Glass, wood or steel: what are radiator screens made of?
Many homeowners want to arrange their homes so that they the appearance was as attractive as possible.
The solution to this problem is to use screens for radiators, which allow disguise heating network devicesFor example, old cast iron radiators, the appearance of which does not correspond to the trends of modern interior design.
Types of masking elements for heating batteries
The screen for the heating device performs decorative and protective function. With its help, you can cover both unsightly heating system devices and sharp radiator corners that can cause injury.
Design solutions This type of device manifests itself in the following variants:
- flat screens;
- mounted gratings;
- mounted screens without lid;
- screens made in the form of a box.
The use of flat screen structures is a good option for hiding heating devices located in wall niches.
If the hanging screen has a cover, it will allow you to cover the batteries protruding from under the window sill. Often, hanging structures are made so that you can install them without any fastening. Because they are simply hung on the heating device, held on to it by their upper curved part.
Important! This option is especially convenient in the case of cleaning, since such hanging products are easily removed. They can be easily cleaned by rinsing them under running water.
Without a lid, hanging structures are usually intended for cast iron batteries. And also for those heating devices that are present under the window sill. Such a screen has special hooks that are inserted, during its installation, behind the heating device.
Photo 1. Fastening the screen in the form of a box to the heating radiator. All the main parts of the structure are labeled.
Decorative elements such as those made in the form of a box make it possible close the heating equipment completely. As a rule, manufacturers provide for the presence of holes, which are used for attaching to the wall.
Possible installation option boxes on the floor, and in that case, he has legs. On the upper part, on the sides, are located hooks, with the help of which the connection to the radiator is made. All these devices make the installation of the screen simple.
Various materials
The market offers a significant number of models of screens for radiators, differing by shape, color, material used. For the protective casing, you can order a specific, independently selected, drawing or photo. They are made in the form of gratings, solid panels, or panels with decorative slots for the flow of warm air into the room.
So if it's metal
Standard and functional option is a metal screen made in the form of a box. Usually such a structure is painted white color, but variations are possible.
Product made from perforated stainless steel looks elegant, but will cost more. Installation is simple, is done by hanging, you can do it yourself.
Advantages and disadvantages
Does not interfere with heat exchange between heating devices and the air environment of the room. Provided that the product easy to remove, his easy to clean, rinsing under water. Service life screens made of metal, quite large.
Reference. A more sophisticated, but also expensive, option includes products made by hand forgingSuch works can act as a unique interior decoration.
Manufacturing of metal screen in the form of a box it is not practical due to significant weight and increased cost.
Wooden gratings
Wood deformed under the influence of external factors. For example, under the influence of humidity, temperature changes. Therefore It is important to choose quality materialValuable wood species are also at risk, but they are less susceptible to such deformations.
Advantages and disadvantages
Forms There are quite a few of these devices diverse. Can be made and painted in different colors on one's own.
If screens are made to order, the material often used is valuable wood.. The work of the masters who work with them, is not cheaply valued. But, although this option, in terms of monetary costs, is quite expensive, the result will perfectly complement and ennoble the interior of the room.
Radiator screens made of MDF
Constructions made from this material are of various shapes and colors. They, in their appearance and quality, are able to compete with those products that are made of natural wood. Quite often, they decorated with cut-out elements, which are performed using special software machines.
Advantages and disadvantages
Price MDF products below, than from natural material. Such designs more resistant to deformation due to temperature or humidity changes than wooden ones.
Disadvantages: none.
Glass
The material used for manufacturing is tempered, stained or frosted glass. To ensure safety when using products, their edges undergo special treatment - polishing.
Photo 2. Stylish hanging glass screen for a radiator with a pattern. Fits well into the interior.
Advantages and disadvantages
Glass screens do not impair heat transfer from heating devices. The most advanced technologies are used in their manufacture. different color ratios or patterns, and the resulting works will become a wonderful decoration interior.
Disadvantages: the quality of the material, which is called fragilitySuch products are quite durable, as they are made from special tempered glass, but require careful handling.
Screen structures made of plastic
Ready-made plastic screens are available in a wide variety of shapes and colors. Such products the most affordable in price.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: low cost, moisture resistance, corrosion resistance. Such screens are usually used in industrial or administrative premises.
Flaws:
- Plastic is characterized by low thermal conductivity and the use of masking structures made from it worsen the heat transfer from the batteries.
- When heated, this material releases substances harmful to human health into the environment. If low-quality raw materials were used for production, then, when the temperature rises, the plastic begins to melt.
Advice. Use of plastic protective structures in not recommended at home.
Useful video
Check out this video to see how to cover your radiator with a homemade PVC screen.
Let's sum it up
Radiator screens are available in a variety of designs. These devices, if chosen correctly, are capable of being useful and decorative presence in the room. In order for the screens for the batteries to serve long and reliably, the homeowner will need pay attention to them, prevent damage and provide proper care.
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