting wet and delaminating. To determine the length of the material, you need to divide the area to be woven by the width of the ribbon and multiply the result by 1.3. These are approximate calculations, but given that the edge is inexpensive, you can take it with a reserve.
The screen body will consist of laminated chipboard sides, fastened with corners. The edges must be covered with the same tape from which the lattice is woven.
The woven screen must be attached to the sidewalls with a stapler or 8 mm decorative nails. Small nails are convenient to hold with surgical tweezers. At first, they are not hammered in completely, so that if necessary, they can be pulled out with pliers and the position can be straightened.
The ribbon is woven either in diamonds (squares) of equal width or in a fan pattern. You can come up with weaving options yourself if you have imagination. But even the simplest criss-cross weave looks very good.
Note! To give the woven screen toughness, it is heated with an iron at a temperature of 150 ℃ on the front side.
This softens the glue, and the tapes are firmly connected to each other. The remainder of the tape is cut off with a sharp knife, and the protruding corners are sanded with sandpaper.
The screen can be easily hung on metal corners that have holes for screws. These screws are threaded through pre-drilled holes in the frame and tightened. Instead of holes, a sample is also made. The screw fits into it even more easily than into the hole, clamping tightly and securely fixing the screen. To drill the wall and secure the corner, you will need a drill.
Since there is always a thin pipe on one side of the battery, the frame can be easily fixed to it. To do this, you need to make a sample of laminated chipboard according to the size of the pipe or a little larger. The exact position of the sample will be shown by measurements and location relative to the wall. The same fastening can be arranged below. The result will be a beautiful screen that will be difficult to distinguish from a store-bought one. And the price will be three times cheaper.
The climate of our country does not allow us to refuse, and therefore from devices that one way or another need to fit into the interior while maintaining their functionality. There are innovators and lovers of experiments who free the walls from heating, replacing them with a system. People of a conservative mindset or residents of apartment buildings choose the aesthetic and sometimes elegant appearance of modern equipment or install a decorative screen on a heating radiator. Today’s material, selected by the site’s editors, will talk about the types of decorative screens and give advice on their installation and operation.
Read in the article
Why do you need a screen for a heating radiator?
The structure that is installed on performs the following functions:
- Protective. A heating radiator is, first of all, a technical device and it has protruding sharp elements, taps, and valves. In addition to this, batteries sometimes become quite hot and can cause thermal injury if accidentally touched. In a family with small children, such a screen on the radiator is necessary to ensure safety;
- Decorative. The radiator will not look organic and natural in every interior, and it is not always possible to hide it behind long hair. In this case, the screen will become a real godsend. If you choose the right product or make it to order, you can emphasize the chosen style solution, while hiding the battery;
- . The cutouts and holes located in a special way, as well as the material of manufacture, affect the improvement of convection of the radiator. Thus, a metal structure installed directly on the battery increases the heating area;
- Hygienic. Hard-to-reach cavities in the radiator structure are places where dust, small debris, and pet hair accumulate. To remove dirt you have to spend a lot of time and effort and use additional devices. The screen will solve this issue once and for all - it looks neat, you just need to clean it, perform simple manipulations, and the battery itself will be protected from contamination.
What are radiator grilles made of?
There are different versions of protective screens. They may differ in the appearance of the structure, the material of manufacture, and the method of fastening. For the manufacture of modern decorative screens for heating, the following materials are used:
- Aluminum, steel, bronze, copper;
- Valuable species of natural wood;
- and HDF panels;
- Tempered glass;
The screen material must meet certain requirements. So, if it contains polymers, then when heated there should be no release of harmful substances.
Wood and metal
Decorative screens made of natural wood of valuable species can often be found in interiors made in classical styles. They are tinted, painted, and covered with enamel. Such products are characterized by reliability, durability and aesthetic appearance. Natural wood is universal; it combines organically with many finishing materials. It is plastic and in the hands of a craftsman turns into a work of art with carved fragments.
Important! Wood is sensitive to temperature changes and changes in humidity in the room, therefore, to produce a high-quality product with a long service life, it is necessary to carefully select raw materials that must be strong and elastic, properly dried and treated with protective compounds.
Metal is one of the most common materials for the manufacture of radiator grilles, which have the following features:
- The color of the product is usually matched to the heating device or interior;
- Modern products are varied in appearance - these can be expensive forged grilles with numerous decorative details or laconic hanging screens with perforations;
- The metal has excellent thermal conductivity and increases the heat transfer area several times;
- It is easy to remove dirt from a metal surface with a damp sponge or by removing it altogether to wash it;
- The material has an unlimited service life with proper care;
- The metal does not deform due to temperature changes.
Some models are quite heavy.
Plastic and glass
Glass products look light and elegant. They can be made entirely of glass or combined with other materials. They cost noticeably more, but they also look presentable and stylish. The front side of such a screen is decorated in all possible ways - by applying an image, tinting, the glass can be transparent or frosted. The most durable and safest products are those with glass thickness of 8 mm.
