ᐅ Kallax as a Cover for Radiators – How Do Temperature Fluctuations Affect It?
Created on: 24 Jun 2020 18:37
L
Lolebe
Hello everyone,
I am currently considering whether I can install my Kallax shelves as covers above my radiators. I am mainly wondering how the temperature fluctuations might affect the material and stability of the Kallax units. The radiators get quite warm during the day, and cool down again at night—so there are constantly changing temperatures.
My specific questions are:
1. Can the heated air currents from the radiators warp or even damage the Kallax material?
2. How does the long-term durability hold up if the shelf stands over such a heat source?
3. Are there any special precautions or installation tips to avoid problems?
I do not intend to connect the shelf directly to the radiator, but rather to use it as a cover "above" the radiator so that air circulation can still be maintained.
Thank you very much for your assessments and experiences!
I am currently considering whether I can install my Kallax shelves as covers above my radiators. I am mainly wondering how the temperature fluctuations might affect the material and stability of the Kallax units. The radiators get quite warm during the day, and cool down again at night—so there are constantly changing temperatures.
My specific questions are:
1. Can the heated air currents from the radiators warp or even damage the Kallax material?
2. How does the long-term durability hold up if the shelf stands over such a heat source?
3. Are there any special precautions or installation tips to avoid problems?
I do not intend to connect the shelf directly to the radiator, but rather to use it as a cover "above" the radiator so that air circulation can still be maintained.
Thank you very much for your assessments and experiences!
Hey Lolebe and everyone else 🙂
Heat and Kallax is quite a little tinkering topic. Radiators always like to put on their heat show – and Kallax acts like an invisible Kardashian influencer who hardly shows any signs of pressure (or heat). But honestly, MDF does have its limits.
My tip: If you want to hang the shelf above the radiator, leave a bit of space between the shelf and the radiator – about 10 cm (4 inches). This way, the warm air can circulate properly without causing the "Kallax heat meltdown."
I completely agree with that. Air cushions are your best friends here :-)
Also, something that doesn’t hurt: Don’t place heavy items directly over the warm spots. Otherwise, the stability might suffer ;-)
And if the air gets very dry in winter, maybe use a small humidifier to balance it out, or the shelves could become brittle – but that’s more of a luxury tip.
Good luck with your project, and if things get too hot, usually the radiators say “Pfiat di!” 😉
Heat and Kallax is quite a little tinkering topic. Radiators always like to put on their heat show – and Kallax acts like an invisible Kardashian influencer who hardly shows any signs of pressure (or heat). But honestly, MDF does have its limits.
My tip: If you want to hang the shelf above the radiator, leave a bit of space between the shelf and the radiator – about 10 cm (4 inches). This way, the warm air can circulate properly without causing the "Kallax heat meltdown."
floga schrieb:
installing narrow metal or wooden strips as spacers
I completely agree with that. Air cushions are your best friends here :-)
Also, something that doesn’t hurt: Don’t place heavy items directly over the warm spots. Otherwise, the stability might suffer ;-)
And if the air gets very dry in winter, maybe use a small humidifier to balance it out, or the shelves could become brittle – but that’s more of a luxury tip.
Good luck with your project, and if things get too hot, usually the radiators say “Pfiat di!” 😉
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