Modern batteries look quite aesthetically pleasing, unlike their cast -iron predecessors. Nevertheless, many people prefer to hide them under decorative screens, especially if the type of batteries does not fit into the overall concept of the design of the room. In addition, this decision will allow you to protect all those living in the apartment from burns and injuries.
Today there are many options for materials and types of design of such screens. From a functional point of view, it is worth choosing a screen that will not only close the battery, but will not prevent the spread of heat around the room.
For this, it is important to understand the principle of heat distribution from batteries. It can spread through convection or infrared radiation. IR radiation appears only after heating the battery to a certain level of temperature, for example, for cast -iron batteries, this is 50 degrees. Aluminum batteries, on the contrary, with difficulty air circulation, begins to emit infrared heat.
All of the above indicates that it is very important when choosing a screen to understand that in addition to heat, it should skip IR. That is, the box must comply with two main conditions – it must have holes for air circulation and should be made of well -conducting heat.
Also, to improve circulation, it is recommended to paint the inside of the screen in dark colors, which will allow it to absorb it better, and then carry out further IR radiation. The reflector placed behind the battery will also make the distribution of heat more efficient.
Battery screens options
Screens into batteries can be divided by type of design – this is the actual screen, flat, box that covers the battery from several sides, and a box with a lid. In addition, a wide variety of materials are used for the manufacture of screens – glass, metal, plastic, wood, MDF.
Metal screens are quite cheap and very easy to install. They can be of different colors and shapes. However, such a screen does not always meet aesthetic preferences and not in all styles it is appropriate.
Wood screens look much prettier. They can not only fulfill their functional role, but also become an independent element of decor, filling the space with individuality. But in addition to aesthetic appearance, it is worth noting such a feature of wood as not too high resistance to temperature effects. Such a screen can quickly fail.
The most popular screens made of plastic and, I must say, quite deservedly. They are cheap, easy to install and good in operation. The only moment that you should definitely clarify when buying a screen from this material, whether it will be released when heated by harmful fumes.
Glass screens very beautiful. They fit perfectly into modern interiors. Such products are made of special hardened glass, which allows them to “serve faithfully” for a long time.
Another simple, cheap and reliable option is screens from MDF. They are difficult to distinguish from wooden ones, but their price is much lower with fairly good operational characteristics.
How to close the battery with your own hands
So, you decided to make a box for a battery with your own hands. Of course, the simplest and most affordable option is to make a wood box or MDF. All other materials require special tools and technologies and reproduce them at home is very difficult.
In addition to the tree, you will need mesh screens with which the front part is closed, a foil sheet for the reflector, several slats for edging and some tools – a saw, a furniture stapler, a hacksaw, screwdrivers, a hammer, glue, other materials for fastening (self -tapping screws, nails).
First of all, we measure the battery. Keep in mind that our screen should be more than 5 centimeters on each of the sides.
Now, according to measurements, we cut out parts for the box (the front wall is made of a grid).
From the slices you need to put together the frame and fix it on the wall using self -tapping screws. It depends on the quality of its installation how long your box will last, so come to this issue with all the thoroughness. But do not forget that you will need holes for heating pipes.
The foil for the reflector is attached to the wall behind the battery. It should correspond to the size of the box.
After that, you can proceed to fix the main details of the box on the frame. The main fastening is made on screws, but for reliability it is worth additionally glue the joints.
Also do not forget about such an important moment as using the level, so that the corners on the design are straight and it does not overcome.
And finally, at the last stage, if necessary, you should make the legs on which there will be a box.