Will radiator covers lower my radiator's efficiency?
No, a properly designed cover can actually improve the efficiency of your heat. When air is heated, the molecules become less dense and naturally rise through the colder, denser air (think of a hot air balloon). with a non-covered radiator, this flow of air brings it straight up a usually cold exterior wall, where the air is dissipated at ceiling level, creating a convection cycle, warming the rest or the air in the room.
Heating a room, is simply the transfer of energy between the air molecules within that space. A radiator cover will not increase the amount of energy your radiator puts out, but will allow that energy to be used more efficiently by pushing it out into the room, instead of straight up. This directs the flow away from the walls and creates a wider path of air flow, heating the surrounding air quicker and more efficiently.
Wont your covers trap the heat from escaping into the room?
No, the less dense, hot air molecules want to escape. By allowing the cover to put a restriction on the upwards flow of air within the cover, we are actually allowing a slight pressure to build up within the cover , forcing the hot air out into the room. For example, this is what happens when you open up a heated oven's door and the hot air seems to rush out in a burst. The grilles we use are designed not to put too much of a restriction on the flow of air, though some slightly better than others.
Isn't using wood around my radiator a fire hazard?
No, wood normally combusts at 454 degrees farenheight A typical heating system does not get any hotter that 190 degrees farenheight; less than half the temperature needed to cause any threat of a fire!
Will I be able to see the radiator through the grille of the cover?
Yes, though some grille types more than others. However an easy trick to solve this issue is to simply paint the radiator with a flat black paint. A latex paint can be used on a radiator with no signs of rust, but an oil based is better, since it will not promote rusting. The simplest way is to use spray paint (make sure the surrounding area is well masked!). Make sure the radiator is clean and free of loose paint. An etching primer or scuffing the radiator with a green scotch brite pad before painting will help the finish bond better. A light coat is all that is required. You do not have to be perfect ... the idea is to simply lessen the amount of light which is reflected by the radiator. You will be amazed at how well this works!
Will the wood crack in the presence of heat?
Wood can always have a tendency to split. We design our radiator covers to hold up to the constantly changing temperatures within the cover. We use a more dimensionally stable 3/4" furniture grade plywood for all panels 6" wide and over, unless specified otherwise by the customer. All joints are fastened both mechanically, as well as adhered with a very strong polyurethane adhesive. On top of this, all seams are sealed with a silicone based sealant. Our radiator covers are also professionally finished inside and out , providing the best possible barrier against the wood absorbing moisture from steam valves. In the rare case that any splitting does occur (usually only will show up on lightly painted covers), it is usually very minor and can be easily fixed with a small amount of sealant. Generally, our covers will last years and years with no signs of cracking!
Will your covers develop mold when used with steam heat?
We finish the insides of all of our covers with a gloss lacquer which has an anti-mold/ mildew additive added to prevent mold and mildew from forming. The gloss finish also provides a very poor place for mold and mildew to grow!
Will the tops of my cover become hot?
No, the tops of our covers generally stay pretty cool. all lids are insulated with a 1/2" insulation board with a reflective surface. This combined with the wood's natural insulating properties allow the cover to stay relatively cool.
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