Plastic screens must be made of durable and harmless PVC. When heated, it does not emit toxic substances and does not deform. Therefore, during the purchasing process, it is necessary to make sure that the seller has a quality certificate for the product offered. Plastic has properties that make it possible to produce models of non-standard shapes and colors. In addition, the PVC surface can imitate many finishing materials, while the cost of the products is several times lower. Plastic is easy to care for; it is not afraid of moisture or mechanical stress. However, it must be washed without using abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the glossy surface.
MDF and HDF
Budget models include radiators made from HDF boards that imitate the natural pattern of natural wood. They have an aesthetic appearance, are not subject to deformation due to temperature changes and are not afraid of moisture. Products vary in shape and shades; they can contrast or match the color scheme of the interior. MDF and HDF boards are often used as a base for wooden products, reducing their cost.
Related article:
In this article we will look at what MDF board is, how and where it is used. Standards for sheet sizes and thickness, approximate cost and secrets of proper installation of wall panels.
Types of radiator grilles for radiators
There are several types of radiator grille designs and methods and fastenings. For example, the shape of lightweight thin-walled screens allows them to be fixed by placing them on top of the radiator. Massive wooden structures are fixed to the floor and walls, and access to the equipment becomes possible thanks to the installation of opening hinged or sliding grilles.
A comment
Leading engineer for heating, ventilation and air conditioning LLC "GK "Spetsstroy"
Ask a Question“In a child’s room, the radiator screen should be firmly fixed to the wall so that the child cannot move or remove it.”
Flat and hanging decorative screens for batteries
If the heating is located in a niche, which was initially provided for by the design features of the room or created using plasterboard, then flat decorative screens or “facades” are used. To do this, bars are fixed around the perimeter of the niche, and the screen itself is mounted to them. This category includes glass models, which are mounted on pins embedded in the wall.
Mounted models without a cover are used as a screen for an accordion-type cast iron battery. If it is necessary to hide the part of the battery protruding from under, then use a screen with a top cover.
Grille-box for heating radiator
The box grille impedes air circulation, so it is not the best choice in terms of heating. It covers the radiator on all sides. Externally, such a model may resemble a chest of drawers or a cabinet. They can be attached or fixed to the wall.
Features of fastening decorative radiator grilles
The fastening of 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 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, attached and mounted structures are most convenient, but with flat ones and those that are rigidly attached to the wall, difficulties may arise. The process of removing the box will be facilitated by the locking method of fastening it using 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 hanging metal screen.
| Illustration | Description |
 | To order a product with the correct parameters, you must take a responsible approach to taking measurements. |
 | Using a tape measure, you need 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. |
 | Once the screen has been made or purchased from a store, you can begin installing it. Using a level, we apply markings - the line on which they will be located. |
 | Use a tape measure to mark the location for fastening. |
 | With a pencil on the line we mark the places for. |
 | We drill holes. |
 | We insert the dowels into 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. |
 | The installation is complete. |
The video will show you how to install a flat screen:
The nuances of making a screen for a heating battery with your own hands
You can make the screen yourself. Below we will talk about the quick and easy installation of a plasterboard box for a flat screen.
| Illustration | Description |
 | Before proceeding with the installation of the box, it is necessary to cut 27×28 slats from the guide profile, the length corresponding to the dimensions of the future structure. |
 | The side guides are fixed to the wall. |
 | Holes are drilled in the bottom bar. |
 | On one side, the bar is inserted into the profile. |
 | Make marks with a pencil at the holes in the floor. |
 | Drill holes |
 | The installation of the frame takes place under strict control of its parameters using a building level. |
 | Drywall is fixed on top. |
 | The excess is cut off using a construction knife. |
 | Mount the side part. |
 | Install drywall, covering the radiator. |
 | All that remains is to make a hole and fix the decorative grille. |
Where to buy metal and other types of screens for radiators - price review
An important role when choosing a screen for a battery is played by its cost - sometimes it is decisive. Prices for these products range from 230 to 8000 and above, depending on the material of manufacture. The table shows the average cost for some types of decorative screens.
| Material of manufacture | Variety | Dimensions (height x width x depth, cm) | Average cost (as of April 2018), rub. |
| Sheet metal | 27 x 29 x 15 | 230 | |
| Sheet metal | 44 x 39 x 15 | 250 | |
| Sheet metal | Hinged screen for cast iron battery | 61 x 49 x 15 | 280 |
| Sheet metal | Hinged steel radiator screen | 53 x 49 x 10 | 350 |
| 70 x 70 x 10 | 1400 | ||
| Screen - box | 60 x 60 x 10 | 2200 | |
| Glass | 60 x 150 x 10 | 8500 | |
| Mounted (one side) | 60 x 40 x 15 | 1800 | |
| Powder coated metal | Mounted (one side) | 70 x 60 x 15 | 2000 |
| Powder coated metal | Wall mounted (two walls) | 60 x 40 x 15 | 2350 |
| Powder coated metal | Wall mounted (two walls) | 70 x 60 x 15 | 2500 |
| Natural wood | Pristavnoy | 60 x 150 x 15 | 6000 |
Article