The ventilation grill is the most visible element of the air distribution system. It has many important tasks. Between themselves, the gratings differ in color, shape, size, material. In this variety, the simplest plastic stampings are adjacent to devices on electric heating.
Ventilation grilles
The frame, which gives rigidity, is the basis of any ventilation grille. The frame is attached to the wall or built into the duct. Lattices of large sizes are divided into sectors by a frame. This increases the strength required, for example, basement ventilation.
The working area of the device is covered by a removable panel or movable blades. Depending on the type of panel, dispensers are:
- undirected action. Through them, the air flow passes unhindered. They bear for the most part a decorative burden;
- directed action (adjustable).
The blades are horizontal, allowing the blinds on the ventilation grill to change the direction and intensity of the air flow. The cleaning part can be removed for cleaning. On the inside, all decorative overhead ventilation grilles are covered with a mosquito net, which can be removed if necessary.
More sophisticated devices are equipped with shutoff valves. Ventilation grille with valve protects against back draft, insects and dust. The valve operates automatically, passing air through the grill only outward.
Perform a similar function inertial or gravity type blinds. Functionally, they can be called an analog of a ventilation grill with a check valve, where the air flow is blocked by moving horizontal bars. In the manufacture of ventilation grilles with gravitational lamellas, light materials, such as aluminum or PVC, are used. Gravity gratings are mounted on a chimney.
If necessary, the air flow is completely blocked by a ventilation grille with a valve. These models are indispensable in steam rooms and baths.
Forms and materials of gratings
On the shelves of construction stores you can find lattices of rectangular, round and square shapes. Such forms quite harmoniously fit into the interior. Sometimes special orders carry out elaborate lattices. Typically, these are distributors for luxury cottages or fireplace grates. Such products are made in the same style with the design of the room and can be of a wide variety of colors, shapes and even from unusual materials, such as ceramics. For the production of air distributors use:
- aluminum alloys;
- galvanized steel;
- brass;
- plastic;
- wood;
- ceramics.
Aluminum ventilation grilles light weight, resistant to moisture, active substances. Therefore, they are used in the construction of industrial and residential buildings. Additional stability of the ventilation grilles of aluminum and other metals gives a special coating: powder paint of various colors.
The only drawback of these universal products, narrowing the range of their application is the high price.
Metal ventilation grilles widespread in industrial ventilation. Metal ventilation grilles withstand powerful air pressure, aggressive substances and particles.Such grilles are reliable and durable, so the external ventilation elements are always made metal. The external ventilation grilles are coated with special especially resistant compounds to prevent corrosion.
Cons of metal grilles: heavy weight, high price.
Plastic ventilation grills made of polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride, installed on ceilings, walls, doors. Initially, they are usually white in color, on which you can apply any dye from the spray can. Plastic ventilation grilles are installed in the ventilation of apartments, cottages, offices. Round plastic ventilation grills resemble ceiling lights, so they are often installed on complex multi-level ceilings. Adjustable round ventilation grilles are called diffusers.
Cons of plastic ventilation grills: after a while they turn yellow, the smoothness of the surface is lost.
Wood ventilation grilles - This is most often modifications with valves for baths and saunas or decorative products of individual design. Eco-friendly wood is becoming more and more popular, and ventilation grilles with a valve perfectly complement the interior.
The disadvantages of wooden gratings: are not cheap and require periodic processing with special compounds.
Types of exhaust grilles
PVC and metal ventilation grilles are installed on air ducts for various purposes:
- inflow;
- exhaust.
The installation location determines the type of product:
- domestic;
- outdoor ventilation grills;
- overflow.
The most popular types of ventilation grills
In construction stores, there are many models of ventilation grills: round, rectangular, external and internal.
Outdoor supply
External ventilation grilles are represented by the following options:
- Pediment grille specially designed for attic ventilation. It is always performed with a wide edging, making it more decorative;
- Basement ventilation grilles with dimensions of 15x15 cm, 24x24 cm, 37.5x37.5 centimeters should be reliable and protect the basement from rodents;
- Door ventilation grilles use instead of the supply valve, if there are no other ways to organize the air supply to the house;
- Floor ventilation grilles indispensable for the organization of the inflow, displacing exhaust air from the bottom up. Floor ventilation grilles can be adjustable and stationary. In the first case, blinds are inserted into the metal frame, which can be rolled up.
| Grid Name | Installation locations | Functions | Additional features |
| Domestic | Outlet of supply and exhaust ducts in the room | 1. Correction of the direction and intensity of air flows.
2. Room design |
Venetian blinds |
| Outdoor | External duct outlet of any type | 1. Protection against the entry of birds, mice, dry leaves into the air ducts.
2. Decorative function |
1. Heated to prevent frost in winter, 2. Dampers, gates, shutters. |
| Overflow | Interior partitions and doors | Ensuring free movement of air in the room | Noise and light insulation, blinds |
Table 1. The main characteristics of ventilation grills
Internal exhaust
- Surface mounted ventilation grill It is used in the premises equipped with natural draft. Mosquito cloth protects the apartment from insects. If the ventilation grille with a non-return valve, the tenants are not threatened with a return draft. Ventilation grilles with or without blinds are installed in kitchens and bathrooms. The throughput of the ventilation grill is regulated by movable bars;
- Ventilation grille with valve and connection for a cooker hood. Made of PVC, can be equipped with a check valve or inertia blinds. At the same time provide natural traction and outflow of air from the cooker hood;
- Slotted ventilation grills installed where ventilation should be invisible. The dimensions of the ventilation grilles are matched to the ceiling design and are hidden between levels or decorative elements.
Internal supply
Internal intake grilles are made in various shapes and colors, sometimes attractive designs. The round shape of ventilation grilles, as the most harmonious and inconspicuous, is popular with architects. Supply air grilles are never equipped with valves. Design copies are created using manual processing of wood, forged elements, laser cutting. Across fireplace vents the air in the room warms up. Cold convective flow penetrates into the fireplace through the lower grate and gets warmed into the room through the upper. Therefore, in the channel of the fireplace should be a pair of ventilation grilles.
Ventilation grilles for fireplaces are made only of refractory and non-fusible materials. They can be classified as decorative ventilation grills for a variety of colors and ornaments.
Installation of the ventilation grill
Installing a ventilation grill is not very difficult even for a novice home master. We offer several mounting options:
- The frame of the ventilation grill is installed directly in the duct and is attached dowels to Wall. To subsequently avoid rattling, the connection is sealed with a rubber gasket;
- As fasteners, you can use liquid nails, silicone or mounting adhesive. Glue carefully processes the entire perimeter of the grid. The ventilation grill is applied and glued only to a dry wall. For a day, the structure is fixed with paper tape;
- Quickly and conveniently, the aluminum ventilation grill mounts onto spring spacersthat come with some models. The advantage of such fasteners is the ability to remove and install the grill several times. But the springs will not press the grille tightly enough to the opening, if you do not equip it with a suitable mounting frame.
The most reliable way to fix the ventilation grilles - various connectors. The largest and heaviest grids are installed on latches or wrappers. The fasteners are not visible, but first you must insert the response frame into the opening.
Video instruction for installing the overhead plastic ventilation grill:
