Ventilation grille in the 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.

More on the topic Plastic windows A class

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.

Factory options or the best way to close heating radiators in an apartment or house

Modern industrial decorative grilles fit well into a residential interior, while simultaneously masking unsightly heating devices. The price of most copies is quite acceptable, all that remains is to make the right choice.

Hinged shields with top cover

Most often they are made of metal. Inexpensive products are made of painted iron, more expensive ones are made of stainless steel. The advantages of such panels include:

Ease of installation - knowing how to cover a heating radiator with a decorative screen, the main work can be done with your own hands without the help of specialists.
No obstacles to heat transfer - almost all products are manufactured with holes to improve convection. The shape of the holes is for every taste.
Manufacturability - hinged panels are designed for one- or two-sided pipe connections.

Flat panels

The most common category, which is used to decorate heating devices located in niches. At the same time, such grilles play a decorative role in the interior of residential premises. In stores you can find a large assortment of screens with various designs, carvings and forgings, some of them can be compared to works of art.

Made of wood

Such false panels are ideal for any interior. If you have experience assembling at least small gazebos for your summer cottage, then the problem of how to hide the battery with your own hands does not exist for you. Products can also be made to order, in some carpentry workshop.

Wooden structures will help to withstand the elegant component of country style or all the rigor of classicism. When thinking about the topic of how to cover heating radiators in your own apartment, it is worth remembering the cost of handmade individual work - it is several times higher than consumer goods copies.

And yet, deformation of the wood due to temperature changes and humidity fluctuations cannot be ruled out. You can avoid such consequences only by purchasing a product made from high-quality wood.

Made of metal

Such fences attract, first of all, their affordability. The design component of such products is quite primitive, which is why they have a low price. However, despite this, they perform their function fully.

The panel is made of a thin sheet of metal, which can be painted in any color. More expensive specimens are made of stainless steel; their appearance is aesthetic and elegant.

Made of plastic

Taking into account the affordability of plastic products, you should not count on their durability. Moreover, not all of them meet the standards, as a result of which, when heated, they can release a bunch of harmful substances

Box screens

You can find out how to hide a battery in a room from photos of similar interiors. However, even modern heating devices do not always correspond to the design concept of the room. Then you have to completely isolate them “out of sight.” Box-shaped grilles are classified according to the type of material from which they are made.

MDF screens

One of the most common options for decorating heating appliances. Craftsmen who know how to carefully cover a heating radiator with a screen insist on this particular material. The MDF structure is not as difficult to maintain as wood, and is easy to install with your own hands.

An important advantage of such products is that their cost is 50-70 percent less than wooden ones. And this with characteristics that are not inferior to analogues made from natural wood.

Glass panels

The glass screen looks very aesthetically pleasing and can easily complement the stylish design of any room, including a corporate building. Depending on the appearance, glass panels are divided into:

Matte.
Transparent.
Plainly colored.
With unique photo printing.

Of course, the glass structure is fragile, so manufacturers produce samples with a thickness of at least 6 mm. For greater safety, you can buy tempered glass; it combines mechanical strength and heat resistance. Even if the panel manages to break, the fragments will be small and have blunt edges.

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.

Kitchen along the window - no big deal!

An eternal problem is lack of space. Especially in the kitchens of old houses, where this room was not given enough space and most of them today are from 6 to 9 squares, which is very small. Once you look at a photo of such a room, you immediately wonder how to properly arrange it so as not to reduce the space and accommodate everything you need.

Some people solve this problem with square footage by combining several rooms or making a kitchen-studio, that is, a separate corner for cooking and a living or dining area. This is a fairly good option, but not everyone agrees, especially if the apartment is one-room. On the one hand, the kitchen automatically becomes visually larger, and on the other, you get the feeling of sleeping in the dining room.

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).

More on the topic Window sills made of artificial stone

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).

