Radiator Cover Or Window Seat?
I am moving into an old brownstone in BedStuy on Halsey next week. The apartment is on the first floor — Rounded front with three big windows and original shutters. Two small radiators flank the two side windows beneath… I had an idea that I could build a window seat covering the radiators and having…
I am moving into an old brownstone in BedStuy on Halsey next week. The apartment is on the first floor — Rounded front with three big windows and original shutters. Two small radiators flank the two side windows beneath… I had an idea that I could build a window seat covering the radiators and having storage (shelve/cabinets) in the center window. I do not know much about construction, but I have friends to help, and have a limited budget. Is it possible to cover up radiators like this, or will I need reflective coatings inside and a grated front etc, making it a more difficult project than I hope ?!
Agreed. Radiator covers will definitely decrease heat transfer, for 2 reasons: less air flow and 2) if steam, more heat retainment around the radiator (which reflective paint might worsen, not sure) so radiator will stay off longer.
I’d hold off until the winter when you can tell whether you can afford to lose the heat output.
I have a friend who designs and fabricates radiator covers for reasonable prices. They are lovely. He doesn’t have a site for them yet, but in case you decide to look into having someone else make it for you, here’s his info: http://www.yellowbot.com/auric-construction-design-brooklyn-ny.html
You can use my name, Nomi. Good luck to you.
You will not know (or appreciate) the heat output of those radiators until heat season begins. If you cover them completely without a grate and from floor to bench, you will certainly reduce or eliminate their ability to draw air and exchange heat with the room.
Pine Street Metals is a shop that fabricates decent, affordable metal radiator covers: http://www.pinestreetmetals.com/radator-covers.htm
Here’s one link (of many online) describing how to build a radiator cover:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,1582598_1289305,00.html
If construction is new to you, and your budget limited, you might only want to build shelves/cabinets between the radiators, with a bench that might or might not stretch over the radiators. The rounded architecture you’re describing is known as a bow-front or bay window, depending on shape.
You don not “need” any kind of reflective coating, the heat will exchange on its own, i would put some kind of cover in front of them the radiators, so as your legs won’t be burned by touching them. Local hardware stores sell thin metal grate just for radiator covers. Good luck.
I have designed lots of different things to cover up radiators. You need to make sure that the heat can escape the built in around it, but it does not have to be a grate. I do a lot of work in Bed-Stuy. If you have friends who can build it for you, it should be very economical. If you are interested in help to design it, please feel free to contact me @ jane@janeinteriorsnyc.com.