Do you need screens for radiators? Alas, many do not even think about the possibilities of these heat supply components. With the right approach to the configuration of the system, the grilles can not only improve the appearance, but also indirectly affect the heat supply parameters. Therefore, experts recommend understanding the features of decorative screens for batteries and heating radiators.
Purpose of decorative screens
The main task, which is successfully performed by protective screens for heating batteries, is to adapt the heat supply in the interior of the room. Often, the appearance of radiators does not suit the owners of a house or apartment. In this case, the only way out is a hinged screen for the heating battery.
However, in addition to this function, decorative elements perform a number of others, no less important. A feature of the design of modern batteries is a complex configuration that provides optimal circulation of hot air.
But this complicates the cleaning process - it is difficult to remove dust from their surface. In this case, the protective screens for heating radiators will take on the main load. Removing dirt from their surface is much easier than from batteries
In addition to these important features of operation, it should be noted such functional qualities that a hinged screen on a heating radiator fully possesses:
- Protection from burns and injuries... The surface of the battery can be heated up to + 80 ° C. On contact with it, burns may appear on open skin areas;
- Increased convection of hot air. Even the simplest screen on a cast-iron radiator will improve the distribution of hot streams. But for this, there must be cracks in its structure through which air passes;
- Improving appearance without replacing old radiators... Installed screens for wood heating batteries will help hide obvious flaws - the appearance of smudges, rusting spots, etc. It is important that they do not further affect the performance of the radiator.
One of the conditions for the operation of protective screens for heating batteries is the absence of influence on the parameters of the system. Those. they must have a sufficiently high thermal conductivity, but at the same time their surface cannot be very hot. Therefore, all screens for heating batteries are made to order with special mounting elements that prevent full contact of the structure with the battery.
Self-painting of protective screens for heating radiators should be carried out only with the use of special heat-resistant compounds. Otherwise, the original color of the structure will change, and an unpleasant odor will appear in the room.
Types of decorative screens for batteries
At the first stage, it is necessary to choose the right design of the protective panel. This depends on the degree of coverage required for the surface of the battery or radiator. In most cases, the installation of glass screens for radiators is carried out only from the front.
The main indicator is the required appearance of the screen. It should be in harmony with all elements of the room. But at the same time, the functional properties of the heat supply cannot be affected. That is why custom-made screens for radiators are often installed.The configuration of the structure is preliminarily agreed, its materials of manufacture and operational properties are determined. The same applies to screens for self-made heating batteries.
In addition to these factors, the form of the structure is taken into account. It can completely or partially cover the battery:
- Hinged protective screen for heating radiators without cover... They are designed for installation on cast iron radiators. Installation on steel structures is also possible;
- Hinged with lid... It is used if the hinged screen on the heat supply radiator must partially hide the upper part of the battery protruding from the window sill;
- Box... It is simply attached to the heating element without rigid attachment. Such designs are characteristic of wood or MDF radiator screens. They are distinguished by the possibility of quick dismantling;
- Flat screens... They are installed in wall niches - under window structures. Best of all, glass screens for heating batteries have proven themselves from an aesthetic and practical point of view.
After choosing a configuration, it is necessary to think over how to install the structure. One of the conditions for the operation of protective panels for radiators is the possibility of quick dismantling. Therefore, most often they use hinged models that are installed directly on the battery. Rigid wall mounting is another mounting method. However, this should ensure full access to all elements of the radiator.
The installation of hinged screens on heating batteries is one of the methods of protection when arranging heat supply in public buildings - schools, hospitals. It is also obligatory to install them in sports complexes and halls.
Materials for making decorative screens
Often they tend to purchase ready-made decorative elements. Self-fabrication of a hinged screen for a heating battery is a laborious process that requires special tools and materials. Therefore, before buying, you need to understand the types of decorative heating components and determine their features.
The choice is determined by the configuration of the heating batteries. Not all models of screens on a cast-iron radiator can be installed on bimetallic or aluminum radiators. Then you should measure the height and width of the structure.
The dimensions of the decorative element should be 3-5 mm larger than the received dimensions. But at the same time, after installing the hinged screen on the heating radiator, access to the thermostat, shut-off valves and Mayevsky's tap is retained.
An important point is the choice of material of manufacture. Screens for MDF radiators look very good in almost any interior. But they can suffer from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Consider the main types of materials for the manufacture of decorative panels:
- Metallic... It is currently one of the most affordable types of building envelope. Do-it-yourself metal screens for heating batteries are often made. You just need to choose the right steel - it should not be afraid of corrosion. In this case, the best option would be stainless compositions or with a galvanized surface;
- Wooden... Since wood can deform with prolonged temperature exposure, they prefer to make screens for heating batteries from MDF. This also affects their value downward;
- Glass... This is the most exotic type of decorative elements. They are distinguished by their high cost, since, for safety reasons, glass screens for radiators are made of material with a large thickness - from 8 mm or more.
The defining parameter when choosing a material is the temperature mode of heating.After installation, the screen for radiators made of wood should not lose its external properties - change the configuration or shade. In the case of structures made of natural materials (MDF or wood), surface treatment with special compounds is mandatory. This fact must be taken into account when making a screen for a heating radiator with your own hands.
The use of plastic panels for decorating heating elements is not recommended. With a constant temperature drop, they can lose their appearance.
Making a decorative screen with your own hands
For self-production of a screen for a cast-iron heating battery, you should decide on its configuration and select the material of manufacture. Most often, special MDF models are used for this. This material is practical, inexpensive and has a long service life. It is the poet who most often makes MDF screens for custom-made heating batteries.
The first step is to measure the dimensions of the radiator. Height and width are measured. For a do-it-yourself heating radiator screen with side panels, it is necessary to determine the depth of the structure. Then 10 cm in width and 5 cm in height are added to the obtained data. The depth of the future panel directly depends on the installation of the radiator. As a result, you can determine the dimensions of the future structure.
The simplest method of self-manufacturing of a screen for radiators is the production of a frame part, on which a metal decorative mesh will be installed. To do this, you will need to purchase MDF, mesh and decorative strips for finishing the panel surface.
Stages of making a screen for heating batteries from MDF:
- According to the drawn structure drawing, blanks are made. Holes for pipes are cut on the side panels. The presence of a thermostat is also taken into account.
- Installation of a steel mesh on the front of the screen.
- You can use wooden blocks to connect the front, side and top panels. Fastening is done with nails and special heat-resistant glue.
- The fixing points of the panels are hidden by means of decorative strips.
The manufactured model is not necessarily rigidly attached to the wall. Most often, it is simply attached to the battery, and, if necessary, can be quickly removed.
If none of the types of screens are suitable for the interior of the room, you can consider purchasing a decorative radiator. But such models are distinguished not only by their unique appearance, but also by their high cost.
In the video, you can get acquainted with the technology of manufacturing wooden screens for batteries:
