How to choose and install a ventilation grill for a window sill

Hello friends!
I won’t write a lot of words today, but will get straight to the point. A convection grille in the window sill helps prevent condensation (which, in turn, leads to the formation of fungus). This happens due to impaired air circulation in the room and due to increased humidity levels.

The installed grille relieves a person of this problem: the air heated by the radiator freely flows through it up to the window, and when cooled at the opening, it falls down.

Now let's take a closer look at why it is important to install grilles and what causes condensation on the windows.

According to SNiP, central heating radiators should be located under the windowsill. Their task is not only to warm up the room, but also to heat the window opening - in order to avoid the appearance of condensation. Therefore, the radiator always protrudes slightly relative to the window sill - so that warm air from it can rise up to the window.

However, now the methods that were relevant in the past are often violated:

• During repairs, window sill boards of greater depth are installed, completely covering the radiator.
• Sealed plastic windows are installed.

Old wooden frames, which were installed in houses built in the second half of the last century, had gaps and cracks. Through them, air freely entered the rooms and was removed through ventilation shafts - that is, there was natural circulation.

Before the “2000s” (when people began to massively replace old, cracked wooden windows with new PVC structures), there were no such problems with condensation. And the rooms were not so stuffy - again, due to the flow of fresh air through the cracks.

Now people often forget that they need to worry not only about the beauty and tightness of the window, but also about normal ventilation. There are two ways to solve the problem:

• Install a supply ventilation valve in the window.
• Install the ventilation grille in the window sill.

Ideally, these methods should be combined: if there is a grille in the window sill, this will not solve the problem of stuffiness in the room.

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Types and characteristics of products

Regardless of which window sill the grille is chosen for (plastic, wood, stone), it can be made from the following materials:

• Aluminum.
• Steel.
• Tree.
• Plastic.

The shape of the bars is rectangular (like the window sill). The most common frame sizes (in millimeters) are:

• 80 x 800.
• 100 x 800.
• 100 x 600.
• 80 x 480.
• 100 x 500.
• 80 x 500.

Based on the control method, products can be divided into 2 categories:

Non-adjustable – having fixed slats.

Adjustable - having slats that can be tilted, thereby letting more or less air through and directing it.

Products can also be divided according to their location relative to the window sill:

• Flush with the surface.
• Protrude relative to the surface.

As for the shape of the holes, most often they are made in the form of slits. Much less common are window sill grilles with round perforations, or any other shape, even some kind of figured decorative one, with ornaments or patterns.

Purpose of the battery screen

This versatile decorative element can be used for various purposes. The market offers consumers a variety of models of grilles made of metal, glass, wood, MDF, plastic and other materials.

The radiator grille performs the following functions:

1. Protection. The design of the screen of any model makes it possible to guarantee protection of heating devices from dirt and dust.
2. Decorative. Using this element, you can cover up old batteries that work great, but have an unattractive appearance.
3. Safety. Grates and boxes will reliably protect children from burns upon contact with coolant.

A stylish radiator grille is in demand when decorating residential and office premises. It allows you to reach a compromise between the aesthetic and practical sides of the issue of organizing heating.

The best way to improve cast iron batteries is to install a radiator grille, the purchase of which does not require significant financial investments.

Screens for batteries are a reliable design that will add some zest or help emphasize the sophistication of the created interior.

Regardless of the model you choose, you will certainly appreciate the benefits of using a radiator grille:

1. It allows you to save on heating costs by ensuring uniform distribution of warm air flows throughout the living space.
2. Reliably protects children and other family members from accidental contact with a hot radiator, eliminating the possibility of getting burned.
3. Serves as a stylish decorative decoration for the interior, acting as an accent element or supporting the overall design concept.
4. A wide range of screens for heating radiators of different sizes, shapes and designs allows you to choose the best option for any room.
5. If it is necessary to update the interior, the homeowner can quickly replace the old grille with a new one.

It is worth noting that the installation of a stylish decorative screen does not at all affect the technical characteristics and properties of heating devices.

Due to the cracks that are present in most structures, the convection of hot air increases and the heat is evenly distributed over the area of ​​the room.

Screens for radiators are in high demand, as they allow you to hide the heating device and improve the interior. The main condition is to choose an environmentally friendly, durable and easy-to-care material.

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How and what to choose?

The main rule when choosing a ventilation grille for a window sill is to focus on its length and the length of the battery.
The best option: choose a grille that is approximately the same length as the radiator. This can be either 1 long lattice or several shorter ones. A product that is not long enough and located on one side of the board simply will not protect against condensation in the other part of the window.

With this rule, one more thing should be followed: pay attention to the open cross-section of the grille (for reference: this is the area of ​​the holes through which air can pass). For most convection models, this characteristic ranges from 0.42 to 0.6 - which will be quite enough to solve problems with condensation on windows.

By the way, for those who plan to put something on the windowsill, it is not recommended to choose grill models with holes that are too large. In this case, small things may fall through them, and debris will accumulate under the batteries.

If the window sill board is not used in any way, you can choose ventilation grilles with a large open cross-section (large size of the notches) - up to 0.9. This way, more air will flow through the holes, which means there will be less chance of condensation forming.

Causes of window fogging

Weeping windows also freeze in winter.
Metal-plastic and wooden sealed windows, which have practically replaced ordinary wooden ones, perfectly retain heat in the room, but they do not let fresh air inside. Does the lack of natural air exchange lead to condensation on the windows during the cold season? This is a physical phenomenon. Surfaces cooled by the external environment interact with the warm air of the room, but if there is a lack of it, condensation forms.

But what are the reasons? After all, the appearance of droplets on the kitchen windows when food is being prepared is due to the evaporation of moisture - everything is clear here. The water in this room undergoes transformation several times into different states. But windows fog up not only in the kitchen, but also in other rooms where metal-plastic windows are installed. The reasons are as follows:

• Indoor air is too humid. In addition to the kitchen, such a microclimate is also found in the sanitary rooms.
• Incorrect design of windows, which do not have special openings for ventilation or are made of thin profiles. Such a profile is not able to retain heat, forming a dew point when the air near the glass turns into condensation.
• A missing or poorly functioning heating system cools the air to a temperature where the air turns into water and falls out as condensation.
• Poor air circulation caused by improper operation of natural ventilation.
• The design of a window sill that interrupts the connection of warm and cold masses. Because of this, cold air prevails above the window sill, and warm currents are retained under it.

About grating materials

As for the material: the most expensive option is steel. However, its use is not mandatory - plastic, aluminum, and wooden gratings will do the job equally well. They all have their own characteristics:

• plastic is the cheapest, but in white it fades in the sun and changes shade;
• wood is a less common option, which costs more than plastic and aluminum, and is more demanding to maintain;
• aluminum is the best option: not susceptible to UV radiation, and not too expensive.

You should also pay attention to the location of the grille relative to the surface: ideally, it should be flush with the window sill. Protruding elements, firstly, catch the eye, and secondly, they do not allow the window sill board to be fully used (for example, as a “shelf” for flowers).

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Approximate price minimum for some grilles:

• aluminum, non-adjustable, 80 x 800 mm: from 1100-1200 rubles;
• aluminum, adjustable, 80 x 800: from 1200;
• aluminum, non-adjustable, 100 x 600: from 1100-1200;
• aluminum, non-adjustable, 100 x 800: from 1200-1300;
• plastic, unregulated, 80 x 800: from 800-1000;
• plastic, unregulated, 100 x 500: from 700-800;
• wood, unregulated, 90 x 500: from 2500.

And some companies have now even begun to produce window sills with already installed grilles. This option is not always suitable - since their location may not correspond to the location of the radiator.

Choosing a quality system

Before choosing a system, you need to keep the following criteria in mind:

Cost: It can vary widely as there are many companies producing inlet valves nowadays. All of them differ not only in functionality, but also in the materials used. It is worth noting that the cost of the valve itself reaches about half the cost of a whole window;

Installation area: a modern ventilation system can be installed not only in the window itself, but also through the adjacent wall. It is worth saying that the second method is much more expensive and more difficult than the first. In this regard, you should be very careful when choosing a ventilation valve;

Control method: all ventilation is manual or automatic. The first method requires a lot of control over all kinds of sensors. After all, not only humidity, but also air quality will depend on this. As for the second method, everything is very simple. The system fully automatically adjusts the room climate and regulates air humidity;

Sound insulation level: currently all systems have good noise protection. Due to this, the population will not experience discomfort during the operation of housing

It is worth noting that the supply valve should be selected in accordance with the requirements of the residents and the installed window;

Meets air exchange standards: any standard valve can produce fairly clean air that meets all modern standards;

Performance: You should also pay attention to the performance of the system. The fact is that the valve must provide a flow of fresh air even in unfavorable conditions

An example is condensation and its freezing at low temperatures. I would like to say that the formation of condensation depends on the temperature and humidity of the air.

Installation stages and rules

You can install a ventilation grill with your own hands in a plastic or wooden window sill; installation in a concrete “board” will require much more experience and other tools.
Otherwise, the grille is installed in a concrete window sill in exactly the same way. Let's consider the nuances and stages of work for a plastic or wooden board and the same lattice. It is not necessary to remove the window sill to carry out the work. The direction of the slats (if the holes are slot-shaped and the slats are installed at an angle) should be towards the window.

Tools you will need:

• Marking tool (marker, pencil).
• Jigsaw or grinder.
• Glue for plastic (optional).
• Any heavy object that can be used as a press (needed if the lattice will stick).
• Drill.

The diameter of the drill bit must be larger than the width of the jigsaw blade (so that it can fit into the drilled hole).

Color solutions

Before installing the grille, you need to choose a color. Ventilation grilles installed in the window sill (can be made of stainless steel, brass or plastic) may well blend in with it, or, conversely, stand out strongly. Clients sometimes like this contrast more than the usual color combination, and fits perfectly into the interior of the room.

Black window sill grilles

Black ventilation grilles are purchased for installation in brown plastic window sills or window sills made of dark stone. They are also suitable for wooden window sills.

White window sill grilles

White ventilation grilles are the most popular among users because... The vast majority of windows and window sills are ordered in white.

Window sill grilles silver and gray

Silver ventilation grilles are suitable for light window sills in cool colors.

We produce custom decorative grilles for window sills and tabletops of any size with various types of design and finishing, different materials, patterns. These options can be combined. In most cases, if you like any model of convection grille for a radiator or radiator, if necessary, it is possible to manufacture the same one, but with a finish, for example, in mirror chrome or in aged bronze.

For any model you can calculate the price based on your dimensions. To get the price of a product with arbitrary parameters, use the Prices section. The production is located in Moscow, the production time for a ventilation grill of any size for your window sill is from 3 to 10 working days.

Stages of work

The process itself looks like this:

• Mark the place where the grille will be located.
• Holes are drilled in the corners.
• A jigsaw blade is inserted into the hole and a mounting hole is cut out for the grill itself.
• The product is installed in the hole for “trying on”.
• The edges of the hole are coated with glue.
• The grille is installed in place and pressed.
• The glue squeezed out along the edges is removed.
• Any heavy object is installed on top of the grate as a press.
• Metal products (as well as some plastic and wooden ones) are attached not with glue, but with bolts.

Using glue is not an ideal solution - in this case the structure will be solid. If necessary (for example, if the plastic lamella breaks), the grille will have to be torn off from the surface.

You don’t have to use glue if the groove is perfectly even: so that the lattice “sits” tightly in it without moving. In this case, if necessary, it can be pulled out - for replacement, repair or cleaning.

Source: ventihome.ru/elementy/reshetki/ventilyacionnaya-reshetka-v-podokonnik-konvekcionnaya-dlya-batarey.html

False fireplace

You can make a false fireplace from an ordinary battery. The main thing is that the heating device is located on a central wall, for example, in the living room or dining room.

How to beautifully cover radiators, screens and radiator grilles

For work use:

• screwdriver;
• saw;
• 10 mm plywood;
• furniture board;
• decorative metal grille;
• pencil and ruler;
• self-tapping screws;
• foam moldings;
• timber with a section of 3x3 cm;
• acrylic paint;
• wooden logs.

1. First, a wooden box is made without one wide side. The dimensions of the box should be slightly larger than the dimensions of the heating device.
2. A hole is cut out in the center of the other wide side, and a narrow long cutout is made below, like a woodcutter.
3. The fireplace table top is fixed in the upper part of the box, and the fireplace shelf is attached between the holes.
4. The box is decorated with foam moldings.
5. The recesses from the screws are puttied and then sanded. After this, the fireplace is painted.
6. Then on the battery you need to draw a fire that burns in the firebox.
7. Now the fireplace box is fixed around the heating device so that the surface of the battery with the drawn flame is in the center of the largest hole.
8. We put real firewood in the “woodshed” and put decor on the tabletop. A metal fencing grid is placed in front of the woodshed.

What causes condensation to form?

The concept of condensation refers to water that settles on window glass and frames due to excess presence in the air.

Most often, the occurrence of condensation is provoked by the following factors:

• operation of heating radiators;
• room temperatures are too high;
• making serious mistakes when installing windows in openings;
• lack of ventilation or incorrect operation of these products;
• installing a window sill whose width is too large and covers the radiators, resulting in water diffusion;
• high thermal conductivity of walls and window structures.

In most situations, the heating radiator is placed directly under the window sill tabletop, therefore, this element gets very hot and causes condensation. To get rid of this trouble, you need the correct installation of a ventilation grille that is built into the window sill.

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Features and types

Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of grilles designed to provide ventilation for window sills. They can differ from each other in many ways:

• material of manufacture;
• color;
• form;
• size;
• design features;
• place and method of installation.

The main task of any ventilation grille is to uniformly distribute the warm air flow and then direct the required amount of oxygen.

Materials such as steel, aluminum, durable plastic, and natural wood can be used to produce convection grilles.

Steel products are the most durable, while wooden ones are the safest and cleanest from an environmental point of view. Plastic and aluminum products have proven themselves to be the most affordable.

At what price can you buy ventilation grilles for a window sill - price review

Ventilation grilles for window sills can be purchased at building materials stores and retail chains that deal with similar products and also specialize in sanitary equipment. In addition, similar products are offered by online stores of various types, both working with building materials, and with plastic products and elements of decorative finishing of premises.

From companies engaged in the production of interior decoration elements, you can order ventilation grilles according to individual sketches

The following table shows the cost of individual models of ventilation grilles as of the second quarter of 2022:

The presence of a large number of models made from various materials and in a wide range of overall dimensions allows you to choose the necessary product for a specific location, and the ease of installation allows you to do the installation yourself.

Installation location

Ventilation grilles can be installed in two ways - external and internal.
Products intended for installation indoors directly above the battery must have an aesthetically attractive appearance, as well as not very large dimensions, so as not to reduce the usable area of ​​the living space. The material used can be anything, the main thing is that it harmonizes perfectly with the overall style and is of high quality.

External grilles must ideally withstand harmful environmental influences, so it is best to choose aluminum options. In addition to their main task, such products also effectively prevent the penetration of dirt, dust and insects.

Depending on the type of structure, there are adjustable and non-adjustable options. Adjustable ones have built-in movable blinds.

Important Requirements

The main task of each ventilation grille is to ensure the fastest possible rise of warm air coming from heating appliances to the windows through the window sills. Therefore, the location for it must be chosen as close as possible to the window structures.

If the window sill is large, the convection grille should be installed strictly above the heating radiators. It is important that the grille openings coincide with the dimensions of the upper section of the heating radiator.

The sections (holes) of the grating may differ in shape, but the value of the open section, that is, the total sum of the areas of all holes must be no less than 0.42 and no more than 0.60 l/s.

Such indicators are quite sufficient for effective ventilation, and besides, small parts cannot fall through such openings.

Featured

When installing window structures, accurate calculations of all elements are required. All parameters of not only the window unit, but also the window sill are taken into account. Despite the fact that the dimensions of the board are adjusted according to the fact, the design features, installation and dimensions of the window sills should be known in advance. Structures are standardized in all sizes.

By thickness

The thickness of the window sill is very important. It affects its service life and strength, determines the permissible load. The thickness of the product is determined by a number of factors:

• operating conditions of the window in general and the window sill in particular;
• the type of room in which the structure is installed;
• permissible load;
• aesthetic and decorative purpose of the canvas.

