Welcome to the CastIronRadiator.net – your best resource online for discovering the world of stylish cast iron radiators for your home or workplace.
Cast iron radiators can look very different in style and appearance, however, there are only really two main distinguishing differences. Firstly, the function of the radiator – whether it is heated by hot water or steam sources. Secondly, the style or design. Cast iron radiators have been in existence for quite a long time and this has enabled many different styles to develop around the world through different periods and eras. Once you are well informed of these differences, being mainly function and style, you can be better placed in deciding what type of radiator will suit you and your home.
Hot water heated radiator
The hot water heating system was first ‘invented’ by the Romans, who had hot water running in channels under the floors of their villas. For this to become commonly used and for radiators to be part of the equation took a very long time. The 20th Century was the time of mass production where they commonly became part of people’s homes. Simplified, the system consists of a sender pipe, forcing water from the boiler and into and around the radiator’s interior tubing and a return pipe taking the cooled water back for reheating again. The water system can be converted to a steam system if desired. Maintenance is crucial for scale deposits and trapped air. Regular cleaning with a scale minimizer and air bleeding should be carried out periodically.
Steam heated radiators
This is a simple system utilising just one pipe responsible for transmitting steam from the boiler to the radiator and heating up the cast iron quickly. The cooling of the water in the radiator forms condensation which trickles back to the boiler along the same pipe. There the water is reheated to steam and sent off again. This system, thought to be the first ‘radiator’ system was invented by Joseph Nason in the mid 19th century and still very popular today even after such a long time of use! These were very popular in old schools and a lot of reclamation came from places like this..
Old, Antique or Vintage Radiators
Initially people did not like the idea of placing large amounts of very heavy duty ironmongery around their homes. They needed to be made into more aesthetic items and this is what happened. More and more ornate and beautiful radiators were cast – some in the Victorian and some in the Italianate styles. The Victorian style of cast iron radiator will often have rounded fins on the columns and also rounder feet or claws and the Italianate will be more ornate with raised patterns, in general of course.
Contemporary and Modern Radiators
More recently, cast iron has become very in vogue again and quite designer in appearance. These radiators can be rather industrial looking, and may be set off very well in a modern loft or warehouse setting or they can be quite bold and sleek with bright jewel colors and all kinds of shapes and sizes. They are much more minimalist and gone are the cast patterns and protuberances in favor of a sleek efficient design. They can go quite unnoticed in a room, unless brightly colored, and are engineered with precision and scientific formula. These are beautiful in themselves but do lack the grace, elegant appearance and character of the traditional cast iron radiators of the past. However, it is all a matter of taste in the end and lucky for you there are models available both old and new for you to choose your perfect styles and accessories, such as valves with brass or aluminium details too.