Decorative ventilation grille

Air exchange is an integral part of comfortable indoor conditions. Proper organization of ventilation contributes to the health of the respiratory tract and increases overall immunity. The installation of the system is carried out by qualified specialists of a narrow profile; their work remains almost completely hidden from the eyes of others.

Only the ventilation hole is accessible for viewing, which is usually covered with a special grille. It can be built-in or overhead. The built-in one is located inside and forms a single whole with the ventilation system. The invoice is simultaneously part of the ventilation system and the interior. It performs a number of important functions.

Why do you need a decorative ventilation grille?

The appearance of the grille was caused by the need to cover an unsightly dark large hole. Modern technologies enable it to perform a number of functions:

• decorating the hole;
• distribution and direction of air flow;
• filtration of incoming air;
• reduction of noise level from the operation of the ventilation system.

We classify decorative grilles

Ventilation systems are not visible; we rarely think about their existence. They exist everywhere: in kitchens, residential, public, and industrial premises. The variety of their uses has led to the emergence of a wide range.When choosing a decorative ventilation grille, it is advisable to first determine its main characteristics. Classification will help here.

By purpose

Depending on the requirements, you can set unregulated or adjustable grate. The price of the regulated one is much higher.

The main function of the unregulated one is decorative. It will also trap objects that can get into the room from the ventilation (fluff, debris, etc.). The smaller the pattern holes, the higher the filtration.

Reference! If you know that your neighbors have insects (for example, cockroaches, etc.), it is better to close the hole with a damper with a fine mesh pattern or with a mosquito net.

Adjustable grilles, in addition to the above capabilities, can direct and regulate the force of air flow. Their designs use special valves, blinds, filters, manually or automatically controlled.

At the installation location

Decorative ventilation grilles can cover any openings intended for air exchange, not being limited to the ventilation system. The location could be:

• on the walls indoors;
• on the facades of buildings for ventilation of attics, basements, and other utility rooms;
• on the ceiling;
• in the doors of bathrooms, living rooms, in public institutions;
• in cabinet doors;
• on the floor, usually with heating.

By type of design

Ventilation grilles have different designs, from simple to complex, capable of independently choosing the desired operating mode.

The built-in fan forcibly creates a sufficiently strong draft. Before installing it, you must make sure that electricity is supplied to the hole, or supply it.

In the absence of a fan, the air flow can be controlled by movable blinds. Their slats are fixed on the sides, open and close, increasing or decreasing throughput. Regulation can be manual or automatic.

The shut-off valve stops the air flow if it is not going in the right direction. The valve is a thin partition that can be folded in half in one direction. The installation is carried out in such a way that when air moves in the desired direction, the halves of the partition are connected and do not interfere with the flow. Otherwise, the halves are straightened, blocking the lumen of the ventilation hole, and preventing air movement.

The operating principle of inertial blinds is similar to a valve. Their slats rise only when the air flow is directed in the desired direction.

Diffusers create an obstacle to the flow of air already inside the room, directing it along the walls. This design provides a flow of fresh air and does not cause discomfort.

The design of the ventilation grille allows not only to organize air flow, but also to reduce noise pollution. For this purpose, the design uses a sound-absorbing layer that does not interfere with air movement.

To prevent insects from entering the premises, mosquito nets are additionally installed.

By material type

The most common materials are plastic and metal. Plastic grilles are lightweight and cheap. Their disadvantage is their poor resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.

Metal gratings are made of aluminum, galvanized and stainless steel. Each metal has its own advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum does not rust, but bends under small loads.Galvanized steel is strong but susceptible to corrosion. Stainless steel is durable and does not corrode, but its price is significantly higher than aluminum or galvanized steel.

A small but stable niche in the market for ventilation grilles is occupied by brass, copper, bronze, as well as custom-made ones made of any other metal. As a rule, such grilles complement expensive repairs.

In rooms made of wood or decorated with wood, wooden ventilation grilles look elegant. In other rooms, such a choice is not particularly rational due to the low resistance of the material to external influences, especially to moisture.

Choosing the right decorative grille

When choosing, you need to decide on your priorities. They differ depending on the room. Assess the operating conditions and the desired result:

• how important is the aesthetic role;
• the likelihood of loads such as pressure, shock;
• Is there enough natural traction?
• How important is the direction of air flow;
• temperature, its changes;
• humidity.

For example, intensive air outflow is important for a kitchen or bathroom. For living rooms, access to fresh air is important, but the intensity of the flow is not so relevant. For installation on the facade of a house, a durable structure is required that is resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

Installation features

The simplest and lightest gratings are attached to the wall with self-tapping screws and dowels or spacer tabs.

For massive ones, a special frame is first installed on the wall and ventilation hole. It is advisable to install a rubber gasket between the frame and the place where it is attached to avoid vibration. The most secure way to attach the frame is with dowels. It is acceptable to use liquid nails or glue.In this case, you will need to dry them properly according to the instructions (usually about a day). The damper is mounted on top of the frame.