How much space should be between radiator and cover?

To look after your radiator's efficiency, you need to make sure there's enough spacing between the radiator and cover. It's recommended that the radiator cover is larger than the radiator by at least: 40mm in width. 30mm in height.

How much gap should there be between radiator and cover?

It's a good idea to have enough space between your radiator and your cover so the heat can be distributed more evenly. The gap between the radiator and the cover should be at least 5cm in width, 3cm in height and 3cm in depth to ensure it won't affect the BTU output.

Should a radiator cover touch the radiator?

Obstructing a radiator with furniture of other items, however, could stop heat from being distributed evenly. Therefore, with or without a radiator cover you should ensure your radiators aren't blocked over covered by anything other than an appropriate radiator cover.

Do you need gap at bottom of radiator cover?

Cold air is drawn in at the base of the radiator and warm air expels to the front and top of the radiator. Therefore, it's important there is a reasonable air-gap between the radiator and the inside of the cabinet. Its critical cold air can be drawn in at the base and the warm air can rise up and out.

How high should radiator covers be?

The way to measure up for a radiator cover / cabinet is as follows: Measure from the end of each radiator valve and add 20mm (this is the internal length). Measure from the floor to the top of the radiator and add 30mm (this is the internal height).

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How much space do you need around a radiator?

The space required around the radiator so that there is no impedance on heat output due to insufficient natural air movement, is a minimum of 10% of the height of the radiator. In reality, it is aesthetically better to have at least 150mm around the radiator due to the protrusion of the thermostatic valve.

Can a radiator cover be too big?

It's possible to have a bigger radiator cover than your actual one, but always make sure that the maximum measurement will fit in your space. The window heights, alcoves, and obstructions will not block where a larger radiator cover is to be fitted.

Are radiator covers a bad idea?

If designed well with plenty of space for the warm air to travel through, a radiator cover shouldn't reduce the efficiency of a radiator and could even improve it if the cover has a reflective backing. However, a poorly designed radiator cover will trap heat and increase your energy bills.

How do you measure up for a radiator cover?

Measure the widest length of your radiator, including the valves at either side. Add 50mm to your measurement to allow for the 20mm fixing return on DeepClean radiator covers. The total dimension will form the required length measurement for your radiator covers.

Do radiator covers get hot?

And be aware that if your radiator is typically too hot to touch, a metal cover also may get hot.

Should radiator covers be open on top?

Allow for proper airflow at the bottom of the radiator. The cover should have opening(s) at the bottom to draw colder air through the radiator. Allow for proper airflow at the top fo the radiator. The cover should have opening(s) at the top to promote warm air rising.

Can you have long curtains over a radiator?

Floor-length curtains work best with radiators under the windows, but closing them means they'll block the heat generated by the radiator. Generally, pairing up floor-length curtains with other window coverings can do the trick.

Is it safe to cover a radiator with fabric?

Covering your radiator is completely safe. "Radiators only get as hot as about 215 degrees," Holohan says, "which isn't nearly hot enough to start a fire." However, be careful not to use certain synthetic fabrics (like fleece or polyester), which might melt. I'd recommend sticking with cotton or wool.

Are radiator covers a fire hazard?

Safety: If not appropriately placed within your home, radiators can pose a dangerous fire hazard and a significant risk to both pets and children. Radiator covers reduce the likelihood of fires and physical burns because they act as a layer of protection between the radiator and everything it may touch.

Does reflective foil behind radiators work?

Putting kitchen foil behind the radiator is a false economy, as its effectiveness will be severely limited by these effects over time. Homemade foil radiator reflectors crinkle easily and oxidise, losing their reflective qualities.

Do you have to attach radiator cover to wall?

It is not mandatory to have the cover attached to the wall, whereas most of the cabinets can be left free standing. Nonetheless, for safety and stability reasons, it is advised to fix the cover against the wall using the provided wall fixing pallets.

Do you lose heat with radiator covers?

Poorly designed radiator covers can cause heat loss, in a nutshell. Anything that blocks a radiator's airflow reduces its efficiency. Some radiator covers can actually trap heat and affect your thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) reading – confusing your entire central heating system.

How do I put a radiator cover on the wall without drilling?

Indeed a recently developed revolutionary adhesive/sealant is offering an effective alternative method of securing radiator covers to the wall with no drilling, dust and use of screws necessary. An efficient multipurpose adhesive is now on sale.

What is the depth of a radiator?

A typical Type 21 radiator will have a depth of about 70mm whereas similar designed Type 22 radiators will be around 100mm.

Is it safe to put towel over radiator?

Aside from any other issues, draping wet clothes or towels over a radiator insulates heat and prevents it from circulating properly. This will affect any heaters but certain types, such as convector radiators, function by creating hot air currents and will be far less effective when covered by wet material.

Are all radiator covers the same height?

Standard Sizes — Radiator Covers Direct. The depth and height of our radiator covers is always made to measure. However to save you money we provide you with our standard width configurations where ever possible. You don't have to worry about which ones are standard and which ones are bespoke.

Is it OK to put a shelf above a radiator?

Put a shelf above the radiator

Fitting a shelf above your radiators not only looks nice but also helps to direct heat from the radiator into the room. This technique is particularly useful if you have any radiators that are positioned directly below a window.

How do you design around a radiator?

Is it OK to put a sofa in front of a radiator?

It's not a good idea to place a sofa, or any other large furniture, in front of a radiator. A sofa would block heat from travelling freely around the room, and could suffer potential long-term damage from a close level of heat exposure.

Is it OK to have radiator behind sofa?

No. It isn't wise to position a radiator behind a sofa, or any other form of sizeable furniture. A sofa would prevent heat from being distributed properly throughout the room, and might become damaged over time as a result of close exposure to the heat.