Ventilation grilles: product classification + expert advice on selection
The organization of an air exchange system involves not only the laying of ventilation ducts, but also the installation of elements that ensure the dispersion of oxygen flows and protection against the penetration of foreign objects.For these purposes, ventilation grilles of different shapes and configurations are used.
Such elements make it possible to properly distribute air throughout the premises and add aesthetics to the channel shafts facing the façade of the building or into the rooms.
The ventilation equipment market offers various modifications of grilles, and choosing the right product for specific operating conditions is quite difficult, don’t you agree? We will help you decide on your purchase.
We offer for consideration a detailed classification of ventilation grilles with a description of their installation and application features. In addition, we have prepared a list of useful recommendations that will facilitate the task of choosing and arranging a ventilation duct.
The content of the article:
General description of ventilation grilles
The grid is a mandatory component apartment ventilation systems or private house, office, bank or other premises.
It serves as a structural completion ventilation duct. Additionally, it performs a safety function and allows you to control the circulation of oxygen flows.
The production of static and adjustable modules is carried out by domestic and foreign companies that supply construction and installation accessories and related products to the consumer market.
How are the modules arranged?
A standard ventilation grille usually consists of three fragments:
- ribbed front part;
- internal filtration mesh;
- frame.
Adjustable models have a more complex structure. Their outer part is equipped with movable blinds. This makes it possible to set the air flow in the desired direction and distribute oxygen evenly throughout all rooms in the apartment, house or building.
Inside the grill body with a shut-off valve there is a special curtain that blows in only one direction. This helps prevent reverse draft and the entry of foreign objects and unpleasant odors into the system from outside.
Detailed product classification
All gratings available for sale are classified according to different parameters.
The main distribution is according to the following points:
- installation location – outside the room, inside or between rooms;
- appointment – wall, ceiling, floor, basement, front, door;
- basic design – stationary (fixed), adjustable, inertial, valve, slotted and decorative;
- material of manufacture – high-strength plastic, anodized aluminum, corrosion-resistant steel, wood, ceramics/gypsum, brass, copper, bronze;
- form – polygon with up to 8 faces, circle, oval, rhombus, square, standard or elongated rectangle;
- size – the most common formats are 204*204 mm and 300*300 mm, but any other dimensions can be found or made to order;
- installation method – built-in or overhead;
- additional functions.
Each parameter is equally important and helps create conditions in the room for comfortable work and living.
External and internal installation
External grilles promote air intake from the street and protect the system from the ingress of small and large debris, precipitation, dust, rodents, leaves and dirt.
These items are subject to special requirements in terms of strength, resistance to temperature changes and susceptibility to mechanical damage.
Internal grilles placed in residential or work premises. Their main function is the correct distribution of air flow throughout the rooms and the aesthetic completion of the ventilation line.
Transfer elements provide an optimal level of interior ventilation. They are mounted in doors, walls and plasterboard partitions. Thanks to this, the circulation of oxygen is not interrupted for a minute, and the air is constantly renewed even in the most remote rooms.
The grille is installed in the floor only if the ventilation system starts in the basement or basement, but does not have ducts.
View at the installation location
Grilles designed for ventilation systems are wall, ceiling, floor, door, front and base.
Wall and ceiling products for indoor use are lightweight and, in addition to their main functions, also carry a decorative load.
The blocks, suitable for outdoor installation in walls, have mechanical strength and high resistance to external weather conditions.
Floor-standing models are used to organize the supply of fresh air to the lower part of a living or working space. These options differ from wall and ceiling ones in their record strength characteristics and good wear resistance. They calmly endure significant physical activity and are not afraid of external pressure.
Door ventilation modules ensure correct air circulation and the absence of drafts. One elongated product or several square or round ones are usually mounted on the box. There are no restrictions on this parameter. The choice is based on personal preferences and compatibility with the overall design of the room.
Frontal elements are placed mainly in attics or attic floors. They have a neat wide edging and promote proper air exchange in the upper part of the household.
Basement Grilles guarantee correct natural ventilation of basement compartments and effectively protect air vents from the penetration of rodents and small pests.
The appearance of the product is in second place here, and durability and immunity to weather conditions are considered a priority.
Design features of different models
The most common are standard stationary grilles without bells and whistles. The elementary configuration and the absence of moving parts make the models very reliable, durable and operationally stable.
Adjustable Designs equipped with movable ribs such as blinds. They not only protect the system from external penetration of foreign elements, but also provide the ability to control the air flow at your discretion.
Inertia blocks Manufacturers provide movable slats. Products with such functionality independently open/close dampers, sensitively responding to air speed.
Ventilation grille with check valve makes it possible to reduce/increase the volume of the flow section of the highway. It works most effectively in kitchens, bathrooms and bathrooms. When the system is not active, the valve prevents lint, small debris, insects and dust fragments from entering.
Slot-type devices designed for uniform distribution of air in large spaces and large rooms. They are easy and quick to install and, due to their compactness, are almost invisible.
Decorative grilles for ventilation systems, they primarily serve an aesthetic function. They are chosen especially carefully in strict accordance with the interior design of the room.
The models look catchy and attractive, fit harmoniously into the overall design of the room and at the same time work for their intended purpose. To arrange ventilation in a stylish kitchen, a beautiful grille is placed on the hood and delicately hides the outlet of the air exhaust system from view.
