Frequently Asked Questions

Why cast iron?

Cast iron is the original material used in the Victorian period for manufacturing radiators. Cast iron radiators bring authenticity and add timeless quality to contemporary interiors. The high density of this material makes it efficiently store heat, so the radiators stay warm for a long period of time after the central heating has been turned off. For this reason, cast iron radiators are the top choice among heating engineers and architects, particularly for older buildings, as these radiators help retain the warmth inside of the building which counteracts damp and condensation.

Vintage or reproduction cast iron radiators?

Cast iron radiators have an unlimited lifespan, meaning the choice between new or vintage is completely up to you. Vintage radiators are restored to work like new ones and provide the same functionality. We keep a generous stock of vintage cast iron radiators for our customers to choose from and we are continuously renovating radiators according to our customer’s wishes and needs. Need a specific size or perhaps several identical radiators? We offer a select range of reproduction radiators to suit your needs.

Can I replace a modern radiator?

Yes, you can! Cast iron radiators can be installed anywhere as long as there is a hot water system involved. Cast iron radiators work on exactly the same priciple as modern radiators.

Are cast iron radiators compatible with modern heating systems?

All the radiators we supply, both antique and reproduction, are ready to be plumbed straight into a conventional hot water central heating system.

What size radiator do i need?

Each section of a cast iron radiator provides a certain amount of heat (BTU output). Based on the size, use and insulation of your room we can calculate the BTU (British Thermal Units) heat requirement that it needs. Use our online heat calculator to work this out. Once you have this you can work out what size and how many sections your radiator needs to have. You can find the BTU output of the different styles of original radiators in our price lists.

What colours can i have my radiator finished in?

Included in the price of your radiator is a choice of 8 signature colours for you to choose from. Expertly chosen by us, specifically for their timeless quality and ability to complement any decor or house style. We can however finish in any RAL colour of your choosing. We are also able to colour match most colours from paint companies such as Farrow & Ball, Little Greene and Crown. We are also pleased to be able to finish your cast iron radiator in specialist metallic paint from Ardenbrite and can even provide a fully polished, antiqued effect.

Powder coated or spray painted?

Our radiators are finished through spray-painting. However, before actually painting them, the radiators are electrostatically charged in order to ensure an even coverage. We don’t use powder coating as a surface finish as it requires the oven baking of the radiator in temperatures of up to 200°C. This may damage the seals between radiator sections . Powder coating also completely covers the beautiful and fine details of the decorations and gives a cheap, ‘plastic’ like look.

How much do cast iron radiators cost?

We have a wide range of different radiators in a choice of sizes and styles. In fact, there are so many different options, whilst we try to list all prices, it’s impossible to give a fully comprehensive list here on the website! If you can’t see the information you need then contact us. We encourage you to be involved in every part of the design process and from there we can provide you with an accurate quotation and invoice. This means that there are no hidden cost surprises just before delivery and no incidental costs to be incurred as extras that you haven’t already chosen. We will provide you with this formal quotation by attachment to an email confirming your requirements. Haven’t received your email quotation within 24 hours? Please check your spam/junk folder, they can sometimes be caught up in over enthusiastic email filters.

What finance options do you provide?

Most of our customers pay by BACS transfer. We do accept cash but you should be aware that all our goods and services will attract VAT at the current rate. You will receive a full VAT invoice for every purchase. Wish to finance your purchase? We can introduce you to a whole-of-market finance broker who can find you the best rate available.

What accessories will I need?

For any radiator, you will need a set of valves. Our valves are sold in pairs – one valve is the temperature control while the other one is used to help balance the system and it’s called a lock shield. We also recommend that you secure your cast iron radiator with a wall tie/stay. We sell a wide range of valves and wall ties.

What type of valves should I choose?

Aside from aesthetics and the look that each style of valve brings to your new radiator, you also have the choice between manual and thermostatic valves. Both types offer the same control over the heating.

Manual Valves

Manual valves are smaller and more discreet than thermostatic ones. They act like simple taps that control the flow of hot water into the radiator, determining how hot the radiator gets. Manual valves require physical action on your part, to turn the heat up or down.

Thermostatic Valves

Thermostatic radiator valves have a built-in temperature sensor. This helps maintain the room temperature, keeping it constant, by automatically adjusting the heat output from the radiator.

Thermostatic valves are preferred as they help save money by preventing the room overheating and ensuring the radiator performs as efficiently as possible.

How long is the guarantee?

We offer a 10 year guarantee on our new premium range radiators.

Although we don’t offer a guarantee on our vintage, original cast iron radiators we really do want you to enjoy your original radiator and we work very hard to make sure your radiator reaches you in the best condition possible. They should give you years of joy and service but, like any antique, the fabric and the integrity of the material can never be guaranteed and there may be a slight degradation in the functionality in much the same way that an engine will lose a little power over time. That acknowledged we will never sell you anything that we don’t think will last. All our radiators are inspected and pressure tested before they leave us.

However we do accept that very rarely, despite everyone’s best efforts, sometimes things can go wrong. In view of this we will accept a return of your radiator within a set timescale should you discover a serious fault. When you take delivery of a vintage cast iron radiator from us, we will give you 28 days to get it fitted and try it. If there are any problems we’ll sort them out (or, if you’re still not happy, give you your money back). However, if there are problems in the months or years to follow, we’ll be happy to try to help you resolve them, but we will charge our standard rate for that work. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details about all of this.

Delivery

If collection of your new cast iron radiator by yourself is not possible, we offer a third party palleted kerbside delivery service. Your palleted order will be dispatched from our workshop and delivered by a courier company to the outside of your property from as little as £126 (depending on size, weight and location). Due to insurance reasons, drivers are unable to assist you with moving your order from the kerbside to your property. Should there be any access restrictions due to the weight or width of a 7.5tonne truck you must inform us before delivery is arranged.

Please bear in mind that whilst you will know the day of the collection or delivery, the Palleted Courier Services will not be able to give you a specific pick up or delivery time.

For more information please view our dedicated article or contact us directly.

Do you buy old cast iron radiators?

We are always looking to purchase unrenovated and old cast iron radiators. Through our contact page, simply email us a photo and description along with where you are in the country and your contact details and we’ll let you know if we would be interested in purchasing them. Depending on the number of radiators you have for sale, we can arrange collection.

I have a large scale renovation project. Does your cast iron radiator restoration service allow for a large number of radiators to be attended to at once?

Yes, we provide a full service for our clients regardless of the number of radiators needing attention. From detailed quotation, collection and bespoke renovation and refurbishment services of each radiator, we are able to give your project the attention it deserves. We recommend you contact us by email or phone to establish the options available to you.

Are your renovation services suitable for National Heritage projects?

At Vintage Cast Iron radiators, we are proud to have restored some of the nations most treasured cast iron radiators. We have successfully delivered project scopes for radiator renovations from Palaces, Cathedrals, Universities and important listed heritage sites. We can sensitively undertake your radiator renovation, advising on best practices along the way and maintaining a discreet line of communication.

We will provide you with a fully detailed scope of work before commencement and we’ll work closely with you to explain all options. We use our years of experience to offer what we think is the most appropriate and cost-effective service for you.

Should you need our advice to tender for a contract bid, please contact us for an informal chat. We’re happy to offer our expertise.