One of the first things you need to know when replacing your LST or anti-ligature radiator covers is the size that you need to specify.

This simple ‘how-to’ guide is designed to help you measure up for your radiator project, whether you’re upgrading the heating in a hospital, hospice, school, nursery school, office or secure facility.

Before measuring for your new radiator covers, you will need
• A tape measure
• A contour survey sheet and pen
• A camera to take any photographs that will support your specification for bespoke designs

The process

Contour require a few measurements to manufacture and fit your new radiator casings. You’ll need to measure
• The length of your radiator, including valves
• The height of your radiator
• The depth of your radiator from the wall
• Any skirting boards, if you will require cut-outs

By providing Contour with skirting board measurements, we can make any cut-out modifications during the manufacturing process to avoid any disruptive cutting during installation. This means that your installation will be as efficient as possible.

Step 1 - Measuring the length of your radiator

Measure the widest length of your radiator, including the valves at either side. Add 50mm to your measurement to allow for the 20mm fixing return on DeepClean radiator covers. The total dimension will form the required length measurement for your radiator covers.

Step 2 - Measuring the height of your radiator

Measure the height of your radiator and add 50mm to calculate the required height measurement for your radiator covers.

When measuring the height of your radiator, you may find that your floor isn’t level. Be sure to measure both sides of the radiator, especially if the radiator measures 1800mm or longer.

If your radiator has an access ramp that isn’t level with the floor, Contour can manufacture a radiator cover with a tapered plinth to create a flat level.

Step 3 - Measuring radiator cover depth

Measure the distance between the wall and the radiator to determine the depth of your radiator. You will need to take this measurement below your radiator if you have pipework underneath the radiator.

Ensure that your measurement begins at the wall and finishes at the deepest part of your heating system – even if this is pipework* – so that your radiator guard encases the entire system.

For DeepClean radiator casings, Contour have a standard tolerance that is 65mm deeper than the deepest part of the radiator. You will need to add this to your depth measurement to calculate the necessary dimension for your new radiator covers.

Example: a 90mm radiator requires a 155mm radiator cover.

The 65mm tolerance comprises
• 40mm allowance for the door of your radiator cover
• 20mm allowance for the frame of your radiator cover
• 5mm for further tolerance

Step 4 - Measuring for cut-outs in skirting boards or vinyl flooring

If you have skirting boards or vinyl flooring that will get in the way of your radiator guard installation, we will need to create cut-outs during the manufacturing process of your radiator covers. These can be accommodated for a variety of floor finishes.

Contour will require the following dimensions to produce your radiator casings with accurate cut-outs
• Height of the required cut-out
• Depth of the required cut-out
• Radius of the cover

*Contour also offer pipe boxing should you wish to protect your pipes with a safe, aesthetic casing. Like Contour’s LST and anti-ligature radiator covers, pipe boxing is available in any RAL colour.