Materials for production
For the manufacture of ventilation grilles, the following materials are used:
- plastic;
- tree;
- aluminum/steel;
- gypsum;
- valuable metals.
Plastic models They are inexpensive and are among the most common. Among them you can find not only snow-white, but also colored grilles. They last a long time, are easy to clean, do not fade and are resistant to aggressive chemical compounds. Due to their low weight, they are suitable for installation on plasterboard walls.
Disadvantages of the product include a tendency to yellow and fade, lack of structural strength and limited heat resistance.
Because of these parameters, plastic modules are not used outdoors, but are usually installed indoors.
Wooden modules completely natural and environmentally friendly. Suitable for use in rooms with an optimal level of total humidity.
They require specific treatment, and without it they quickly lose their aesthetic properties. They are attached to the surface using self-tapping screws or bolts equipped with a decorative cap.
Aluminum gratings or steel are intended for external installation. They have an anti-corrosion anodized coating, are not afraid of moisture and dampness, tolerate ultraviolet radiation well, withstand intense air pressure and other influences of an aggressive external environment.
Plaster or ceramic models are not very common and are mainly produced to order. They are purchased by owners who have created a classic pompous palace-style interior in their homes.
Such products are not suitable for outdoor use due to their high sensitivity to moisture and temperature changes.
Valuable metal gratings - brass, bronze and copper fixtures. They cost several times more than others, but look solid, elegant and truly luxurious.
You can select a drawing from the manufacturer’s catalog or order it based on your own original sketch.
Nuances of the size range
For plastic ventilation grilles, the relevant size range is from 15*15 cm to 30*30 cm. There are no restrictions on the shape of this material.
All other models on the market have small products 5.8 * 5.8 cm, medium ones - 10 * 10 cm and 15 * 15 cm, and large ones - 30 * 30 cm. The most popular format for rectangular modules is 17 * 8 cm
These are just the most basic sizes. Any other format can also be found on sale or ordered individually.
Availability of additional functions
Some grids have useful bonus options in their arsenal. The most relevant of them is the ability to absorb noise.
The body of such models contains a special sound-absorbing material that prevents extraneous noise from entering the living or working space.
Additionally, such models filter the air entering the living space and free it from dust particles and dirt. The only criticisms of the products are their rather large size and impressive planting depth.
How to make the right choice?
It is necessary to select grilles for arranging the ventilation system according to their future location. You should not save money and buy a plastic model for outdoor use.
It will not withstand the load and will not be able to properly withstand aggressive environmental influences.As a result, you will have to spend money on a new thing again and pay extra money to the technician for installation work.
Aluminum products with anodized coating are best suited for aesthetically closing and protecting façade exits of ventilation lines. They demonstrate good resistance to moisture, weigh little and are easy to install.
If you need to create a more powerful barrier against animals, rodents and large foreign objects, you should pay attention to steel models coated with anti-corrosion coating.
They will effectively protect the air vents from outside penetration, but will definitely require the installation of reliable fasteners capable of stably holding a heavy module in a certain place.
Specimens made of wood or plaster can be placed in warm, closed areas with optimal moisture levels. In damp rooms, products will lose their strength qualities and attractive appearance.
The plastic version is universal and suitable for installation almost anywhere inside the building. Produced in a variety of shapes and sizes.
It has minimal weight and can be installed quickly using standard fasteners. In some cases, it “sits” on the sealant.
Does not require complex maintenance and maintains basic characteristics throughout the entire period of operation. It is much cheaper than similar products made from other materials, is in great demand and is available in any hardware store.
Models made of valuable metals are sold at the highest prices and, first of all, are purely decorative. They are selected to match the style and color scheme of the interior and placed in prominent places. Such products give the atmosphere a touch of luxury and emphasize the status of the owner of the room.
Whether it makes sense to overpay for brass, bronze or copper grilles, the client decides independently, based on the budget allocated for repairs and arrangement of the premises.
Items with moving parts are almost always made of plastic or metal. They are worth purchasing in order to be able to regulate the operation of the ventilation complex and set the air flow in the most comfortable direction for residents.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
What are ventilation grilles and how do they work:
How to install a grille for a ventilation system on tiles. Interesting features of the work:
The grille is an essential element of the ventilation system. It protects the exhaust lines from outside penetration, helps control the direction of air flow and serves as a decorative element. The grille must be selected depending on the intended location.
Share with readers your experience of using ventilation grilles. Tell us what the choice of product was based on, and whether you are satisfied with the purchase. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.
I remember I once lived in a multi-story building on the top floor. The ventilation grilles in the apartment were of the simplest type - a regular mesh. After, during a heavy downpour, which went on non-stop for several hours, streams of water began running down my wall from the ventilation grille, I realized that from now on in my house there would only be louvered grilles with the ability to close the ventilation holes as desired.
We moved to a rented apartment, and the ventilation grilles there were in very poor condition; no one really looked after the apartment. In the bathroom, the ventilation hole is so overgrown with dust that it no longer allows air to pass through, there is no point. And in the kitchen there is just a hole covered with a piece of gauze.
Since the most ordinary plastic grilles cost pennies, I decided to replace them myself. But it was difficult to choose because the holes are round and the grilles are mostly rectangular. Fortunately, when I found it, there were no problems with installation. So, a woman can do it too.
Absolutely right, Yulia, there are no difficulties with selection when the essence of the problem being solved is clear. There is a photo in this article (I attached a screenshot), from which it follows that it was not worth the hassle of searching for a round grille.