After the installation of new window structures made of metal-plastic on frames and glasses, sometimes condensed water begins to accumulate. You have to wipe it with a napkin or open windows more often. A window sill grill will help prevent liquid sagging.
The need for a window sill grill
Condensation settling during operation of heating batteries may be due to improper installation of windows, increased thermal conductivity of the materials of the home, too wide windowsill and other reasons.
When the radiator is under the countertop, a large amount of heat is transferred, which causes fogging of the glasses. To prevent this phenomenon, holes are made in the windowsill for ventilation. Convection design helps evenly distribute the flow of heated air. During its operation, the windowsill and glass remain dry.
Varieties of gratings and characteristics
Ventilation grills in the windowsill are available in various designs in terms of size, shape of the holes and the structure itself. They also differ in installation method.
According to the material of manufacture
The cheapest products are plastic. They are inferior to other types in strength, environmental friendliness and aesthetic qualities. Aluminum grilles attract consumers with a combination of reliability and affordable price. The most environmentally friendly are natural wood structures. Steel models are very durable, but they have the highest cost.
In shape
The traditional options are square and rectangle. The design can be solid or consist of several series-connected short gratings. The holes are usually uniform in size and have a slit-like shape, but now other options are appearing - for example, round or with openwork patterns.
By color
The color scheme of convection products is often chosen in accordance with the design of the double-glazed windows. The most popular color is white. Steel products are sometimes painted in silver shades. The wooden grill can be coated with a protective varnish. Since the window sill is very hot from batteries, you need to choose a composition that does not emit harmful substances at elevated temperatures.
To size
Lattices in the shape of a square most often have a size of one side of 15 cm. Rectangular products of standard dimensions - 8 by 17 cm. In private homes, larger models are also used. You can purchase a finished grill or order a turnkey production taking into account the parameters of the window sill.
The area of the holes determines how much air the structure can let through. If small things are placed on the windowsill, it is better not to choose the option with large holes.
By design features
The simplest design with air vents in the windowsill looks like a simple lid mounted on a prepared hole. Such options are used most often. You can find adjustable models - inclined slats can be moved to the sides, changing the size of the slots or the direction of air flow.
You can install the structure outside or indoors. In the first case, attention is drawn to suitable dimensions and design. In the second, it is advisable to choose a metal grill - such structures are durable, not damaged under the influence of weather factors.
Mounting methods for a window sill
Building standards provide for the permissibility of installing ventilation grids in high-rise buildings. But more often, residents install them on their own. First you need to determine in which place the device will be placed.
Outer
Facade ventilation structures prevent insects, dirt and dust from entering the home. The device can be supplemented with a cover that prevents the penetration of cold air in winter. Some models have built-in moving blinds.
Interior
In this case, the structure is built into the plane of the window sill itself in a specially prepared hole. The surface grid can be attached to the surface with fixing parts. In some modern window sills, individual ventilation holes of relatively large diameter are spaced.
Important requirements
When arranging ventilation in the windowsill, the location of the batteries should be taken into account. If they come forward stronger than the windowsill, the convection product is placed directly above them. With deeply hidden batteries, the grill is placed at a minimum distance from the window. Ideally, the openings of the structure should be parallel to the upper plane of the radiators. The total value of the living section should be in the range of 0.45-0.6. Typically, the design of gratings corresponding to such parameters does not allow small objects to enter the openings.
Features of installing a grate for a window sill
Mounting the product on a wooden or plastic windowsill is easy to do at home. If you have to put it on a concrete structure, it is better to invite the master - the work requires special tools and the ability to handle this material.
In addition to the grill itself, for installation you will need to prepare:
- electric drill;
- grinder or electric jigsaw;
- a simple pencil;
- sand paper;
- fasteners (screws, bolts with brackets), silicone or glue.
To remove the windowsill during the work is not required. First, mark the place and boundaries of the future hole with a pencil on its surface and then cut it with a grinder. From the inside, the walls need to be processed with sandpaper. This is done to smooth out uneven places and remove pointed protrusions.
Some grilles are designed to be inserted into the hole, while others close it on the surface. In the latter case, fastening is carried out with the help of screws (holes for drills are drilled in advance under them). You can apply glue, but this method will create inconvenience if there is a need to dismantle the grill. Another way is bolts with a conical head. Under them, brackets are mounted around the perimeter of the hole. If the position of the slats can be adjusted, they are directed towards the window.
Useful Tips
To minimize the chance of condensation accumulating, it is recommended that the ventilation grid be cleaned regularly with a dry cloth. Also, do not place a large number of indoor plants on the windowsill with double-glazed windows. The frequent influx of moisture into the air adjacent to the windows arising from regular watering creates the preconditions for condensation to occur.
In the kitchen, the windows fog up more often than in other rooms, due to regular cooking. This effect can be offset by increasing ventilation. Also, the installation of an exhaust structure above the stove will help to combat condensate.
A large width of the window sill predisposes to fogging of the glasses, disrupting the heat transfer in the room. If replacing it is expensive, you need to put a grill on it.When installing a new window sill, you need to choose an option that covers only half of the radiator.
It happens that the problem is caused by incorrect installation of window structures. Some operations, such as plastering lye, can be performed at home. Sometimes the situation requires reinstalling the windows - with significant deviations of the location. When condensate settles when a single-chamber double-glazed unit is installed, you need to invite a specialist who will fix the installation errors. Sometimes the causes of fogging lie in the leaked roof or lack of thermal insulation. In this case, you need to work with the corresponding problem.
The installation of a convection grate ensures the redistribution of heat coming from radiators located under the windowsill. This helps combat window fogging. The product is easily mounted at home.
