Any air distribution or ventilation system must have its own grille. It will perform not only a decorative role, but will also be able to regulate the flow of incoming air. These gratings can vary in functionality, differ in dimensions, material of manufacture and colors. This product has a very extensive range, so you can find both budget casual plastic stamping and purchase a real work of art with additional options.
Design of ventilation grilles
The devices in question have a fairly simple design and are a guaranteed solution for ensuring proper air access to the room. The strong frame of the product provides its reliable rigidity and it can be combined with an air duct or mounted on a wall surface. Larger samples can also be divided into several smaller sections, and this happens due to the special arrangement of the frame. And due to the removable metal or plastic panel, the working surface of the distribution grate is covered.
They can differ from each other in many design features, but basically there are four types:
- Adjustable - the direction of the incoming air can be changed at the request of the user;
- Non-directional action - air masses freely pass into the room - usually such lattices have only a decorative function;
- Having shut-off valves - such samples are mounted in industrial complexes, warehouses, industrial enterprises.Their main feature is that they remove the effect of creating reverse thrust, coupled with the fact that they prevent small insects, sand and dust from entering the serviced premises. In addition, this design ensures the removal of polluted air only to the outside. However, a grill with shut-off valves can also be installed in an apartment if there is a need to exclude the flow of air with an unpleasant odor from a source nearby;
- Blinds are inertial - in them the moving part is horizontal slats, which block / open the air supply. In the production of these models, reliable and lightweight materials (for example, PVC or aluminum) are most often used.
IMPORTANT! Ventilation distributors are usually equipped with blades that are located horizontally and have a very sensitive setting, thanks to which it is possible to fine-tune the direction and intensity of the air flow. If necessary, the air supply can be completely blocked by a special grate with a valve. Such options are simply indispensable for saunas, steam rooms and baths.
Today, on the shelves of retail chains and on online trading platforms, you can easily find grilles of various shapes: round, square, rectangular, and even asymmetric designer ones. The latter are very popular for the implementation of design projects and fit perfectly into the interior of luxury cottages. However, the most popular for the manufacture of such products are the following materials:
- aluminum alloys;
- brass;
- Plastic (PVC);
- Steel galvanized;
- Expensive wood species;
- ceramic compounds.
At the same time, not all of them are available to the mass consumer.For example, it is very difficult to find ceramics immediately in a manufactured form - they prefer to make it to order. Therefore, it is worth considering in more detail the most popular materials and their properties:
- Aluminum alloys - products based on them are lightweight, they are extremely resistant to moisture and various chemically active substances, therefore they are mounted both in industrial premises and in residential buildings. Additional protective properties are given to such gratings by means of a special paintwork, which can have different shades of colors. Nevertheless, these samples also have a significant minus - they can cost quite a lot;
- Other metal alloys - they are widely used in industrial ventilation. They are able to withstand powerful air pressure, prevent the ingress of aggressive substances into the serviced premises. These distributors are characterized by increased reliability and long service life. In order to counteract possible corrosion processes, the outer parts of such gratings are always coated with highly resistant protective compounds. Of their disadvantages, one can note some massiveness (which can complicate self-installation), standardly large dimensions and a high price;
- Plastic - they are made of PVC or polystyrene, mounted on doors, ceilings or walls. As a standard, they come in white or beige colors, but they can always be repainted in any shade at the request of the user, and you can do it yourself. Most often they find their application in office premises, living rooms, country houses.In addition, plastic grilles can be easily made in a round shape, so they can be installed on ceilings next to round lamps - this mounting method is used when installing multi-level ceilings of complex structure. If their design provides for the function of adjusting air flows, then such models are called diffusers. The obvious disadvantages of plastic dispensers include the loss of their own surface smoothness (after prolonged use) and the high probability of yellowing if they are directly exposed to ultraviolet rays;
- Wooden - they are often used in structures that are either made of wood or have a wooden crate. From this it can be seen that it is preferable to use them in the arrangement of baths and saunas. Although recently, wood, being a highly environmentally friendly material, is often found in cottage-type country houses. Manufacturers are trying to make them more functional and provide manufactured samples with special control valves. Of the minuses, we can mention that they still remain exclusive, and they require periodic treatment with special antifungal compounds.
Types of ventilation grilles by functional purpose
Depending on their purpose, they can be divided into external supply, internal supply and internal exhaust.
With external inflow
These lattices can, in turn, be subdivided into:
- Fronton - are used specifically for airing rooms in attics (most often they are made with an extended edging, which gives them greater aesthetics);
- Basement - are installed in the basement and, in addition to the ventilation function, should also provide reliable protection against rodents (their typical sizes are 37.5x37.5 cm, 15x15 cm and 24x24 cm).
