The gap between the refrigerator and the wall is a common problem, that owners of kitchen appliances face. Even a small gap of 2-5 cm can cause dust accumulation, moisture ingress, mold growth or an unaesthetic appearance of the interior. But the main thing is that an incorrectly closed gap impairs the ventilation of the compressor, which leads to overheating and increased energy consumption. As practice shows, more than 60% of refrigerator breakdowns are associated with impaired heat transfer. due to ill-conceived installation.
In this article we will examine 7 proven methods close the gap - from budgetary temporary solutions to capital methods using professional materials. You will find out what mistakes 9 out of 10 users make during installation, how to avoid damage to walls and equipment, and also what mistakes materials should absolutely not be used (spoiler: polyurethane foam and silicone sealant are prohibited!). Let us separately dwell on the nuances for built-in models (Samsung RB37, LG GR-B247, Bosch KAN58**) and refrigerators with a system No Frost.
Why you can’t ignore the gap between the refrigerator and the wall
Many people believe that a gap of 3-4 cm is a trifle that should not be paid attention to. However, service center engineers claim: even 1 cm of free space can reduce the life of the refrigerator by 15-20%. Here's why:
- 🔥 Compressor overheating: in most models (Indesit, Atlant, Liebherr) the radiator is located on the back wall. If the gap is not closed correctly, hot air is not removed and the motor wears out.
- 💧 Condensation and mold: moisture accumulates in narrow gaps, especially if the refrigerator is located next to a sink or stove. The risk of fungus increases by 3 times.
- 🐜 Insects and rodents: a gap wider than 1 cm becomes a “path” for cockroaches, ants and even mice (relevant for private homes).
- 💨 Dust accumulation: ventilation grilles clog faster, which leads to an increase in noise and energy consumption by 10-15%.
In addition, an unclosed gap spoils the appearance of the kitchen. According to statistics, 45% of buyers of built-in refrigerators (Bosch KIV38X, Siemens KS36V) complain about sloppy joints that are noticeable after repairs.
⚠️ Attention: if your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, never cover the back of the appliance with thick materials (for example, chipboard or plastic). This disrupts air circulation and leads to icing of the evaporator.
How to measure the gap correctly: step-by-step instructions
Before choosing a material to close the gap, you need to accurately measure its parameters. An error of even 0.5 cm can lead to the seal not fitting or, conversely, preventing the door from opening. Here's how to take measurements:
- Disconnect the refrigerator unplug and move it 30-40 cm from the wall (if possible).
- Take metal ruler or caliper - a plastic tape measure may cause an error.
- Measure the distance at three points:
- Upper corner (from the door hinge side)
- Middle of the back wall
- Bottom corner (compressor side)
Standard clearances for different types of refrigerators:
| Refrigerator type | Recommended clearance, cm | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding (compressor at the back) | 5–10 cm | For models Atlant, Pozis, Stinol with open condenser |
| Built-in (with forced ventilation) | 2–3 cm | Relevant for Bosch KIV, Siemens KS, LG GR-B** |
With system No Frost |
3–7 cm | Depends on the location of the ventilation holes |
| Side-by-Side | 7–15 cm | Requires increased heat exchange due to greater power |
If the gap exceeds 10 cm, the refrigerator is likely installed incorrectly. In this case, it is better to rearrange the equipment or use combined closing methods (for example, corner plinth + decorative panel).
7 ways to close the gap: from temporary to permanent solutions
The choice of method depends on the width of the gap, the wall material (plasterboard, brick, concrete) and the type of refrigerator. We have arranged the methods from the simplest to the most. reliable.
1. Rubber seal (for gaps 0.5–2 cm)
Ideal solution for small gaps. Self-adhesive sealant made of foam rubber (for example Deventer, KIM TEC) cost from 150 rubles for 2 meters and are sold in any hardware store. Suitable for refrigerators Indesit, Biryusa, Nord.
- ✅ Pros: does not require tools, can be easily removed, does not damage the wall.
- ❌ Cons: moves away from the surface over time, may turn yellow.
