
In other words, an opening size of 1/10” will keep out larger embers – and with 60% open area, you should have a very nice view of that glowing fire while staying warm at night. This clear opening size, in conjunction with the standard diameter wire, offers an ideal combination of spark retention, heat protection and visibility. The most popular woven wire mesh used in fireplace screens is a mesh that has an opening size of approximately 1/10” and a percentage of open area of 60%. Over the years, Darby has transitioned from a custom manufacturer of fireplace screens to one of the country’s preeminent suppliers of wire mesh used in fireplace screen applications. Finally, if your kid does get a radiator burn, make sure you have a first aid kit ready to roll.During the late 1800s and early 1900s, EJ Darby & Son, Inc., also known as Pennsylvania Wire Works, was a large manufacturer of complete fireplace screen units. In the end, one of the best ways to keep your kid safe is to teach them about stuff that can burn them. Among the best ideas are splitting a length of bamboo, or wrapping it in a decorative rope from top to bottom. There are methods for dealing with this as well. Sometimes radiator are accompanied by “charming” exposed steam pipes running through your home or apartment. But the nice thing is, it will look like it absolutely belongs, and not like a shop class went on a bender in your family room. If you’re going custom, it can get even pricier with measuring, design, and install. Pre-made covers can run well above $150, but at least you’ll get it done and will be from worrying about radiator burns. You can pick up a pre-made, or even custom built, radiator cover if you’re feeling particularly flush with cash (or super lazy). Expensive, Easy, Good Looking: Pre-made Child Proof Radiator Covers Or you could try your hand at a damn fine Ikea hack to make it cheaper. The DIY masters at This Old House have some fine plans. Ethically sourced, salvaged, exotic Ecuadorian hardwoods, not so much. Your cost will be completely dependent on the materials you choose. The downside is that it will take some time to put together and will likely cause some loss of heating efficiency. The upside is that the cover will be as pretty as you’re capable of making it (or your partner demands). If you’ve got mad drill skills, you can whip yourself up a custom radiator cover to keep your kid out. Affordable, Harder, Attractive: DIY Childproof Radiator Cover or Ikea Hack That’s a serious concern when considering iron is the material of choice for most fireplace screens.

Make sure a kid can’t pull the screen over.

The bonus for theses screens is that they can be downright beautiful to look at. The prices here will vary, but will be generally affordable compared to other options. You can easily score a fireplace screen online or in antique stores. Cheap, Easy, Less Ugly: Freestanding Fireplace Screen Just make sure you secure the pen to the wall at the ends so your kid can’t pull it over. They vary in height and length, but are generally inexpensive and can be easily modified to create space between your kid and the heat.
FIREPLACE SCREENS SERIES
Most pet supply stores will sell modular exercise pens that come in a series of joined sections. No, not by tying them up in a corner far away from the radiator, but by purchasing a barrier made for pets. One of the more brilliant suggestions from a reader of Apartment Therapy is to treat your kid like an animal. Below are some fine options from cheap and easy to hard and expensive. Just know that the prettier you want it, the more money or effort it will require. With that in mind, there are many ways to create a barrier between your kid’s grubby fingers and the freakishly hot metal accordion skulking in your living room.Ĭreating a radiator refuge can range wildly in price and aesthetic merit.

The key is to not let them get near enough to touch it. Much like fireplaces, there is really only one way to make sure your kid doesn’t get burned by your radiator. It’s one of the best reasons to hide your radiator. So, basically the age of not knowing any better. Of the kids who see an emergency doctor due to scalding, contact burns, fire, etc., the majority were are between 1 and 4 years of age. So this winter, get caught up on all the ways to protect your child with these radiator childproofing ideas to prevent radiator burn.Īccording to data from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, burns make up 2% of all nonfatal childhood injuries that require emergency department care.

But a hot radiator can really burn kids who don’t know better than to touch it. When the weather is getting colder, it’s high time to crank up your radiator.
