Metal Casting Zone Info Blog

Posts Tagged ‘steel radiators’

How To Lift And Carry A Cast Iron Radiator

Many people have purchased a quantity of cast iron radiators on the internet and are surprised when 1.5 tons of metal arrive at their door requiring much strength to lift and place into position, especially when stairs are involved.

Cast Iron Radiators are much heavier than modern steel radiators and care should be taken when moving a cast iron radiator. Cast Iron Radiators are often delivered strapped onto a pallet as a pallet supports the full length of a radiator. It is advisable to have sufficient help when receiving cast iron radiators to ensure that the radiators are handled correctly into the position required.

Reputable dealer’s custom build all cast iron radiators to a length depending on how many sections are required to heat individual rooms effectively. Each section is carefully put together the old fashioned way tightened by hand with a gasket between each section creating a water tight seal. Each radiator is pressure tested before delivery ensuring the radiator is water tight. A common cause of leakage from a radiator is too much strain being placed on the gaskets when a radiator is being moved incorrectly. Cast iron radiators must be carried in an upright position at all times so no strain is put on the gaskets. Carrying the radiators flat (horizontally) or dragging the radiator will put too much strain on the gaskets causing them to become weakened and thus subsequently leak. This is a problem especially if your radiator is particularly long and heavy.

Please take care when lifting cast iron radiators as cast iron is heavy, a cast iron radiator can weigh anywhere between 20kg to 400kg. Always follow the correct HSE lifting guidelines. Bend at your knees and lift with your legs and arms rather than bending over with your back. Never attempt to lift a cast iron radiator on your own or be tempted to drag the radiator across the floor surface into position for plumbing.

The best and safest way to manage carrying a cast iron radiator upright (vertically) is to use two short pieces of wood or metal bars with dimensions of 20mm x 50mm x 250mm. These pieces of wood or metal bars will make good handles when inserted between the last two sections at either end of the radiator.

A help sheet on how to carry and lift traditional radiators should be provided by reputable dealers upon ordering your radiators and this should be handed over to all those handling the delivery and installing the radiators.

If cast iron radiators are carried correctly, no leakages should occur allowing you to enjoy the benefits and beauty of owning a cast iron radiator without any stress.

Central Heating Radiators: Aluminium, Stainless Steel or Cast Iron?

Central heating radiators have blossomed over the last few decades. No longer are you limited to white, grey or black radiators made of cast iron. Now your radiator showroom is graced with an array of futuristic creations of all shapes and colours. But one important first decision is your choice of radiator material. Your major options are cast iron, stainless steel and aluminium radiators. To help you pick the best radiator material for you, here’s a look at the upsides and downsides of the three materials.

Cast iron was one of the first materials used for radiators during Victorian times. Cast iron takes a long time to heat up but takes a long time to cool down too. So it keeps you warm long after you turn off your central heating. In the old days of poorly insulated building, these qualities made cast iron radiators a sensible choice. However, in today’s modern homes, these properties are far less important.

Cast iron radiators are most popular with people who want a Victorian ambiance in their homes. But you should be aware that you can now get stainless steel radiators that give you the retro look of a cast iron radiator, complete with kitschy claw feet.

This brings us to your next option in radiator materials – stainless steel. Stainless steel is a very high quality material with a number of desirable properties. For one thing, stainless steel does not rust.

What’s more, stainless steel is an efficient conductor of heat. Plus stainless steel radiators retain heat longer than aluminium items. This means they keep you home warmer for longer after you switch off your central heating.

Stainless steel also gives a very attractive finish and it’s easy to keep clean. You just need to wipe it down with warm water and detergent a few times a year.

On the downside, stainless steel’s quality doesn’t come cheap.

Finally let’s look at aluminium radiators. Compared to cast iron and stainless steel, aluminium is a super conductor. So one of the great things about aluminium radiators is their responsiveness and the control that gives you. With aluminium radiators, you can turn on your central heating when you get home and your house or apartment warms up immediately.

Plus aluminium radiators have low water content and are highly responsive to thermostat changes. This converts to excellent cost efficiency and lower bills for you. Aluminium is non-corrosive. And, aluminium radiators are very light and easy to install. The result is often lower installation fees.

Lastly, there’s the matter of sheer style and good looks. Aluminium radiators are available to harmonize with any surroundings. Ultimately, the great thing about aluminium radiators is the infinite range of styles, finishes and colours available.

All these radiator materials have their good points but the blend of function, beauty and economy means that aluminium radiators come across as the clear winner.