Trying to make a screen for the radiator yourself

Screen-grid

A simple radiator screen consists of a panel with wooden grilles in a frame. The slats are located in any direction: horizontally, vertically, diagonally. You can also conceive a cellular lattice, for which the slats are laid in the opposite direction. The angle at which the slats are located can be not only straight.

Screen grid for battery

Diagonal arrangement of slats on the screen for the heating radiator.

As an option, the screen is made in the form of blinds. It will resemble traditional wood shutters. The slats in the frame are located at an angle to the base. This is done using parallel cuts. Taking into account the size of the slats, two cuts are made with a hacksaw, and the excess wood between them is removed with a narrow chisel. Such recesses are made at the desired angle and according to the number of prepared slats.

Screen in the form of blinds for the radiator

First, a frame is mounted according to the size of the radiator. After this, slats are attached to it. Just be sure to use dry material so that it does not dry out or warp during use. All parts are carefully sanded, strengthened with glue or self-tapping screws, primed and coated with the chosen varnish or paint.

Screen box

It’s easy to make a screen with your own hands for a heating radiator from MDF material. To do this, knock down a box under the existing battery and cover it with a decorative panel. You can purchase different options for the color and shape of the holes. Or order a drawing made according to your sketch on a special machine. You can also make simple holes yourself.

MDF screen box

The following tools may be required for work: a drill with drills and a circular saw, a hacksaw, a furniture stapler, and screwdrivers.

As for materials: we choose chipboard or MDF, metal mesh, self-tapping screws and screws for fastening, glue, two furniture legs.

Tools for work

Work is being done to create a screen for the radiator in the following sequence:

We take measurements from the battery. We add 7-10 cm to the existing width, and 3-5 cm to the height. We measure the required values on the prepared plate and cut along the resulting lines with a circular saw. We get the outer side of the screen.
For depth, add 3-4 cm to the top of the box; we know the width. We cut according to the same principle. Now we know the dimensions of the side parts of the future product. We cut out these parts too.
We cut out the necessary holes in the front part, having previously drawn them with a pencil on the plate. Patterns can be of any shape and depend on the imagination and skill of the performer.
On the wrong side we attach a thin metal mesh covering all the holes. This can be done with self-tapping screws or using liquid nails.
We connect all the blanks using metal corners, placing them inside the box and using the same self-tapping screws or screws for fastening.

For stability, legs are attached to the bottom of the screen.

Installation of screens on heating radiators.

Of course, this instruction is quite schematic and does not explain all the points. But the main direction of the work can be understood. The rest depends on the courage and desire of the home master.

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

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.

More on the topic Supply valve for plastic windows

Sink under the window

This layout option allows the housewife to admire the view from the window and also masks the radiators in the room. When placing a sink next to a window, you need to carefully consider the details before starting installation.

On the island there is a hob and a cooking area. The right overhang of the furniture structure can be used as a small bar counter.

Country style kitchen with island and work area near the window

Choose a compact mixer, otherwise the tap will interfere with opening the frames. It is better to purchase a model in which the water flow is directed downward so that moisture does not fall on the windowsill.

Minimalist corner kitchen with black countertop

Roller blinds are a color accent in this interior. They do not take up much space and cover the opening from the sun, if necessary.

Bright roller blinds in a country style kitchen

U-shaped set with a sink near the window opening. In order to wash dishes comfortably, a recess for the feet was made in the basement. The faucet with a high spout does not interfere with the opening of the frame, due to the sliding glass system.

White U-shaped kitchen with sink near the window

An additional lamp was installed above the sink, which is useful only at night.

Minimalism in a corner set with a sink opposite the window

Correct operation of the radiator in the countertop is ensured by special holes for ventilation.

Ventilation grilles for radiators in kitchen countertops

The upper tier of cabinets can be continued along the entire perimeter, or open shelves can be made if there is enough storage space.

Sink and work surface near the window in the corner kitchen

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.

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.

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.

Review of prices for ventilation grilles for window sills

In order not to guess about the cost of such window elements, we offer a short overview of prices for grilles for a table top or window sill above the radiator for April 2022.

Photo

Name

Average cost (as of April 2022), rub.

