Any air distribution or ventilation system must have its own grille. It will serve not only as a decorative role, but also will be able to regulate the flow of incoming air. These grilles may differ in functional purpose, differ in size, material of manufacture and colors. These products have a very wide range, so you can find both budget casual plastic stamping and purchase a real work of art with additional options.
Ventilation grill design
The considered devices have a rather simple design and are a guaranteed solution to ensure proper air access to the room. The strong frame of the product provides 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 is due to the special arrangement of the frame. And due to the removable metal or plastic panel, the working surface of the distributor grill is covered.
They can differ among themselves 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 gratings 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 a reverse thrust, coupled with the fact that they prevent small insects, sand and dust from entering the served room. In addition, this design ensures that polluted air is removed 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 nearby source;
- Inertial blinds - in them horizontal slats are the movable part, which shut off / 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, which makes it possible to precisely adjust the direction and intensity of the air flow. If necessary, the air intake can be completely blocked by a special grill with a damper. Such options are simply irreplaceable for saunas, steam rooms and baths.
Today, on the shelves of retail chains and on trading Internet platforms, you can easily find grilles of different shapes: round, square, rectangular, and even asymmetrical design. The latter are very popular for the implementation of design projects and fit perfectly into the interior of luxury cottages. However, the most popular materials for the manufacture of such products are the following:
- Aluminum alloys;
- Brass;
- Plastic (PVC);
- Galvanized steel;
- 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 manufactured - they prefer to make them 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 in industrial premises and in residential buildings. Additional protective properties of such gratings are given by means of a special paint and varnish coating, which can have different shades of colors. Nevertheless, these samples also have a significant disadvantage - they may not be very cheap;
- Other metal alloys - they are widely used in industrial ventilation. They are capable of withstanding powerful air pressure, preventing the ingress of aggressive substances into the serviced premises. These valves are characterized by increased reliability and long service life. In order to counteract possible corrosive processes, the outer parts of such grids are always covered with especially resistant protective compounds. Of their disadvantages, we can note some massiveness (which can complicate self-installation), usually large dimensions and a high price;
- Plastic - they are made of polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene, mounted on doors, ceilings or walls. As standard, they come in white or beige, 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 use in office premises, living rooms, country houses. In addition, plastic grilles can easily be made in a round shape, so they can be installed on ceilings next to round lamps - this installation method is used when installing multi-level ceilings of a complex structure. If their design provides for the function of adjusting air flows, then such models are called diffusers. The obvious disadvantages of plastic distributors include their loss of smoothness of their own surface (after prolonged use) and a 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. Hence it is clear that they are preferable to use when arranging baths and saunas. Although recently, wood, being a highly environmentally friendly material, is often found in country houses of a cottage type.Manufacturers are trying to make them more functional and provide the manufactured samples with special control valves. Of the minuses, we can mention that they still remain exclusive, and they require periodic processing 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 supply
These lattices can, in turn, be subdivided into:
- Gable - are used specifically for airing rooms in attics (most often they are made with extended edging, which gives them greater aesthetics);
- Basement - installed in basements and should, in addition to the ventilation function, also provide reliable protection from rodents (their typical dimensions are 37.5x37.5 cm, 15x15 cm and 24x24 cm).
- Door - usually they are given the function of an inlet valve located in the area of the doorway, when there is no other way to organize a sufficient supply of air flow into the room;
- Floor-standing - such models are indispensable when it is required to organize the flow of oxygen, displacing the exhaust air from the floor to the ceiling. They can be either stationary or adjustable. In the latter case, adjustable shutters are simply installed in the metal frame, which roll up into a roll.
With internal inflow
They provide air flow into the manned room from a specially designated source. As an example, fireplace ventilation grates can be cited - with their help, the air in the room is heated. Cold air enters the fireplace through the lower grate, receives its share of heating, and through the upper grate is fed into the room. Internal supply grilles are round as standard, so they blend harmoniously into the interior. There are also exclusive design options that are made using artistic forging or laser cutting. It should be noted that the internal supply manifolds are never equipped with valves. They are made of heat-resistant materials and are designed to work with very hot air.
Internal exhaust
These include:
- Overhead - installed in residential areas that have their own natural draft. The mosquito sheet 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 backdraft. 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 (especially for kitchens) are made of PVC, equipped with inertial louvers or a non-return valve. Simultaneously, natural draft and outflow of waste air masses are carried out;
- Slotted - they are mounted in places where it is desirable to leave ventilation unnoticeable. For this, a special color of the lattice is selected (to match the color of the ceiling), it can also be hidden by decorative elements or even be located between the levels of a complex ceiling.
Installation of a ventilation and distribution grille
In the case when the grille to be installed is not any exclusive for design purposes, then its installation will not be difficult. Four types of fasteners are commonly used:
- The grille frame is directly mounted 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, it is possible to use assembly glue, silicone and even "liquid nails" as a fastening element. They carefully process the entire lattice perimeter. Further, the construction is applied exclusively to 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 in the kit, but it is not difficult to find the necessary samples. The whole highlight of this fastener is that such a grill 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, therefore, it is advisable in addition to use a mounting frame of the required size;
- The most reliable way is considered to be the use of various connectors. So, for massive and dimensional industrial gratings, heavy latches or twists are used. As a rule, they are not particularly striking if you insert a counter frame into the duct.
Features of the choice of air distributors
As a rule, each room has its own ventilation project, which indicates all the necessary parameters of future ventilation grilles. Hence 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 flow rate and speed of air flows (as mentioned above, for such projects it is better to use products from all kinds of metals and their alloys). In most cases, they are equipped with special regulators.