- Door - usually they are given the function of a supply valve located in the area of \u200b\u200bthe doorway, when there is no other way to organize a sufficient supply of air flow to the room;
- Floor - such models are indispensable when it is necessary to organize the flow of oxygen, which displaces the exhaust air from the floor to the ceiling. They can be either stationary or adjustable. In the latter case, adjustable blinds are simply installed in the metal frame, which are rolled up.
With internal flow
They provide air flow to the serviced premises from a specially designated source. An example is fireplace ventilation grilles - they are used to heat the air in the room. Cold air enters the fireplace through the lower grate, receives its share of heating, and is fed into the room through the upper grate. Internal supply grilles are standardly made in a round shape, so they fit more harmoniously into the interior. There are also exclusive design options that are made using artistic forging or laser cutting. It should be noted that internal supply distributors are never equipped with valves. They are made of heat-resistant materials and are designed to work with very hot air.
Internal exhaust
These may include:
- Overhead - installed in residential premises that have their own natural draft. The mosquito net in their design prevents insects from entering the apartment.Additionally, they can be equipped with a non-return valve, which means that the residents will not be threatened by back draft. The place of their typical installation is bathrooms and kitchens. With the help of movable bars, their throughput is regulated;
- Distributors with a connecting valve (specially for kitchen areas) - made of PVC, equipped with inertial shutters or a check valve. At the same time, natural draft and outflow of exhaust air masses are carried out;
- Slotted - mounted in those places where it is desirable to leave ventilation invisible. To do this, a special color of the lattice is selected (to match the color of the ceiling), they can also be hidden by decorative elements or even placed between the levels of a complex ceiling.
Mounting the ventilation distribution grille
In the case when the installed grille is not exclusive for design purposes, then its installation will not be difficult. Usually four types of fasteners are used:
- The lattice frame is mounted directly on the air duct and fixed in the wall with dowels. In order to avoid unnecessary rattling in the future, its connections can be sealed with rubber gaskets;
- Also, as a fastener, it is possible to use mounting glue, silicone, and even “liquid nails”. They carefully process the entire lattice perimeter. Further, the design is superimposed exclusively on a dry surface. Within the next 24 hours, the connection must be securely fixed with construction tape;
- It is advisable to install metal models on spacer spring elements - this is a quick and convenient way. Spacers are rarely supplied as a set, but it is not difficult to find the right samples.The whole highlight of this fastener is that such a grille can be removed and returned to its place. However, it is worth remembering that the springs will not press the distributor tightly enough to the ceiling, so it is advisable to use a mounting frame of the right size in addition;
- The most reliable way is the use of various connectors. So, for massive and overall industrial gratings, heavy latches or twists are used. As a rule, they are not particularly striking if a reciprocal frame is inserted into the duct.
Features of the choice of air distributors
As a rule, each room has its own ventilation project, which specifies all the necessary parameters for future ventilation grilles. From this it is clear that the selection should be carried out on the basis of the requirements of certain special monograms. In the case when a powerful ventilation system is supposed to be launched, the main selection parameters will be the air flow rate and speed (as mentioned above, for such projects it is better to use products from various metals and their alloys). In most cases, they are equipped with special regulators.
For domestic needs, users typically rely on the following criteria:
- Color and shade of products;
- Is it necessary to provide the model with a fine mesh;
- Aerodynamic characteristics and soundproofing properties;
- Place of installation (street, indoor premises, basement, attic, etc.);
- Ease of maintenance;
- Mounting method (overlay or built-in method);
- Dimensions of the air outlet;
- Estimated air mass flow.
Rating of the best ventilation grilles for 2022
For exhaust ventilation
5th place: Europlast RA 1050
Durable and budget model, reliably provides the hood function in residential premises. Features include easy installation, reliable construction material. It can be painted in any color at the request of the consumer. Not afraid of corrosion and resistant to most aggressive substances.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 100x500 |
Production material | Aluminum |
Mounting method | invoice |
Price, rubles | 620 |
grating Europlast RA 1050
Advantages:
- Ease of installation;
- Sufficient throughput;
- Budget price.
Flaws:
4th place: ERA Street line 2424К20Ф
A good model from a Russian manufacturer. A shut-off valve and a larger flange diameter are available as options. It can be installed in an apartment, but is more suitable for increased office space. With the function of the hood is guaranteed to cope.
Name | Index |
The form | Square |
Dimensions, mm | 242x242 |
Production material | Plastic |
Mounting method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 820 |
grille ERA Street line 2424К20Ф
Advantages:
- Enlarged flange (200 mm);
- The presence of a shut-off valve;
- Suitable for large offices.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for work with very hot air.
3rd place: ERA SL 15
Reinforced version for a reliable and comfortable hood. The kit comes with a mosquito net, the body itself is made of heavy-duty stainless steel. The sample is unpretentious to temperature extremes. The flange size is slightly underestimated (150 mm).