The thickness of modern plastic window frames is no more than 60 mm.

If the frame is thinner, then you need to select the appropriate thickness of the window sill.

In this case, it must be mounted deeper than with the standard thickness.

By depth

The depth is measured from the substitution profile into which the window sill rests. The second nuance is that the board is installed with a slight slope of 1-2º, so experts add 1-2 mm.

If you take a standard width (from 100 mm to 600 mm), then it will make it possible to install the element with different thicknesses of load-bearing walls. This will also allow you to change its installation depth without affecting its performance characteristics.

The width of the board depends on the installation depth of the window profile. This value is different for each window. To determine the required width of the window sill, you should measure the distance from the edge of the wall to the support profile. Then add 5-10 cm to the result obtained for the window sill exit above the heating device. If the value is fractional, round it up.

How to install correctly

According to the new rules, the design of all new buildings is carried out taking into account ventilation grilles.
But in most cases, you have to install these products yourself. Most often, such gratings are easily glued with ordinary construction silicone. It is recommended to attach plastic ones using a special glue for PVC products. Other important materials and tools include a drill, electric jigsaw, and marker.

Using a marker, the area of ​​the window sill intended for cutting is marked, and then one small hole is drilled in each corner.

Next, the excess area of ​​the window sill is carefully sawed off, and a grille is installed on this area, followed by a strong fixation. To make the glue dry faster and more reliably, it is recommended to temporarily place some suitable press directly on the grille.

Useful tips

There are several important recommendations that will prevent condensation from occurring.

For wide window sills, installing ventilation grilles is a mandatory step. The grilles must be cleaned or replaced regularly to ensure proper air circulation.

Try to keep the number of plants in pots on windowsills to a minimum, as frequent watering promotes condensation.

If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the installation of ventilation grilles to professionals.

Source: klivent.biz/ventilyaciya/reshetka-v-podokonnik.html

Condensation and ventilation

If condensation occurs, experts recommend reducing the humidity in the room and moving heating radiators further away from the window sills so that warm air flows onto the glass unit.

But when it is not possible to move the battery, you can resort to a new method invented by manufacturers - installing ventilation grilles in the window sill panel.

The manufacturer of this product offers grilles of any shape and size, as well as in any color shades. They can be installed on window sills made of absolutely any material.

Wood, plastic, porcelain stoneware - ventilation holes covered on window sill panels of these types with grilles look aesthetically pleasing and do not spoil their appearance at all.

The purpose of these products is to achieve natural and constant air circulation in the window area. There are even grilles with special adjustable slats that allow you to change the direction of air flow, which is very convenient.

Installation nuances

In order for air to circulate freely through the grille, it must be installed in accordance with building codes. To do this, you should choose a suitable installation location and follow the algorithm of actions.

Choosing a location for installing the ventilation grille

Ventilation systems for window sills are installed both outside and inside the room. Installation conditions are selected taking into account the appearance of the structure. Internal models must be combined with the design and style of the interior. They are fixed at the window or closer to the end of the window sill. The exact location depends on the location of the heating radiators.

List of required tools

From the devices for subsequent installation you will need to prepare:

1. Construction tape or other measuring products.
2. Silicone or other adhesive mixture for attaching devices made of different materials.
3. Carpenter's knife.
4. Electric drill and jigsaw.
5. Marker.

Algorithm of actions

To assemble the grille under the window sill you need:

1. Determine the installation location of the structure, taking into account the placement of the heating radiator.
2. Mark the window sill.
3. Cut the hole with a jigsaw or sander.
4. Remove the cuts with a drill.
5. Remove the cut part and cover the contour with protective material.
6. Secure the ventilation trim.

When installing ventilation structures, there is no need to remove window sills. The procedure itself is quite simple and does not require special knowledge or skills. First, use a pencil to mark the installation site. Then the corresponding holes are cut out in the window sill using a grinder. Instead of a grinder, you can use a jigsaw.

The next step is to finish the surfaces of the cut holes. To do this, sandpaper is needed to clean the surfaces from irregularities and sharp protrusions. Next, the grate is inserted into the hole.