CAST IRON RADIATOR - REFURBISHMENT / RESTORATION SERVICE

Buying second hand cast iron radiators anywhere (eBay / reclamation yards) is a risky business.

But when you have purchased your old the radiator, who do you get to restore it?

There are many companies offering cheap and expensive restoration services.

Who do you use???

Many companies pressure test  –
If you look at the closely at the restored radiator the old fittings are still visible – Impossible for this radiator to be pressure tested !!

Pressure testing radiators up to 8 / 9 bar – Why? There are very few systems that run at this pressure, most run at 2 bar or under. Thus putting the radiator under unnecessary stresses that could weaken the radiator.

Powder Coating –
AVOID powder coating at all costs. Yes, the radiators look good when finished, give them some time and you will regret it. Powder coating involves radiators going through ovens around 200 degrees, this can damage the paper gaskets that join the sections casing rusting or leaks.

Our Restoration Service

Removing Old fittings

The first stage of the process is to remove the old fittings. In the past heating systems were gravity fed where the inlet was at the top of the radiator and the outlet at the bottom. We can move them into any position.

Flushing

Next the radiators are flushed internally using a high pressure water system ensuring any sediment in the radiator is removed as far as is possible. We advise, as is common practise with any central heating system, that a filter be installed in the pipe work.

Replace Bushed

The original fittings are now replaced with modern equivalents so ensuring compatibility with the customer’s central heating system in size and orientation. All radiators supplied from us will be fitted with new 15mm bushes with bottom feed and return unless otherwise specified by the customer.

Pressure Testing

Pressure testing is an important part of our quality control procedure to detect any pinhole leaks and hairline cracks not visible to the human eye. The radiator is pressure tested using water to 4 Bar giving a margin of safety as most central heating work at 2 Bar.  Any pressure drop indicates a leak which is located and repaired or replaced if possible and the procedure repeated, otherwise the radiator is rejected.

For a customer refurb if we find any damaged or leaking sections, our skilled workforce can remove sections and rebuild the radiator to replace the damaged any that are damaged. We will talk to you first to discuss the options and any cost implications.

Shot Blasting

The radiators are shot blasted this efficiently removes the layers of paint exposing the bare metal. This process is safer and more environmentally friendly than alternative processes using caustic soda.

Following the blasting process the radiator is pressure tested again. If a customer supplied radiator fails at any stage a member of the Old Radiator Company will contact the customer to discuss the options and any additional costs before proceeding.

Finishing

The radiator is then coated with two coats of 2 pack high build primer to cover any imperfection in the cast. Following this, two coats of 2 pack top coat are applied.

Colours

Extra cost depending on choice:

  • Metallic
  • Solid
  • RAL
  • British Standard
  • Farrow & Ball

Levels of Restoration Undertaken

Level 1

  • Old bushes removed
  • Flushed out
  • New bushes for modern plumbing
  • Pressure test

Level 2

  • Old bushes removed
  • Flushed out
  • New bushes for modern plumbing
  • Pressure test
  • Grit Blasting
  • Two coats of 2 pack high build primer

Level 3

  • Old bushes removed
  • Flushed out
  • New bushes for modern plumbing
  • Pressure test
  • Grit Blasting
  • Two coats of 2 pack high build primer
  • Two coats of top coat