How to glue:
- Clean the surface of the wall and refrigerator with alcohol.
- Measure the required length of the seal with a margin of 2-3 cm.
- Remove the protective film and press the material against the wall, starting from the top corner.
⚠️ Attention: if the seal is glued to to the plastic body of the refrigerator, when removed it may leave marks. It is better to fix it only on the wall.
2. Plastic corner (for gaps of 2–4 cm)
PVC corners (for example, Plastdecor, Ekoplastik) cost from 50 rubles for 2 meters and come in different colors. The best option for kitchens with tiled finishing. Suitable for models Samsung RB, LG GA-B.
- ✅ Pros: durable, washable, not afraid of moisture.
- ❌ Cons: requires precise trimming and glue (for example, liquid nails).
Instructions:
- Cut the corner to fit the gap using a hacksaw according metal.
- Apply glue to the inside of the corner with a zigzag.
- Press tightly to the wall and refrigerator, secure with masking tape for 24 hours.
☑️ What you will need to install the corner
3. Decorative panel made of MDF or plastic (for gaps of 5–10 cm)
If the gap is wide, the best option is removable panel, which is attached to the wall on furniture hinges. You can order it in furniture workshops or make it yourself from laminated chipboard. Suitable for Side-by-Side refrigerators (Samsung RS, LG GC-B).
- ✅ Pros: completely hides the gap, can be painted in color kitchens.
- ❌ Cons: requires precise measurements and tools (drill, screwdriver).
Tip: Magnetic latches data-i="157">) diseñados for joints between furniture and the wall. Cost from 300 rubles for 2 meters. Ideal for built-in models ( if the panel interferes with the opening of the door, install it on it magnetic latches —they will allow you to easily remove the structure if necessary.
4. Flexible skirting board for the kitchen (for gaps of 1–3 cm)
Special silicone or rubber baseboards (For example, AlcaPlast, Barlinek) diseñados for joints between furniture and walls. They cost from 300 rubles for 2 meters. Ideal for built-in models (Bosch KIV, Electrolux ENN).
- ✅ Pros: flexible, moisture-resistant, does not crack.
- ❌ Cons: may fade over time.
How to attach: the baseboard sits on silicone sealant (for example, Moment Germent). It is important to apply glue only to the wall so as not to damage the coating of the refrigerator.
5. Polyurethane foam (ONLY for major repairs!)
This method highly not recommended is for independent use, but is sometimes used for complete remodeling of the kitchen. Foam (Makroflex, Soudal) fills gaps up to 7 cm, but has a number of disadvantages:
- ❌ Expands when hardened (risk of squeezing out the refrigerator).
- ❌ Poorly removed - during dismantling technicians will have to cut it off with a knife.
- ❌ It disrupts ventilation (if it covers the back wall).
If you still decide to use foam, be sure to leave ventilation holes with a diameter of 3-5 cm in the lower and upper parts of the gap.
6. Aluminum tape (temporary solution for gaps up to 1 cm)
A budget option for rental housing. Aluminum tape (for example, 3M, Tesa) costs from 100 rubles per roll and lasts up to 6 months. Suitable for refrigerators Midea, Haier, Vestfrost.
How to glue:
- Cut the strip along the length of the gap + 2 cm.
- Glue it only to the wallwithout touching the body refrigerator.
- To be sure, warm it up with a hairdryer (temperature 40–50°C).
7. Professional installation of a built-in refrigerator
If your refrigerator is built-in (Bosch KIV38X, Siemens KS36V), the best solution is order installation from an official installer. Cost of service: from 2,500 rubles. Master:
- 🔧 Select ventilation grille with a gap of 2–3 cm.
- 🔧 Will install decorative panel under the facade of the kitchen.
- 🔧 Check heat transfer using a thermal imager.
⚠️ Attention: if you install a built-in refrigerator yourself, you lose the manufacturer’s warranty! This is stated in the conditions Bosch, Siemens, LG.
What should you do if, after closing the gap, the refrigerator begins to make noise?
