In secure facilities such as correctional institutions, behavioral health facilities, and military bases, air distribution and security are crucial.

KEES security grilles, diffusers, and grates are built to resist tampering, withstand force, and stay firmly in place. But strength alone isn't enough to ensure optimal performance of said security product. Proper mounting ensures that these products perform as designed for the long term.

At KEES, we make sure the mounting solution is as well designed as the security product itself. We give our customers the tools they need to get it right the first time. No delays, guesswork, or compromises.

The Importance of Proper Mounting

Without proper mounting, security products can lead to a range of unintended–and potentially serious consequences:

  • Security Breaches: In secure settings, a poorly anchored grille can be pried open or removed entirely, creating an escape route, contraband pass-through, or hiding space.
  • Injury Risks: If a heavy diffuser loosens from a ceiling due to improper anchoring, it can fall and cause injury to patients, staff, or occupants.
  • Patient Safety: If the air distribution device is removed–whether in whole or in part–it could be used by the patient to harm themselves or others.
  • System/Product Damage: A loose grille can vibrate against ductwork or surrounding materials, leading to rattling, premature wear, or damage to both HVAC components and the security product itself.
  • Ineffective Performance: Even if a grille is technically "in place," the wrong mounting method can allow excessive flexing or airflow loss–defeating the product's purpose.

Common Mounting Challenges

Every jobsite is different and secure environments come with their own set of unique challenges. KEES solutions are designed to work around the most common issues such as:

  • Wall Composition: Block, concrete, drywall, or even steel require different anchoring strategies and different sleeve lengths.
  • Above The Ceiling Conflicts: Tight plenum spaces limit anchoring locations and can prevent straight duct connections. This creates the need for additional anchoring and duct connection strategies.
  • Fastener Requirements: For secure installations, tamper-proof or hidden fasteners are essential. KEES provides a variety of fastener styles, ensuring ultimate design flexibility. 

KEES Mounting Options

Security products are often heavier than standard air distribution products. KEES supports this with mounting options that are designed for strength, efficiency, and installation success.

Here are the mounting options we provide for our products:

  • Visible Fasteners: Visible face-mounted fasteners use countersunk screw holes in the grille's face flange. These can be anchored directly into the framing material or with a hidden angle frame.
  • Angle Frames: For a cleaner look and or added tamper-resistance, angle frames are mounted behind the wall or ceiling surface. KEES offers loose angle frames or fully-welded, fully-assembled angle frames that arrive with the security product itself–eliminating guesswork and reducing on-site labor.
  • Masonry Anchor Rods: Rods welded to the exterior of the sleeve. Used to secure the product installed as concrete is poured in place.


In addition to the mounting options we provide, we also offer the following for our security products:

  • Pre-Drilled Holes: For contractors who want even greater jobsite efficiency, KEES can pre-drill holes into grille flanges, grille sleeves, grate sleeves, and or angle frames upon request. This ensures that the holes line up exactly which can save meaningful time and prevent costly errors during installation.
  • Securing Options: Our mounting frames are designed to be versatile. Depending on the contractor's preference, KEES can ship angle frames in any combination of factory mounted or loose to fit with the job site requirements. Whether your project calls for welding, screwing, or bolting into place, KEES provides the customization to meet those needs.
  • Packaged Together, Built To Fit: When a customer orders a grille or grate with an angle frame, KEES packages both grilles with frame or grate with frame together–correctly matched and ready to install. This eliminates lost parts and ensures proper installation.


Whether it's a new construction project, or retrofitting an older space, KEES mounting solutions are engineered to make your job easier.

At KEES we've seen it all–and we've built for it. Our expert engineers guide customers through the best mounting option for each environment, helping others avoid missteps and meet specs with confidence.

Have a question about mounting? Contact us today to speak with one of our expert engineers to ensure your next install is secure from the start.