Regular plastic model, 45×8 cmFrom 350

Metal sample made of stainless steel, 51×72 cmFrom 6200

Antique brass screen for radiator, 40×40 cmFrom 8500

Aluminum window element for window sill, 60×8 cmFrom 2000

Handmade wooden modelFrom 5000

As you can see, the price range of such elements of window systems is quite extensive. It allows you to choose window sill screens for radiators to suit every budget and taste. And the simple installation principle will be an excellent starting point for implementing the plans to improve air exchange in the room, and in the house as a whole.

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.

Alternative

Of course, you can save space by using furniture. For example, put a kitchen island with everything you need for cooking or a small corner equipped with everything you need. However, this will not really solve the problem, especially if there is a large window and you want a wide window sill, which will also take up some of the space. There is a good option - to combine business with pleasure.

Positioning the kitchen along the window is a design solution that is far from new, but very popular. Especially when it comes to a small room. Usually the entire wall along the window is empty if furniture is placed along other walls. And it turns out that the use of space is not entirely rational. If furniture and interior items are placed along the wall with a window, then along the other two you can organize a relaxation corner and a dining area.

This option has another plus - light and air. That is, it turns out that in case of strong fumes, in addition to the hood, you can open the window and quickly ventilate the room, getting rid of heavy odors. However, there is another side to the coin. In the case of the sunny side, bright light can interfere with cooking, so if you still decide to install the kitchen along the window, you can close the window with special blinds or shutters to protect from the bright sun. Another important detail in this arrangement of the room is the absence of curtains and drapes. They will not only be inappropriate, but also dangerous, because there should be a stove or hob nearby.

Battery

Another seeming obstacle to conquering space is the battery. It is no secret that in most rooms the battery is located strictly under the window. When installing furniture there, you need to come up with a good way out of the situation. In principle, you can go in two ways: complex and simpler.

Battery transfer

This is rather a very difficult path. After all, it is impossible to do this on your own, without the skills and, most importantly, special equipment. More precisely, it is possible, of course, but the one who does it will be responsible for the consequences. In this situation, the old fittings along with the pipes are cut off. From the remaining ends of the pipes, special polypropylene or other polymers intended for this product are carried to the desired place where the battery will be located. After which everything is welded back.

Decoration

The furniture can be placed under the window sill, leaving a gap for the battery. You can cover it with a decorative screen or decorate it a little yourself. For example, paint it in an original way. If, for example, the color of the furniture is black or white, you can paint it in the spirit of a piano with keys, but if the kitchen is multi-colored and suggests the presence of bright colors, then it would be appropriate to paint the radiator in a rainbow pattern.

Hide and forget

Another simple way would be to disguise the battery, for example, under a false wall. To do this, it is enough to make a sheathing from a metal profile, and then tighten everything with plasterboard, leaving special ventilation or vents with doors. In this case, the wall will look quite neat along with the furniture.

Conclusion

Furniture placement is an important issue, especially with small rooms, so it’s worth planning and thinking about everything several times before taking action.

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.

Washing by the window: expert opinion

The standard location of the sink in a secluded corner of the kitchen is not always the best solution. If the kitchen is small, then such placement can narrow it even more, and besides, it will be very inconvenient for people with impressive height to wash dishes there. However, this is an excellent reason not to wash it and delegate the duties to someone more petite.

However, a non-standard location of the sink can radically transform the appearance of your kitchen and even make it much more functional. Kvartblog decided to consider the option where the sink is located right next to the window. Regina Urm , an expert on the “From Hand to Hand” portal, shared her comments with us on this matter .

Regina Urm is a designer with more than 10 years of experience in interior design. She graduated from MSTU (Moscow) with a degree in Interior Designer, and completed an internship and training at the PoliDesign Di Milano University in Milan. Now he is engaged in private practice in Moscow, working on the interiors of apartments, penthouses and cottages. Participant in various thematic TV programs on Channel One, TNT, NTV and the TV channel “Your Home”.