This means that heat transfer is disrupted. Immediately remove the seal/panel and check:
1. Are the ventilation holes on the rear wall blocked?
2. Is the refrigerator touching the wall (there should be a gap of at least 1 cm).
3. Is the compressor overheating (place your hand on the back grill - if it burns, immediately provide air flow).
What not to do when closing the gap: 5 dangerous mistakes
Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdown of the refrigerator. This is what is strictly prohibited:
- Use silicone sealant for attaching seals. It does not allow air to pass through and can damage the paint on the refrigerator body.
- Cover the back wall with dense materials (chipboard, plywood). This disrupts the operation of the capacitor and leads to overheating.
- Glue something to the body of the refrigerator (except magnetic tapes). When removed, there will be traces that cannot be removed.
- Ignore ventilation gaps. Even with major installation, you need to leave holes with a diameter of 3–5 cm at the bottom and top.
- Use flammable materials (foam plastic, foam rubber) next to the compressor. Risk of fire due to overheating!
If you are in doubt about the choice of material, look instructions for the refrigerator —the minimum clearance for ventilation is always indicated there. For example, for LG GA-B489 it is 5 cm, and for Bosch KAN58A50 it is 7 cm.
- model and serial number (usually on a sticker),
- location of ventilation holes,
- brand of compressor.
This will help the technician quickly diagnose the problem if something goes wrong.-->
How to close a gap in a rented apartment: temporary solutions
If you live in a rented apartment housing, major installation is not an option. Here 3 safe waysthat will not damage the walls and refrigerator:
- 🧲 Magnetic tape (for example, 3M Command). Attaches without glue and can be removed without leaving any traces. Suitable for gaps up to 1.5 cm.
- 🧼 Removable silicone seal on suction cups. Sold in hardware stores (price from 200 rubles).
- 📦 Cardboard insertwrapped in cling film. It doesn’t look beautiful, but it protects from dust and insects.
If the owners of the apartment allow it, you can use it double-sided tape 3M VHB —it lasts up to 5 years and can be removed without damage (if the wall is painted or covered with wallpaper).
Frequently asked questions and answers
Is it possible to close the gap with foam if the refrigerator is in a niche?
Yes, but only if:
- Niche has ventilation holes (minimum 2 pieces with a diameter of 5 cm).
- You use professional low expansion foam (for example Soudal Low Expansion).
- After hardening, you will cut off the excess and cover the foam with a decorative grille.
For refrigerators with No Frost this method is not suitable!
How to close the gap if the wall is uneven (drywall with waves)?
Use flexible seal with adhesive backing (for example, Deventer D-profile). It follows the curves of the wall and does not come off over time. An alternative is rubber watering can (sold in plumbing stores), which can be cut lengthwise and fixed with liquid. nails.
What to do if, after closing the gap, the refrigerator began to heat up more?
Urgently remove the seal and check:
- Whether the Ventilation grilles rear wall is closed.
- Whether the refrigerator is touching the wall (there should be a gap minimum 1 cm).
- Is the compressor not working in enhanced mode (sign - constant hum).
If the problem persists, call a technician - the circulation may be impaired frequency holes.
How to close a gap in a Side-by-Side refrigerator? He has a gap of 12 cm!
For such models (Samsung RS6, LG GC-B24) optimal:
- Install decorative cabinet with ventilation holes.
- Use plastic panels with magnetic fastenings (for example, IKEA VARIERA).
- Order individual box made of laminated chipboard with holes for air circulation.
Under no circumstances fill the gap with foam or bricks - this will disrupt heat transfer!
Is it possible to use polystyrene foam to close the gap?
No! Polystyrene foam:
- ❌ Flammable material —risk of fire when the compressor overheats.
- ❌ Accumulates moisturewhich leads to mold.
- ❌ Decomposes under the influence of heat, releasing toxic substances.
Replace it with mineral wool (if you need to insulate) or foamed polyethylene.
1. Minimum clearance for your model (indicated in the instructions).
2. Location of ventilation holes.
3. Wall material (plasterboard requires careful fastening!).
4. repair.-->