Mesh on the radiator: a choice of materials and

It is difficult to say definitely what is the purpose of applying modern grids to radiators. Some people consider this a measure of protecting children from burns when they come into contact with hot metal surfaces, while others are protecting the heaters themselves from dust and dirt.

We will not assert this, probably, considering that this technique is more an element of decor, rather than protection. Moreover, it is very reminiscent of the protective screens that were exhibited in houses with fireplaces. There they were really in demand and protected the floor and the interior from burning fragments. But the market dictates its own laws.

Signs of demand

And these laws are such that the products are claimed. There is a large selection of models of these screens, differing design features and materials. All this creates a whole niche of goods called the radiator grid.

Consider their types:

1. Flat products. These are panels, which are made independently, under the order and close heating devices which are hidden in specially built, or adapted niches for them. The principle of application - as the cover in the box;
2. Mounted screens. This family has two types of representatives:

• Mounted without cover with brackets;
• Hinged with top cover or panel.

Practical observation! Initially it was assumed that the first type of screens will protect the radiator, which is in a niche, but provide access to it. In this case, the window sill covers the heating radiator from above completely. The second type is more applicable to open batteries without overlapping them with window sills. But practice mixed everything up. Buyers are more responsive to indicators of external attractiveness, size, they are also concerned about the price of these parts.

1. Grid Box. These are whole works of art, they can be made both independently and under the order, there are also industrial analogues of products for masking radiators. There is a division for this model:

• Grid for heating radiator added. This design resembles a mini bollard and simply attaches to the wall;
• Hinged products. Installing a protective mesh radiator reminds mounting bookshelf to the wall with options: hidden fasteners and open fasteners. The first fasteners are hidden by the frame of the structure, in the second version the frame is fixed by angular arcs and decorative screws.

Selection is offered based on materials.

All screens that protect the radiator, or simply decorative products are made of the following materials:

• Metal. Brass or aluminum mesh to protect the radiator or the mesh, represented by another alloy of non-ferrous metals;
• Tree These nets belong to the VIP category, they are mainly made to order and from expensive woods;
• Plastic. Option called budget;
• MDF. Sometimes it is replaced by laminated chipboard;
• Glasses. Very interesting solutions, especially for offices and apartments in high-tech style.

According to the materials more

Before choosing a screen model, let's talk about the materials in more detail. Not all materials are equally acceptable. And we have a manual.

Here she is:

1. Metal. Initially, metal mesh did not differ either in the beauty of products or in the variety of colors. These were standard hinged grilles or boxes of white or light gray color, made of thin sheet metal. Neither skills nor special skills were required for their installation. Given the pace of development of this market, the decline in demand for these screens, the developers changed not only the materials, but also advanced in design performance, although this was reflected in the price, but created a certain charm to the screens themselves, as well as increased their useful life.

Interesting information! Sheet metal, in addition to its boring color solutions, had another significant drawback - the tendency to corrosion when the thin protective layer is damaged and contact with moisture. This was the impetus for the transition to more expensive aluminum or alloys, as well as to the application of laser patterns on the surface of products.

1. Wooden lattices. We have already mentioned the style decision of products. These are really very expensive screens. It is believed that they will be decorated with interiors of expensive offices and living rooms, decorated under a tree. Especially for the manufacture of gratings, a very durable board of the type of oak or cedar is chosen, it is not surprising - the wood must withstand temperature extremes, humidity. At these influences the formation of cracks, desiccation or rotting is not allowed. Wooden screens with carvings are the highlight of the manufacturer.

Note! Although an oak carved panel may be expensive, it also has competitors. For example, a glass grid with a laser pattern can cost no less, and even more.

1. MDF. This tiled material with a laminated coating, wood simulator will not only reproduce any wood texture, it can take any exact form during processing. Woodworking machines with software for a few minutes on the MDF plate will reproduce the drawing of any complexity, and even in 3D mode.

Note! By MDF in its original characteristics is similar to laminated chipboard. It can attract consumers with its capabilities and pricing. But on the manufacture of screens it is better not to use it. Chipboard from temperature and humidity drops faster becomes useless.

1. Plastic. Simple, cheap, beautiful simulator of wood, other materials, boundless ocean of color solutions. Great, right? It turns out not quite.

Attention! The material is not desirable for use at home, in children's institutions, as well as in areas where people work for a long time. It can be used in the corridors, on the flights of stairs, and even then not everywhere. It is all about the toxicity of the material and the increase of these substances in a volatile form in the air during heating. May cause allergies, toxic asphyxiation.

1. Glass screens are competing for wood. Considering the fact that on this screen you can reproduce any picture, it automatically transfers this product from the consumer goods to the VIP category. Even taking into account the fragility of the glass and the advice not to place these nets in homes with small children do not reduce their value or attractiveness.

additional characteristics

Often the question is what to choose? The grid to protect the radiator with their own hands is done quite easily, but often it is the maximum where it is useful - to give. Purchased designs are more expensive, but are they needed at all?

To make the answer clearer, study our table with some features of products:

Finally

Decorative screens - the name speaks for itself, they are designed to diversify the interior. The video in this article is ready to show you the different types of these products.