| Radiators
FAQ's |
| |
| How
do I know what size of radiator I require for my room. |
| Calculations
for room heat requirements are quite complex, however we have designed an
online room heat requirement calculator called “Heatscale”
you will find this via our website home page. This will enable you to estimate
the output required and select the model and size required. (We would always
recommend that a final check is made on this calculation by your heating
installer prior to order). |
| |
| Is
it true cast iron radiators are more efficient than modern steel radiators. |
| Yes, cast
iron radiators are highly efficient, due to the ability of cast iron to
spread and retain heat evenly for much longer periods than steel. |
| |
| What
paint can I use on cast iron radiators. |
Most modern
oil or cellulose based paints can be used for cast iron radiators. When
painting in our workshops we use the Sanderson range of paints, however
those from quality manufacturers ie. Dulux, Crown, Farrow and Ball, Fired
Earth will all provide excellent finishes.
In addition radiators can be sprayed on site or sent direct to sprayshops.
(We would not recommend powder coat finish as this is not successful on
cast iron). |
| |
| Can
I buy my radiators pre-painted. |
Yes we are
able to supply radiators in paint finish, we use the William Morris range
from Sanderson, but can use most of the popular makes ie. Dulux Crown etc.
Unlike other manufacturers we hand paint our radiators, this gives a much
more genuine finish and is also easy to touch-up should they get damaged
in the future. (touch up pots supplied) |
| |
| What
diameter pipework do I need. |
The diameter of the pipework required to supply your cast iron radiators
will be determined by the systems supply requirement, but from experience
most connections are made by ½” 15mm or ¾” 22mm
but all can be adapted by copper converters, available from most plumbers
merchants.
|
| Who
can install cast iron radiators ? |
| Our radiators
can be installed by a plumber or any competent DIY person. They are compatible
with all modern pipe work systems, with both 15mm (1/2”) and 22mm
(3/4”) pipe connections available as standard. |
| |
| Are
cast iron radiators from Tuscan Foundry compatible with my heating system
? |
| All of our
cast iron radiators are compatible with normal central heating systems,
and come complete with British Standard fitting connections. On an existing
system, you can replace any modern steel radiator with one of our cast iron
models as both cast iron and steel radiators can run on the same system.
(you only have to replace the ones you want). |
| |
| Can
I use small/micro bore pipe work ? |
| It is quite
possible to use small bore/micro bore pipe work, however on larger radiators
(those in excess of 3000 Watts) it may prove a problem in balancing the
system, please consult your plumber for further information. |
| |
| Where
should I position radiators ? |
| Radiators
are most efficient when positioned in the coldest part of the property.
This would normally be on an outside wall, however it is perfectly acceptable
to position your radiator to suit your rooms layout and furnishing arrangements.
If you have a heat output requiring a radiator larger than you have space
for, you may wish to place more than one radiator into the room, this will
enable a more even spread of the heat. |
| |
| What
valves should I use for my radiator ? |
| Radiators
require a handwheel valve and a lockshield valve, the valves are normally
positioned at the base of the radiator with the handwheel valve on the right
hand side. However on many older installations it would be common for the
handwheel valve to be placed on the top right hand and the lockshield valve
to be placed on the bottom right hand (we can still offer this as an option).
On larger radiators, or rooms where the radiators have been oversized we
would normally recommend the fitting of a TRV (Thermostatic valve) although
this is not essential. |
| |
| What
is the difference between a TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valve) and a manual
one ?
|
| A TRV controls
the room temperature, by sensing the air temperature and automatically opening
and closing the flow to the radiator. A manual valve can only control the
temperature of the radiator regardless of the room temperature. |
| |
| How
are valves fitted and cast iron radiators sealed ? |
| It is important
with cast iron radiators that no plumbing compounds are used on any part
of the radiator, its valves or connections (this can react with the iron,
breaking down the sealing washers). All radiator joints should be dry jointed,
with PTFE tape wrapped around the valve threads for tightening (normally
around 5 turns of tape). We would recommend the use of a thicker gas type
PTFE tape on parallel threaded valves. |
