There is a common misconception that all types of ventilation grilles carry only a decorative load. In fact, the direction and intensity of air movement, people's comfort and the efficiency of the ventilation system depend precisely on the shape of the grill. The grill is an important element of the fire system. Therefore, when installing ventilation grilles, the special requirements of firefighters must be taken into account. During a fire, gratings can be used to localize the source of ignition and prevent the spread of smoke. There are many types of ventilation grills on the market. What are the differences between them, the rules of selection and installation?
Types of ventilation grills
The whole variety of types and types of ventilation grilles is divided into three categories at the location:
- outdoor;
- domestic;
- overflow.
Outdoor ventilation grills installed on the street side of the building. They cover the air ducts, preventing the ingress of rain, snow, foliage, birds and mice (ventilation grilles with a mesh). Ventilation grills of this type are usually made of aluminum alloys. The aluminum profile for the ventilation grilles is equipped with blinds that can be installed at the required angle. Some models are protected against icing by the heating function. Powerful bolts and dowels are used to mount ventilation grilles on the street.
Internal ventilation grilles mounted indoors. They are not exposed to atmospheric phenomena and rodent attacks, therefore more often internal ventilation grilles are made of plastic or wood. The main selection criteria are ease of installation of ventilation grilles and a pleasant design. Adjustable louvers 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 grille with a mesh for cleaning the duct.
Convection grills, which are used for all types of ventilation and air conditioning, also belong to this category. Their difference is the small distance between the plates, which makes the grill an interesting object in interior design. The profile for convection ventilation grilles is selected aluminum, the lamellas are fixed fixed at an angle of 45 degrees. Convection ventilation grilles are rarely equipped with a mesh.
Custom-made ventilation grills of exclusive designs by laser cutting. They can be from a thin metal plate or wood.
Overflow ventilation grilles needed for the free movement of air from one room to another. They are installed in the bottom of doors or walls. Profile for ventilation grilles choose plastic. In order not to disturb the sound insulation of the room, blinds are installed with overlapping plates. As a result, a correctly selected transfer ventilation grille provides insulation of the premises without disturbing the movement of air. The production of ventilation grilles of this type is simple, therefore their price is moderate.
Materials for ventilation grills
Ventilation grilles are made of:
- plastic;
- aluminum;
- steel;
- tree.
Wood grilles can only be installed in rooms with normal humidity. They are quite expensive and without special treatments lose their decorative effect.Most often, wooden ventilation grilles are installed in saunas and selected according to air flow. Decorative ventilation grilles are also made from wood. Such products are made to order from valuable species of wood, the drawing is selected by the designer. Ventilation grilles are made overhead or built-in, fastened with screws or bolts with decorative caps.
Plastic grilles much cheaper and withstand the effects of 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 grills with a small stack, which prevents insects and coarse dust from entering the room. Mounting the ventilation grille is possible on the mounting frame or through holes in the housing with self-tapping screws. Plastic ventilation grilles are usually made in white, although you can find wood-like models in various shades. The main disadvantage of the plastic profile for ventilation grilles is that with time it turns yellow or fades, becomes covered with scratches.
Aluminum ventilation grilles will cost more than plastic. The aluminum profile for ventilation grilles is lightweight, resistant to corrosion and external factors. Moreover, it is very durable. Therefore, in modern construction, ventilation grilles of aluminum profile are more often installed. Such lattices in a production environment are powder painted. With sections up to 1500x1500 aluminum products are the best option. If the duct cross section is larger, additional strength is required, which is provided by steel products. Enhanced strength is also needed with very powerful air intake installations that can bend aluminum plates. For such cases, especially durable aluminum ventilation grilles with a profile in the shape of the letter S have been created. They are not inferior in stiffness to steel frames.
Steel ventilation grilles much more expensive than aluminum, they are heavier, but also more durable. Steel ventilation grilles are made to order; blinds are welded manually. The installation of steel ventilation grilles requires special fastenings.
How to choose a ventilation grill
The main parameters of the ventilation grilles are indicated in the design for the ventilation system. Usually, ventilation grills are selected using nomograms. When designing large systems, ventilation grilles are selected according to the main criteria - air flow and its speed. Custom made ventilation grilles with a regulator, usually made of aluminum.
In addition to the technical requirements for air diffusers, there are also aesthetic ones. Briefly, the selection of the ventilation grill is based on the following criteria:
- place and features of installation (indoors, outdoors, what kind of ventilation grille mounts are used);
- on which part of the room the grill will be installed (wall, door, ceiling, floor);
- the size of the duct or hole to be covered by the grill;
- noise and aerodynamic properties of the lattice;
- whether the grill will be built in or superimposed over the opening;
- Do I need to adjust the position of the blinds;
- Do you need a fine mesh on the grill;
- convenience of service;
- grid color;
- adjustable ventilation grilles are selected by air flow.
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 outdoor aluminum ventilation grill.
