Top 10 Radiator Trends for 2019

Our radiator experts have put their heads together and have come up with the following guide to what’s hot in radiator-land in 2019.

1. Back to black – Contrasting with organic finishes or warm metallics, bold black radiators offer a striking yet timeless look. Consequently we now stock a number of radiators and towel rails in black for quick delivery.  See our Estante towel rail for a low priced, high impact bathroom heating solution.
2. Industrial revolution - Bare metals and raw finishes dominate Instagram interior images in 2019. Our best-selling Core radiator shows off its natural manufacturing marks and comes in a range of sizes to suit any space, be it traditional or contemporary.
3. Natural selection - Organically inspired radiator designs aim to bring the feeling of outside in and give a traditionally “hard” product a more tactile feel. Our Woody radiator is finished in FSC certified timber and has an aluminium core for optimum sustainability. Upgrade to have hidden valves/electric connections for the most “natural” finish.
4. Dark and brooding - Dark matt finishes can be seen throughout kitchens and bathrooms in 2019, particularly dark blues, forest greens and burgundys. All our cast iron radiators are available in colour matches to Farrow and Ball so popular colour choices include Hague Blue, Studio Green and Brinjal.
5. Water conservation - Consumers are increasingly concerned about their impact on the environment and are consequently making conscious decisions to choose products that use less water. Many of our radiators are made of aluminium such as our Alchemy range, which hold less water and offer a rapid reaction time. Aluminium also ticks the eco box as it can be recycled.
6. Copper look! - Taking inspiration from the popular stripped back look, plumbing parts such as taps and valves are increasingly specified in copper finishes. Our traditional towel radiator range can all be made to order in a range of copper finishes including antiqued and polished or our Colori column radiator is now available in a copper tinted lacquer over bare steel.
7. Concrete basics - The urban industrial theme continues with the use of concrete greys and raw finishes throughout 2019 interiors. Our Cliff radiator can now be finished in a concrete veneer matching up to the latest worktops and floor coverings.
8. Soft metallics - Luxurious and tactile metallic finishes are a key trend for 2019, taking inspiration from boutique hotel bedrooms. So thanks to popular demand, we have introduced a range of towel rails in gold and brass with matt, brushed and antiqued finishes. For example, Midas, our highly affordable and exclusive ladder rail in a brushed brass finish is worth its weight when it comes to bathroom design.
9. Hide and chic - Radiators with hidden valves or cables are increasingly popular as homeowners opt for products that streamline and maximise a space. Examples that work well are our Supermirror radiator that is dual purpose and can be made with hidden valves/electrical connections to ensure the cleanest finish possible.
10. State-of-the-art finishes – the latest technology can now be applied to the finishing of designer radiators. For example, PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) gives a sleek metallic finish that is very durable with a corrosion and tarnish resistant finish. PVD is now commonly used for bathroom fixtures that are exposed to frequent moisture and/or salt air and is available on our Ellipse range of designer radiators. 

For more information on radiator trends, contact our expert sales team on 01274 567789 or via our website www.featureradiators.co.uk or meet them and the radiators “in the flesh” at our West Yorkshire showroom.

Feature Radiators, The Old Post Office, 134-140 Main Street, Bingley, West Yorkshire. BD16 2HL

Tel: 01274 567789 / Email: contactus@featureradiators.co.uk

12 Steps for Joining a Cast Iron Radiator

Once cast iron radiators get over a certain length, usually around 1.2m, they are too long to be put on a pallet for transportation and become difficult to move around within a property. Therefore most cast iron radiator suppliers deliver radiators that are longer than this in more than one part for joining on site. This step-by-step guide explains the process of making the final join, which is easy and straightforward to complete. 

1.       Lay the radiator sections down: Place the radiator sections that need to be joined, laying down on a clean flat surface, making sure the machined faces and internal threads are clean.

2.       Check the direction of the threads: Make sure that you are coupling the right threads together; each radiator section has a right-handed thread connection at one end and a left-handed thread connection at the other. Similarly, each connection nipple has a left-hand thread on one end and a right-hand thread on the other end.

3.       Make sure you have the right parts: Each join requires one connection nipple and one gasket and there is a join required at both the top of the radiator and at the bottom of each section.  A “joining tool” comprising of a nipple key and tommy bar are required to rotate and then tighten each join and they are specific to the model of radiator you have. These are only available from the supplier, not from stores or merchants.

4.       Screw the nipples into the first section: You will need to identify which radiator assembly has the right handed thread connection and which has the left handed thread connection, then gently screw in the matching connection nipples.  Do not use force.  Only screw in by one single rotation.  Do not screw in fully. 

5.       Add a gasket at each join: Place a gasket over each connection nipple, approximately at the mid-point of the nipple. There is normally a space cut out for this.

6.       DO NOT use a sealant: Do not apply any jointing paste or tape (e.g. Boss White, PTFE, hemp, etc) to the gasket, threads of the connection nipples, or the radiator. This will not improve the seal, but will instead prevent a seal.

7.       Line up the next section: Gently position the section of radiator to be joined next to the host section, ensuring the connection assembly points of the joining section are lined up with the nipples of the host section, and also take care to ensure the correct thread orientations are in place.  You may need to turn the adjoining sections over or upside down to utilise the right or left threaded connections as appropriate.

