A good way to characterize them is gentle giants. While they’re typically big and bulky with imposing (and sometimes unappealing) aesthetics, they heat your home quietly without noisy fans.
So, how do you solve the aesthetics issue without compromising the performance of the radiator? Well, just cover them with an aesthetically pleasing or stylistically fitting cover. Several cover options are available for off-the-shelf and custom covers. Just ensure the cover does not impede on the function of your radiator.
In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about radiator covers.
How Do Radiators Function?
Radiators warm up spaces using convection and radiation. A boiler pushes steam or hot water through the radiator’s fins, allowing the radiator to disperse heat into the room. During convection, the heat moves cold air backward toward the radiator. As the cold air gets into contact with the radiator, it creates a convectional current of air.
What Are Radiator Covers?
The cover option can be as simple as a topper designed to cover the top of the radiator. On the other hand, it might be something more intricate such as a box you purchase or build to wrap all three visible sides of the radiator. Nonetheless, the main purpose of the radiator is to cover an unattractive radiator. There are some popular radiator covers on the internet to choose from.
Why Should You Use A Radiator Cover?
The main reason you should use radiator covers is to hide the ugly scene of a radiator. However, numerous other reasons you should add a radiation cover, including:
#1: Some radiators that use steam systems increase the fin’s temperature dangerously high. Touching the fins comes with the risk of burns. A radiator cover protects you and your family (including pets) from burns.
#2: A cover can make your radiator disappear or blend better with the overall décor.
#3: A cover enhances space utility. You can create a shelf for holding lamps, books, flower vases, etc.
Will A Radiator Cover Impact Heat Output?
Any cover you place over your radiator will prevent heat transfer to the room. As such, you must leave plenty of ventilation openings at the top, bottom, and sides when you use a radiator cover.
Types Of Radiator Covers
The choice of radiator coverings typically narrows to two options: a cabinet style that covers the top and the sides of the radiator and a topper that covers over the top of the radiator. Both types are sturdy enough to use the cover as a shelf.
Toppers are typically made using wood. Cabinets are usually made of a wide variety of materials, including:
Steel (Or Other Metals): According to Bieriger, metallic materials block the least heat. For instance, metallic cabinets with metallic screens and grilles allow air to circulate freely. Additionally, they tend to be cheaper than wood. However, they tend to be too hot to the touch, just like the radiator.
Wood: Hardwood is another excellent option. They’re ideal for blending the radiator with the natural wood trim available in the room. However, they transfer less heat than metal. They also tend to cost more.
Engineered wood: Engineered wood in medium-density fiberboard, or MDF, is a good option for painted radiator covers. The material is sturdy, much like hardwoods. However, it is more affordable.
Combo: Such covers combine MDF and wood for structure rigidity while using metallic grilles to enhance the free flow of air.
Beiriger advises consumers to purchase covers with reflective foils, regardless of their chosen materials. The reflective lining will ensure it puts out more heat into the space.
Buy Off-The-Shelf or DIY?
Either solution will work fine. There are plenty of off-the-shelf options in a range of styles and materials. Additionally, some vendors will custom-build radiator covers for you. However, it’s more likely to be cheaper if you DIY-build your custom cover, especially if you’re building a hardwood cover.
How To Get the Right Size Radiator Cover
If you’re buying an off-the-shelf cover, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, if you’re building a DIY cover, follow the guideline below to determine the minimum finished size.
Measure the radiator’s width, height, and depth, including the plumbing.
Add 2 inches to the depth and height and 4 inches to the width. This will allow ventilation space between the cover and the radiator.
Add the thickness of the material you’ll use to the depth and height of your cover. Double the thickness of the material and add the width.
Finally, ensure the finished size fits well and does not hit obstacles like nearby walls or the window trim above your radiator.
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