Fixings on Radiator Guards: Why Concealed Options Improve Safety and Aesthetics

When specifying radiator guards, it’s easy to focus on materials, grille design, or cleaning access, but there’s one detail that directly affects both user safety and visual appeal: the fixings.

Radiator guards must be securely fixed in place to prevent tampering, ensure stability, and support long-term use. How those fixings are designed and installed (internally or externally) however, can be the difference between a safe, secure installation and one that introduces risk.

In this blog, we’ll break down why fixing placement and type are critical to consider during specification, and how Contour’s design approach helps improve both safety and appearance.

The Problem with External Fixings

Many budget radiator guards use external screws or brackets to secure the unit to the wall or floor. While this may seem practical, it introduces several potential issues:

• Tamper risk: External fixings are visible and accessible, making them easy targets for interference. Once loosened or removed, the guard can become unstable or even dangerous.
• Ligature concern: Raised brackets or screws can present ligature attachment points; an unacceptable risk in mental health or secure care settings.
• Unfinished look: Exposed fixings can detract from the clean, professional appearance expected in clinical or educational environments.
• Maintenance burden: If fixings are damaged or tampered with, it often requires multiple visits to rectify, wasting time and budget.

In high-risk or public-facing environments, concealing the fixings is always the safer and smarter choice.

Contour’s Internal Fixing Design 

At Contour, most of our radiator guards are designed with internal fixings as standard, hiding all points of attachment within the guard itself.

This approach provides:

✅ A cleaner aesthetic – No visible screws or brackets
✅ Improved tamper resistance – Nothing exposed to be interfered with
✅ Enhanced safety – Reduced ligature points and snag risks
✅ Easy maintenance access – Fixings accessed only by authorised staff

This makes internal fixing ideal for environments like:

• Healthcare facilities and hospital wards
• Mental health and CAMHS settings
• Schools, particularly SEN classrooms
• Care homes and supported living schemes

What About the Covora?

Unlike the DeepClean and DeepClean Extra ranges, the Covora models are fixed externally. However, they’re still designed with safety and durability in mind.

Covora uses a three-point fixing system: being on both sides and an internal joggle bracket. This provides excellent stability for low-risk, low-tamper environments, such as:

• Offices or admin spaces
• General circulation areas
• Low-dependency care settings
• Staff-only spaces

Cap covers are supplied as standard to disguise and protect external fixings, improving aesthetics and reducing the risk of interference.

Fixings for High-security Environments

For high-risk areas where even greater tamper resistance is required, such as mental health settings, 136 suites, or prisons, Contour offers the DeepClean Extra+ model which incorporates additional fixing options:

• Anti-tamper fixings: Used in our DeepClean Extra+ MoJ-approved safer cell guards
• Secure locking: Paired with secure compression cam locks for controlled access
• Reinforced frame construction: Fixings are integrated into the structural design of the guard, further reducing tampering risk

Fixing Type: An Important Part of Your Specification

When specifying radiator guards, always consider:

• Who will have access to the space?
• What is the risk of tampering or vandalism?
• Is this a ligature-risk environment?
• How important is the visual finish?
• Do you need future access for maintenance?

Internal fixings make a significant difference, especially when paired with the right lock type, grille design, and access panel.

If your spec prioritises aesthetics, durability, and end-user safety, fixing design needs to be part of your thinking.

Need Help Specifying Radiator Guards with the Right Fixing Solution? 

From anti-ligature settings to everyday healthcare environments, Contour will guide you to the safest, smartest option for your project.

📧 sales@contourheating.co.uk
📞 01952 290 498
🗓️ Or book a free site survey with our expert team.