Affordable cast iron/column radiators

[Justinepants]

We need new radiators but they need to be less than 500mm W x 1200m H, which are harder to come by. The BTU apparently needs to be at least 9,500

We want old-fashioned looking ones. The best (cheapest) we've come up with so far are these: www.coventry-demolition.co.uk/products.asp?code=CDC-460-19&name=cast-iron-radiators-traditional-victorian-school-style-460mm-19-sections

Does anyone know of any cheaper? They could be a more modern style column radiator.

(Alternatively, are radiator covers really not the done thing anymore? If they are ok to have in a sitting room, do they actually let any heat out?)

[Marmitelover55]

We have just had Milano Windsor column rads delivered from bestheating.com bug think these are stainless steel not cast iron, also not sure if they do the size you need but worth checking maybe. I also believe Stelrad make something similar (this was company out plumber recommended but I found the Milano ones cheaper).

[Justinepants]

Windsor don't do the size we need, unfortunately Marmite. I looked at them when you recommended them on another thread. It's quite a hard size to find.

I'll have a look at the Stelrad

[Justinepants]

No-one else then?

[PigletJohn]

the people who assemble them from original parts, can make them to any length you want, because each "column" is a separate iron casting, and they are fixed together. The technology is very primitive simple. The pieces are preferably sandblasted before assembly and may be sprayed with primer, or possibly painted to order.

I am not now in touch with any firm doing that, though.

If you buy original old ones that have not been stripped and reassembled they are likely to be full of rust and more likely to leak at any of the multiple 100-year-old joints.

Cast iron will last. I am very nervous of using any aluminium anywhere in a heating system. I would definitely have a system filter fitted, before the radiators, if you buy reclaimed heating parts, even if they are supposed to have been cleaned out, to protect the pump and boiler.

[Marmitelover55]

Hos about Acova - out neighbour has thesd and ghey look good / nog sure about sizes though. Think B&Q stock them..

[Justinepants]

PigletJohn I found a company that was making them up by the section and got really excited but, by the time I had added up 22 sections and the £100 feet, they were something like £400.

We probably wouldn't buy old ones as we're doing the flat up to rent it out and wouldn't want the possibility of any problems.

Marmite I think we have Acova ones in the bedroom but, sadly, they don't seem to do the right size.

I think we may have to go with the ones we've found or just accept that we can't afford them.

[Justinepants]

Thanks both of you btw.

[OC75]

Hi,

We are looking at the Milano Windsor range as they seem a cost effective option for vertical column rads, has anyone experience of them?

Oisin