There is a common misconception that all types of ventilation grilles are only decorative. In fact, the direction and intensity of air movement, people's comfort and the efficiency of the ventilation system depend on the shape of the lattice. The grill is an important element of the fire protection system. Therefore, when installing ventilation grilles, the special requirements of firefighters must be taken into account. In the event of a fire, gratings can be used to localize the source of the fire and prevent the spread of smoke. There are many types of ventilation grilles on the market. What are the differences between them, selection and installation rules?
Types of ventilation grilles
The whole variety of types and types of ventilation grilles is divided into three categories according to location:
- outdoor;
- internal;
- overflow.
External ventilation grilles installed on the street side of the building. They cover the air ducts, preventing the ingress of rain, snow, leaves, birds and mice (ventilation grilles with a mesh). Ventilation grilles of this type are usually made of aluminum alloys. The aluminum profile for ventilation grilles is equipped with louvers that can be set at the desired angle. Some models are protected against icing by the heating function. Powerful bolts and dowels are used to mount ventilation grilles outdoors.
Internal ventilation grilles mounted indoors. They are not exposed to the effects of weather and rodent attacks, therefore, internal ventilation grilles are more often made of plastic or wood. The main selection criteria are ease of installation of ventilation grilles and a pleasant design. Adjustable blinds are also installed on the internal ventilation grilles, but already to direct the air flow and adjust its intensity. Sometimes the design allows you to remove the central part of the ventilation grill with a mesh for cleaning the air duct.
This category also includes convection grilles, which are used for all types of ventilation and air conditioning. Their difference is the small distance between the plates, which makes the grille an interesting object of interior design. The profile for convection ventilation grilles is selected from aluminum, the lamellas are fixed fixed at an angle of 45 degrees. Convection ventilation grilles are rarely equipped with a mesh.
Ventilation grilles of exclusive designs are made to order by laser cutting. They can be of a thin metal plate or wood.
Overflow ventilation grilles are needed for the free movement of air from one room to another. They are installed in the lower part of doors or walls. Choose a plastic profile for ventilation grilles. In order not to violate the sound insulation of the room, blinds with overlapping plates are installed. As a result, a properly selected overflow ventilation grill provides room isolation without disturbing the air movement. The production of ventilation grilles of this type is not difficult, therefore their price is reasonable.
Materials for ventilation grilles
Ventilation grilles are made from:
- plastic;
- aluminum;
- become;
- wood.
Wooden grates can only be installed in rooms with normal humidity.They are quite expensive and lose their decorative effect without special treatments. Most often, wooden ventilation grilles are installed in saunas and are selected according to the air flow rate. Decorative ventilation grilles are also made of wood. Such products are made to order from valuable wood species, the pattern is selected by the designer. Ventilation grilles are made overhead or built-in, fastened with self-tapping screws or bolts with decorative caps.
Plastic grilles significantly less expensive and still withstands moisture, chemicals and temperatures. They do not rust or warp. Plastic ventilation grilles are produced in sizes from 15x15 cm to 30x30 cm, rectangular, square and round. Manufacturers equip plastic ventilation grilles with a fine stack to prevent insects and large dust from entering the room. The ventilation grill can be fastened to the mounting frame or through the holes in the housing with self-tapping screws. Plastic ventilation grilles are usually produced in white, although you can find wood-like models in various shades. The main disadvantage of a plastic profile for ventilation grilles is that over time it turns yellow or fade, becomes covered with scratches.
Aluminum ventilation grilles will cost more than plastic. Aluminum profile for ventilation grilles is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and external factors. Moreover, it is very durable. Therefore, in modern construction, ventilation grilles made of aluminum profiles are more often installed. Such gratings are powder-painted under production conditions. With cross-sections up to 1500x1500, aluminum products are the best option. If the cross-section of the duct is larger, additional strength is required, which is provided by steel products. Also, increased strength is needed with very powerful air intake installations, which can bend aluminum plates. For such cases, especially robust aluminum ventilation grilles with an S-shaped profile have been created. In terms of rigidity, they are not inferior to steel frames.
Steel ventilation grilles much more expensive than aluminum, they are heavier, but also stronger. Ventilation grilles are made of steel to order, blinds are welded manually. Installation of ventilation grilles made of steel requires special strength fasteners.
How to choose a ventilation grill
In addition to the technical requirements for air diffusers, there are also aesthetic ones. In short, the selection of the ventilation grill is based on the following criteria:
- the place and features of installation (indoors, outdoors, what kind of ventilation grill mounts are used);
- on which part of the room the grill will be installed (wall, door, ceiling, floor);
- the size of the duct or opening that must be covered with a grill;
- noise and aerodynamic properties of the grille;
- whether the lattice will be embedded or superimposed over the opening;
- is it necessary to adjust the position of the blinds;
- do you need a fine mesh on the grill;
- ease of service;
- lattice color;
- adjustable ventilation grilles are selected according to the air flow rate.
The owner himself will be able to choose the right air distributor for an apartment or a small country house. In the case of large industrial facilities, only specialists are engaged in this.
Video on how to assemble an aluminum outdoor ventilation grill.