Name | Index |
The form | Round |
Dimensions, mm | 200 |
Production material | Stainless steel |
Mounting method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1800 |
grid ERA SL 15
Advantages:
- Heavy-duty housing;
- Resistance to temperature changes;
- Insect net available.
Flaws:
2nd place: ERA Street line 16
Another round version of the grate for the hood. Production material - steel, the set is supplemented with an insect net. Can only be installed by integrating into the duct. The flange is slightly enlarged - 160 mm. Suitable for both industrial and domestic use.
Name | Index |
The form | Round |
Dimensions, mm | 160 |
Production material | Steel |
Mounting method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1900 |
grille ERA Street line 16
Advantages:
- Increased flange pitch;
- The versatility of the device;
- Reinforced body.
Flaws:
1st place: ERA Street Line 4646К40Ф
A high-quality Russian plastic grating can be produced in two colors - steel gray and beige. It has a shut-off valve and an increased area, which means additional control over the speed of the air flow. Due to the low price (for its segment!), The sample received well-deserved popularity.
Name | Index |
The form | Square |
Dimensions, mm | 455x455 |
Production material | PVC plastic |
Mounting method | invoice |
Price, rubles | 2500 |
grille ERA Street Line 4646К40Ф
Advantages:
- Increased working area;
- The ability to adjust the flow;
- Multifunctionality.
Flaws:
- Not identified (for your sector).
For forced ventilation
5th place: VENTS MV 250 VDs
A multifunctional sample designed for various types of premises: public, domestic, industrial. Will be able to ensure the correct distribution of air masses inside the room. Installation is possible both on the wall and on the ceiling.The case is made of high-strength plastic.
Name | Index |
The form | Square |
Dimensions, mm | Changeable (from 100 to 150) |
Production material | High strength plastic |
Mounting method | Latches |
Price, rubles | 500 |
grille VENTS MV 250 VDs
Advantages:
- budget cost;
- Reliable case;
- Versatility.
Flaws:
- Multi-element design requires professional installation.
4th place: PMU ARKTOS 300x200
The grille is equipped with two rows of sensitively adjustable louvers, which ensures a comfortable air flow, at the same time you can adjust the length of the air jet. May be used seasonally. In order to protect the case, a special environmentally friendly RAL coating is used.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 300x200 |
Production material | Aluminum |
Mounting method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 800 |
lattice PMU ARCTOS 300x200
Advantages:
- Variability of the range of the air jet;
- Large range of sizes;
- Current cost.
Flaws:
- Difficulties in installation and management.
3rd place: RV-1 "Pava"
Special ventilation grille for natural stoves and fireplaces. Artistic casting is used in production. Provides a safe supply of warm air to the serviced premises. It has a unique T-shaped mount, but requires professional installation.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 250x140 |
Production material | Cast iron |
Mounting method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1500 |
lattice RV-1 "Pava"
Advantages:
- Art casting;
- Durable cast iron body;
- Reliable air exchange.
Flaws:
- Extremely massive (weight - 3.5 kg).
2nd place: CMU ARCTOS 600x200
The sample is specially designed for round ducts. Due to the fact that the blinds are installed in plastic bushings, the regulation of the air flow occurs clearly and smoothly. Depending on the supply jet, it can be adjusted to seasonal ventilation modes. It is possible to equip one room with several interconnected gratings.
Name | Index |
The form | rounded rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 600x200 |
Production material | Aluminum |
Mounting method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1600 |
lattice KMU ARCTOS 600x200
Advantages:
- Possibility to adjust several grids at the same time;
- Use of plastic bushings;
- Has a powder coating.
Flaws:
1st place: RAG-R (color) with air flow valve 1250*150
The grille is made of aluminum profile and has calla-shaped louvres whose angles are individually adjustable. There are 250 possible colors in the assortment. Has an air flow valve. Polyester paint is used for protective and decorative coating. Production to order is possible.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 1250x150 |
Production material | Aluminum |
Mounting method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 5200 |
grille RAG-R (colored) with air flow valve 1250*150
Advantages:
- Large assortment range;
- Two independent air flow valves;
- Environmentally friendly coating.
Flaws:
Instead of an epilogue
In the course of the analysis of the air diffuser grille market, it was found that the domestic buyer prefers mainly the Russian product, and not even in the most expensive, but in the budget segment.More expensive fixtures are often purchased for specific ventilation projects (large malls, movie theaters and industrial premises). At the same time, an ordinary buyer does not try to save money by purchasing all the necessary materials in a retail network. But it is better to purchase industrial designs in large quantities and directly from the manufacturer. It is worth mentioning that decorative models (art casting, laser cutting) are almost never found in retail and are made exclusively to order.