Introduction
In a general scenario, you would not only go for comfort without style. Comfort suits you, but in the eyes of the world, style ranks high. From head to toe you take care of yourself then why leave your abode? Set up against that wall, your radiator is asking for a makeover too. Give it a lift with a chic radiator shelf. A radiator shelf beautifies the ugliness of a steel radiator. Even from the safety point of view, they are very important. If you have children, shelves can ensure their safety from radiators. Shelves these days not only do the work of covering a radiator but also serve other purposes too. Adding one or more shelves over it can help you in space management. You can utilize the space by putting decorative or other commodities over it. A shelf with reflect flow mechanism can actually help lower down your heating bills. Fitting issues? We are happy to help.
Complexity level
Fitting a radiator shelf is very easy. Whether, it’s a ready-made or a homemade one, you just need to assemble the pieces together. While some of the structures can be merely pushed into place, others need a bit of fixing up. However, if you are still not sure about how to fit it, call a professional to do it. It’s always better to take help when in doubt.
Time required
Ideally, fitting of a simple radiator shelf should not take more than 15 minutes.
Estimated Cost
You can find radiator shelves for as low as $20. The price increases further. However, up to $ 50, you can find good radiators. You want to go for cheap ones, shop online. Online portals have really cheap shelves available.
Resources required
For a readymade shelf, you just need screws and hammers. However, for a DIY radiator shelf, a long process is involved and you are advised to do it with the help of some guide book or someone who has a good ‘know-how’ of it.
Instructions
Radiator shelves can either be purchased off or can be made at home. But whichever way you go, the one thing that you will be required to do (in either case) is measure the radiator for a perfect fit.
While measuring, keep in your mind its 3D aspect: the Height: measuring the distance between the top of the radiator to the floor. The Width: the distance between the outside edges of the two radiator valves. The Length/ Depth: the distance between the front of the radiator to the wall.
After measuring these dimensions, add 1 inch or 25 mm to each of them. This is to calculate the minimum internal dimensions of the radiator cover.
As we have told you earlier, fitting a radiator shelf is easy. You just need to accumulate the pieces together. Some of them are structured in a way so as to provide access to the radiator valves and bleed screw. They have hinged or removable panel and can be fixed on to the wall. However, it is always advisable to read the catalog or more importantly ask the store people about the fitting. No matter how easy it is, a little help can always work well. Also, while fitting the shelf, keep in mind these points to make the best out of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which type of radiator shelf should one go for?
A: While buying a radiator shelf, go for the one made up of MDF or medium density fireboard rather than pine. Unlike pine, it does not warp, rot or split. Go for three point fixing to minimize bowing.
Q: How can I improve the convection of my radiator shelf?
A: Always leave a gap at the bottom of the cover. This allows the cold air to move in and get warmed by the radiator and further sent on its way by convection.
Quick tips
Fitted with holes and grills, a radiator shelf allows heat through. However, most of the times the heat that comes out is reduced in intensity. To cope up with this problem, you can install reflective insulating foil on the wall behind it. The foil helps in reflecting more heat. If you are not satisfied with the look, the radiator shelf gives you the liberty of beautifying it further. The grills can be painted accordingly. You can even put up decorative over the shelf but do take care. They might end getting heated up.
There are chances that a wall might absorb the heat given off by the radiator. So, in case you have radiators fitted on external wall, reflective panels should be fitted behind them to discourage the absorption by wall. Do not take it off the wall. Just take care of the fitting
Also important is to leave gap at the bottom of the cover. This allows the cold air to move in and get warmed by the radiator and further sent on its way by convection.
Things to watch out for
If your radiator is fixed below the window, then a shelf is a prerequisite. Remember, it is very important to fit the shelf over the direct heat. Otherwise the heat will rise up towards the ceiling or even out of the window. Otherwise, the warm air in the room gets cooled by the window. As the cooler air rushes down to the floor, it drags warm air to the window. The warm air again gets cooled and rushes down. So instead of a heating process a cooling process starts off. To stop this, place a radiator shelf directly over it.
Also, do not fit a radiator in a conservatory. it is no less than heating the sky and your bill would double up.