The Reproduction Cast Iron Radiator V The Original Cast Iron Radiator

By Author: Edward Hall
Total Articles: 93
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With the revival of the cast iron radiator in popularity comes the dilemma of whether to choose the original 150 year old radiator that has been refurbished ready for installation or choose a reproduction of the original.

I am afraid that the choice between the two has dwindled over the past few years as the originals are few and far between now and are hence prohibitively expensive. The other main disadvantage of the old original as well as the cost is the fact that during the original ripping out of the radiator from its original placement along with the intrusive shot blasting refurbishment program the original seals may well become damaged and therefore are more likely to cause leakage problems once installed. These seals cannot be replaced with a modern equivalent and so therefore render the radiator unusable. However the main advantage of finding an old original cast iron radiator that does not leak is the fact that it is a true living antique and also may well be unique in its design and unavailable in reproduction form.

The reproduction radiator on the other hand, if bought from a reputable professional, ...
... should be guaranteed against leaking. The reproduction radiator is hand built and uses the same joining tools and methods as the old originals which were put together some 200 years ago. It is an old craft that has been revived in a handful of workshops across the UK.

There is also the major advantage with reproduction cast iron radiators that the prices are affordable and you can purchase many radiators for your home that match without searching high and low across the country in various architectural salvage yards for a matching set. The quality of the reproduction radiator is also for the most part difficult to tell apart from the original, even with the many beautifully ornate reproduced radiators that are now available. It is also good to point out here that you should beware of disreputable dealers selling old originals at a high price that are in fact reproduction radiators, as the originals have become scarce this is happening more and more.

Finally in this modern age we have British Standard testing which assures the purchaser of a reproduction cast iron radiator, procured from a professional specialist, that the radiator is tested for quality and efficiency i.e. you are purchasing a cast iron radiator with a measured and known heat output. This is not possible with an old original and an old original cannot be built to size, as a reproduction can, for the heat output you require for your room space. An old original may well be too large or too small for your room space and so therefore not ideal.

So all in all the reproduction cast iron radiator has the edge for advantages on many fronts and all aspects should be carefully considered before making a purchase choice.

With over 25 years in the heating and plumbing industry Edward Hall is now a full time writer on such items as the cast iron radiator and traditional radiators and shares his knowledge on the subject.