Radrestore > About > History

History

The earliest development and production of cast iron radiators was from America, the first patents dating back to 1841.

The early days

The earliest form of a radiator as we know them today was invented by Joseph Nason and Robert Brigss (1863). Their design used vertical wrought iron tubes screwed into a cast iron base.

Soon after this, Nelson H Bundy (1872) invented the ‘Bundy Loop’, a cast iron radiator which became increasingly popular and played an important role in the advancement in the birth of our modern day radiators.

A developing design

The design of the radiator was continuously developed through many stages, especially during the Victorian period when cast iron became a prominent decorative feature within homes.

It wasn’t really until the early 20th century that radiators brought central heating to Britain; in fact, very few homes had the luxury of central heating until well into the 1950s.

History in the Making

The new development of the cast iron radiator, with its sectional design, gave the manufacturers of the time an immensely flexible product, by simply attaching individual sections of the cast iron radiator together one by one, it was possible to assemble radiators in various sizes and heat outputs.

The other major advantage to the design was the ability to be able to assemble radiators to fit into awkward spaces such as windows, bays and alcoves. The overall design of these radiators meant that in most cases, it would be possible to supply radiators that would produce the correct heat output in any room dimension, and at the same time be aesthetically pleasing in terms of proportions.

With the sectional design of the cast iron radiator, it was also possible to supply extremely large radiators to the site, some weight upwards of half a ton, in sections ready for site assembly by the plumber – a practice still in use today.

Obtaining Cast Iron Radiators – Today

It is still possible to obtain vintage original cast iron radiators today. Many can be found from salvage yards, Churches, Hospitals, Schools, companies like us at radrestore where we bring them back to life, stripping the old paint, resealing, painting and testing.

In practice this is not always without problems, finding failed gaskets and even pinholes in the cast iron. We have bought many over the years that have had such problems and we have repaired them to last for many more years to come. This can only be determined, once the radiator is thoroughly tested and passed our rigorous quality checks.

Today we are able to supply an extensive range of radiator models, many originals and now copies of the original period radiators, providing a perfect vintage look for any period or contemporary home.

Our cast iron radiators can be finished in an extensive range of paint colours polished to a shinny perfection all enhanced by traditional radiators valves, including traditional brass thermostatic valves, pipe shrouds and wall fixing brackets.

When our customer Charles contacted us due to one of his original cast iron radiators being damaged during building work in his property, we of course were happy to help and although it definitely put us to the test we were very pleased to be able to fully restore this nearly 140 year old antique peace of history!

Charles is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and extension to his property. Eagled eyed viewers may recognise him as his house as being documented on the @channel4 series @extraordinaryextensionstv #castiron #castironradiator #radiator #refurbish #restore #restoration #home #house #periodhome #homedecor #homerenovation #homerestoration

Open

We offer a number of polished finishes but by far the most popular is the “full” polished finish and it’s pretty easy to see why
#castiron #castironradiator #radiators #heat #heating #plumbing #home #homedecor #interior #interiordesign #polished #restoration #restore #renovate #periodhome #engineering

Open

The love we have for that natural iron look on our Dutchess 1 showing every inch of detail 🤌🏼
#castiron #castironradiator #radiator #heating #dutchess #home #homedecor #interior

Open

The love we have for that natural iron look on our Dutchess 1 showing every inch of detail 🤌🏼
#castiron #castironradiator #radiator #heating #dutchess #home #homedecor #interior ...

Our Cast iron radiators are all compatible with modern heat pumps and work perfectly well in new build modern homes. It’s all about style and taste and we feel we have style to suit any home.
#castiron #castironradiator #radiator #heating #home #homedecor #interior #newbuild #newhome

Open

Watch the cast iron radiator transform before your eyes in the spray booth #cast #iron #castiron #cast #iron #rad #castironradiator #home #home #decor #homedecor #interior #interiordesign #enginerring #restoration #restore

Open

Our satin black is a popular finish and it’s easy to see why finished with our polished brass accessories it’s the perfect fit for any room!
#castiron #cast #iron #radiator #castironeadiator #heating #kitchen #kitchendesign #interior #interiordesign #home #homedecor

Open