Radiator cover fitting in Exeter
Professional radiator cover fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-85
Typical Duration
30-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Radiator covers turn ugly radiators into furniture, provide shelf space, and make radiators safer around young kids. Whether flat-pack assembly or bespoke fitting, we'll get it installed properly so it looks good and functions correctly. Based in Exeter, covering all of Devon.
Radiator covers serve several purposes - they hide old or damaged radiators, prevent young children burning themselves on hot surfaces, create usable shelf space, and can improve a room's appearance. The trick is fitting them so they work effectively without blocking heat flow or making radiator maintenance difficult.
We fit all types of radiator covers - flat-pack MDF units that need assembly, ready-made cabinets, and can work with bespoke covers you've had made. We'll also adjust covers to fit around pipes, valves, and awkward wall features.
Cover Types and Installation
| Cover Style | Installation Time | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Flat-pack MDF covers | 45-60 mins | Assembly, adjustments for pipes |
| Ready-made cabinet covers | 30-45 mins | Positioning, securing if needed |
| Bespoke wooden covers | 30-60 mins | May need custom adjustments |
| Wall-mounted floating covers | 45-75 mins | Wall fixing, precise positioning |
What We Check
Ventilation: Covers need adequate airflow - grilles on the front, open top, space underneath. Solid covers that trap heat drastically reduce radiator efficiency.
Pipe clearance: Radiator pipes need to pass through without forcing or binding. We'll mark and adjust cutouts if needed.
Radiator access: You need to access radiator valves for temperature control and bleeding. Covers that make this impossible are impractical.
Shelf stability: The top shelf needs secure fixing or adequate support. A wobbly shelf that collapses when you put items on it is pointless.
Wall fixing: For covers in kids' rooms or high-traffic areas, wall fixing prevents them being knocked over or pulled forward.
Radiator covers shouldn't be an afterthought. Done well, they integrate into the room. Done badly, they're an obstruction that reduces heating and looks awkward.
Why Choose Us for Radiator cover fitting in Exeter?
Hides unsightly old radiators
Safer for young children
Creates usable shelf space
Professional fitting, secure mounting
What to Expect
1. Site Assessment
We'll look at your radiator, check the cover you've bought fits the radiator dimensions, and identify any adjustments needed for pipes or valves.
2. Assembly and Fitting
We assemble the cover (if flat-pack), make any necessary adjustments for pipe clearances, position it over the radiator, and secure to the wall if appropriate. We'll test the radiator valves are still accessible.
3. Final Check
We ensure the cover is stable, ventilation is adequate, and the shelf is secure. We'll clean up any assembly waste and sawdust from adjustments.
🔧 DIY Tips
Measure your radiator accurately: Covers are sized for standard radiator dimensions. Measure width, height, and projection from the wall. Buying a cover that doesn't fit is frustrating.
Check valve positions: Radiator controls might be on the side or bottom. Make sure your chosen cover design allows access to these.
Don't block ventilation: The cover needs open grilles on the front and ideally an open top or back. Solid panels trap heat and dramatically reduce radiator efficiency.
Allow pipe clearance: Measure pipe positions carefully before marking cutouts. Pipes need to pass through without bending or forcing.
Use a spirit level: The cover should sit level even if the floor isn't perfectly level. Adjust feet or use shims if needed.
Consider reflective foil: Before fitting the cover, consider adding reflective foil behind the radiator (on the wall). This reflects heat into the room rather than warming the wall. It's cheap and makes a noticeable difference.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Radiator covers were very popular in Victorian/Edwardian times, fell out of fashion, and are now back in popularity. Modern versions are better designed for heat flow than old ones which often trapped too much heat.
MDF radiator covers are the most common type. They're affordable and come in various styles. However, MDF doesn't cope well with moisture - in bathrooms or anywhere prone to damp, consider alternative materials.
For period properties with original cast-iron radiators, bespoke covers often work better than standard flat-pack options. The radiators are often deeper and taller than modern equivalents.
Radiator covers provide shelf space, but remember this gets warm. Don't store anything heat-sensitive (chocolates, candles, photos) on radiator cover shelves.
Some modern designer radiators (vertical column radiators, flat panel designer rads) look good uncovered and don't benefit from covers. Covers make more sense for old panel radiators or tired-looking cast-iron rads.
In children's rooms, radiator covers serve a safety function. Young children can burn themselves on very hot radiators. A cover creates a barrier while still allowing heat circulation.
White or cream radiator covers show dirt easily, especially in high-traffic areas. Consider the color in relation to your room usage and cleaning preferences.
If you're decorating a room, paint the radiator cover at the same time rather than fitting it then painting. Pre-painted covers are easier to handle and get a better finish than painting after installation.
For radiators below windows (very common placement), consider how curtains will interact with the cover. Full-length curtains might need shortening or the radiator cover design might need adjusting.
Removing radiator covers for deep cleaning or radiator maintenance should be straightforward. If a cover is so permanently fixed you can't easily remove it, accessing the radiator for bleeding or repairs becomes a pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does radiator cover fitting cost?
Radiator cover fitting typically costs £60 (our minimum charge). Most covers take 30-60 minutes to assemble and fit, depending on the style and whether modifications are needed for pipes. Custom covers or those needing significant adjustment take longer.
Will a radiator cover reduce heating efficiency?
A properly designed cover with adequate ventilation has minimal impact on efficiency - usually around 5-10% heat reduction. Covers without ventilation grilles or that trap heat significantly reduce efficiency. We'll advise if a cover design looks problematic.
Can you fit covers to any radiator?
Most standard radiators can be covered. Very old cast-iron radiators, designer radiators with unusual shapes, or radiators with top-mounted controls can be more challenging. We'll assess and advise if your specific radiator is suitable.
Do radiator covers need to be screwed to walls?
Many covers are freestanding and just sit over the radiator. Some designs have wall brackets for security, especially in households with young children. We'll fix to walls where appropriate and where the design allows it.
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