8.       Insert the nipple key part of the joining tool: To work out how far to insert the nipple key - lay the nipple key over the top of the radiator so that the head is in line with the relevant section.  Make a mark on the key to indicate the how far it needs to be inserted (ie. where the head of the key engages inside the relevant nipple). Slide the key in from the open end of the top waterway until it engages into the nipple that is to be tightened. Check that the end of the key engages in the internal lugs inside the top nipple.

9.       Turn the nipple key using the tommy bar: Turn the nipple key to rotate the nipple so that it pulls the top 2 matching radiator assembly points together.  At this stage only rotate the nipple by one turn.

10.   Do the same with the bottom join: Repeat this operation with the remaining 2 matching assembly points at the bottom of the sections.

11.   Repeat this process to pull the sections together: Repeat both of these operations in turn, gradually pulling the top assembly points together and then the bottom assembly points together, ensuring they are kept parallel.

12.   Tighten the joins: Finally, tighten the joints to compress the gaskets.  Ideally a tightening torque of 200 Nm (20 kgf-m, 150 lbf-ft) should be applied.

If you need further advice on joining one of our cast iron radiators, then please call our technical team on 01274 567789 or email contact@featureradiators.co.uk

10 key points to consider when choosing a feature radiator

“Buy cheap, buy twice” so the saying goes.  So how to you ensure quality versus price when buying a “designer” radiator?

The feature radiator market has exploded over the past 10 years, with a wealth of products now available in every size, style and finish imaginable.  However, imitation is rife; images of radiators often look the same, but quality varies hugely. 

So what should I be looking out for?

1.      Is this supplier reputable?

Be wary of companies with pages and pages of 5* reviews as these can be easily bought.  Instead look for other indicators of a long-term and conscientious approach. Have they invested in a showroom?  How long have they been selling radiators for?  Do they have independent recognition of the quality of their products and service?  Accreditations such as ISO:9001 evidence a serious approach to quality and a brand they care about.

2.      Consider a radiator specialist

Often kitchen and bathroom retailers sell radiators but will have limited technical knowledge on heating.  Plumbers will usually just approach their merchant and loyalty schemes are common place meaning choice is limited.  So by using a true radiator specialist, you can get any technical and installation questions answered quickly and accurately and you can choose from the whole of the radiator market to find something to meet your specific criteria.  They should also be able to offer expert services such as heat output requirement calculations.

3.      Are you confident in the salesperson’s knowledge?

By choosing a reputable radiator specialist, you should feel reassured that you have ordered the right product and it will arrive as expected.  Any doubts in your mind should be put to rest.  Ask who do you call if there is a problem?  Do they have technical specialists or an after-sales helpline?  Be wary of those that just give ‘yes’ answers without backing them up.  In the end, if you do encounter a problem, they may fob you off with the number of a random warehouse to call.

4.      Is it well made?

Make sure the radiator has a guarantee of at least 5 years. The quality and thickness of steel can vary; a thick grade of steel will help ensure a long life.  Look at the brackets: this sort of detail can give an immediate indication of quality; a poorly designed bracket may well reflect a poor quality radiator.  Modern radiators are "powder coated" and most are sold as a “semi-gloss” finish; cheap radiators may be poorly finished with too little paint leaving an "orange peel" effect. 

5.      Are their images accurate?

Images are often created or doctored using computer software, whether online or in brochures.  These may look great but can often be an inaccurate representation of the finish or shape of the radiator.  So try and visit a showroom; there is no substitute for seeing the products “in the flesh”. 

6.      What sizes are available?

Many retailers limit their range to just a couple of sizes to keep manufacturing costs to a minimum.  This may mean you need to compromise on heat output or aesthetics if you decide to go for a cheap option. 

7.      Has the radiator been independently tested?

Radiators should be tested to a minimum of 10 bar pressure and to the European Standard EN442.  Testing a radiator will guarantee that its meets the minimum standards on various aspects including heat output, product labelling and safety.  You need to know that your desired radiator will heat your space. 

8.      Where are the valve connection positions?

Side connections at the bottom of the radiator (BBOE) are the norm in the UK.  However underside connections (where valves sit underneath the radiator) are an increasingly popular choice, as they allow you to maximise the width of a radiator in a tight space and look much neater.  There are even some models available with “hidden valves” for the ultimate minimalist look. 

9.      Where is the radiator made?

The country of manufacture does not always dictate the quality of the product but you may want to consider it alongside other factors.  Many designer radiators are made in Europe, mostly in Italy, Germany and Turkey but there are increasingly more models being manufactured in Asia that are sold at lower prices.  Some high end, bespoke models are made in Great Britain. 

10.   The devil’s in the detail!

Think about not just the radiator itself but the finishing touches.  Have a chat with your potential supplier about valves and pipes – a radiator specialist will be able to tell you what your options are to ensure you get the best result within your budget.   

It's clear from the above that choosing a feature radiator may not be the most straightforward decision, but by following the guidance provided, you won’t make a false economy. 

For more information on buying good quality radiators with a reasonable price tag, then speak to a specialist such as Feature Radiators.  Their expert team will help you to choose the best radiator for your specific circumstances, so contact them on 01274 567789, visit them at their showroom in Bingley, West Yorkshire or see http://www.featureradiators.co.uk