For domestic needs, users generally rely on the following criteria:
- Product color and shade;
- Is it necessary to provide the model with a fine mesh;
- Aerodynamic characteristics and sound insulation properties;
- Installation site (street, interior, basement, attic, etc.);
- Ease of service;
- Installation method (overlay or built-in method);
- Air inlet dimensions;
- Estimated flow rate of air mass.
Rating of the best ventilation grilles for 2024
For exhaust ventilation
5th place: Europlast RA 1050
Robust and budget model, reliably provides the function of the hood in residential areas. The features include easy installation, reliable construction material. Can be painted in any color at the request of the consumer. It is not afraid of corrosion and is resistant to most aggressive substances.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 100x500 |
Manufacturing material | Aluminum |
Installation method | Invoice |
Price, rubles | 620 |
grille Europlast RA 1050
Advantages:
- Ease of installation;
- Sufficient bandwidth;
- Budgetary price.
Disadvantages:
4th place: ERA Street line 2424K20F
Not a bad model from a Russian manufacturer. A shut-off valve and larger flange diameter are available as options. It can also be installed in an apartment, but is more suitable for larger office space. It is guaranteed to cope with the exhaust function.
Name | Index |
The form | Square |
Dimensions, mm | 242x242 |
Manufacturing material | Plastic |
Installation method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 820 |
grille ERA Street line 2424K20F
Advantages:
- Enlarged flange (200 mm);
- The presence of a shut-off valve;
- Suitable for large offices.
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for working with very hot air.
3rd place: ERA SL 15
Reinforced version for reliable and comfortable extraction. The kit includes 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 |
Manufacturing material | Stainless steel |
Installation method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1800 |
grille ERA SL 15
Advantages:
- Heavy-duty body;
- Resistance to temperature changes;
- The presence of an insect net.
Disadvantages:
2nd place: ERA Street line 16
Another round version of the grill for the hood. Manufacturing material - steel, complete with insect screen. Can only be installed by incorporating into the duct. The flange is slightly enlarged - 160 mm.It is quite applicable both for industrial purposes and for household needs.
Name | Index |
The form | Round |
Dimensions, mm | 160 |
Manufacturing material | Steel |
Installation method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1900 |
grille ERA Street line 16
Advantages:
- Increased flange pitch;
- The versatility of the device;
- Reinforced housing.
Disadvantages:
1st place: ERA Street Line 4646K40F
High quality Russian plastic grille, can be produced in two colors - steel gray and beige. Features a shutoff valve and a larger area, which means additional control over the air flow rate. Due to its low price (for its segment!), The sample gained deserved popularity.
Name | Index |
The form | Square |
Dimensions, mm | 455x455 |
Manufacturing material | PVC plastic |
Installation method | Invoice |
Price, rubles | 2500 |
grille ERA Street Line 4646K40F
Advantages:
- Increased working area;
- The ability to adjust the flow;
- Multifunctionality.
Disadvantages:
- Not identified (for its sector).
For supply ventilation
5th place: VENTS MV 250 VDs
A multifunctional sample designed for various types of premises: public, domestic, industrial. It 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 body is made of high-strength plastic.
Name | Index |
The form | Square |
Dimensions, mm | Variable (100 to 150) |
Manufacturing material | High strength plastic |
Installation method | Latches |
Price, rubles | 500 |
VENTS grating MV 250 VDs
Advantages:
- Budget cost;
- Reliable case;
- Versatility.
Disadvantages:
- The multi-piece design requires professional installation.
4th place: PMU ARKTOS 300x200
The grille is equipped with two rows of sensitively adjustable louvers, which provide a comfortable air flow, while the length of the air stream can be adjusted. Seasonal use is possible. In order to protect the hull, a special environmentally friendly RAL spray is used.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 300x200 |
Manufacturing material | Aluminum |
Installation method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 800 |
lattice PMU ARKTOS 300x200
Advantages:
- Variability of air jet range;
- Large assortment of sizes;
- Actual cost.
Disadvantages:
- Difficulties in installation and management.
3rd place: RV-1 "Pava"
Special ventilation grill for natural stoves and fireplaces. During production, artistic casting is used. Provides a safe flow of warm air into the serviced room. Has a unique T-shaped mount, but requires professional installation.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 250x140 |
Manufacturing material | Cast iron |
Installation method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1500 |
lattice RV-1 "Pava"
Advantages:
- Artistic casting;
- Durable cast iron body;
- Reliable air exchange.
Disadvantages:
- Extremely massive (weight - 3.5 kg).
2nd place: KMU ARKTOS 600x200
The sample is specially designed for round ducts. Due to the fact that the blinds are installed in plastic sleeves, the air flow regulation is clear and smooth. Depending on the supply stream, 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 |
Manufacturing material | Aluminum |
Installation method | Embedded |
Price, rubles | 1600 |
lattice CMU ARKTOS 600x200
Advantages:
- The ability to adjust several grilles at the same time;
- Use of plastic sleeves;
- Powder coated.
Disadvantages:
1st place: RAG-R (color) with air flow valve 1250 * 150
The grille is made of aluminum profile, has calla-shaped louvers, whose corners are individually adjustable. The assortment contains 250 possible colors. Has an air flow valve. For protective and decorative coatings, polyester paint is used. Customization is possible.
Name | Index |
The form | Rectangular |
Dimensions, mm | 1250x150 |
Manufacturing material | Aluminum |
Installation 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.
Disadvantages:
Instead of an epilogue
In the course of the analysis of the air distributor grilles market, it was found out that the domestic buyer prefers mainly a 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 shopping malls, cinemas and production facilities). At the same time, an ordinary buyer does not even try to save money by purchasing all the necessary materials in the retail network. But industrial designs are best purchased in bulk 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.