Column Radiators UK - Timeless Traditional Style

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions from our beloved customers

• How do column radiators work?
  Column radiators work by circulating hot water through their vertical columns. The heat is then transferred to the surrounding air, warming the room efficiently.
• Are column radiators efficient?
  Yes, column radiators are highly efficient. Their design allows for even heat distribution, and their thermal mass helps retain heat longer, reducing energy waste and keeping your home warm.
• What are the pros and cons of column radiators?
  Column radiators are stylish, durable, and provide excellent heating capabilities. They bring a timeless design to any space and are available in various designs to match your decor. However, their solid construction can make them heavier and sometimes costlier than other radiator types, though their benefits far outweigh these considerations.
• Are column radiators better than panel radiators?
  Both column and panel radiators have unique advantages. Column radiators offer a classic aesthetic and superior heat retention, while panel radiators tend to heat up more quickly. Column radiators are ideal for those seeking a blend of style and sustained warmth.
• What is the best column radiator?
  The best column radiators for you will depend on your specific needs, including the room size, heat requirements, and design preferences. Check out our BTU Calculator to find out what will work in your home.
• How to paint column radiators?
  First, choose a paint designed for radiators and high temperatures. Clean the radiator thoroughly, apply a metal primer, and then use thin, even coats of radiator paint. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next for a smooth finish. Or order the exact colour you’re looking for directly from us.
• How to clean column radiators?
  Regular cleaning involves dusting between the columns to remove dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a soft cloth with a mild detergent solution to wipe down the surface.
• How long do column radiators last?
  With proper care, column radiators can last for decades. Their robust construction and high-quality materials ensure reliable performance and longevity.
• What size column radiator do I need?
  The size of the radiator depends on your room's dimensions and heating requirements. Use our BTU Calculator to determine the heat output you need, and select a radiator with the right column configuration to match your space.
• Can column radiators be used in modern homes?
  Absolutely! Column radiators blend seamlessly into modern interiors, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication while delivering efficient heating compatible with contemporary systems.
• What are column radiators?

  They are a type of radiator made from vertical tubular steel columns welded to end pieces at the top and bottom which creates a single section.

  Columns - You’ll often hear these radiators described as 2 column radiators, 3 column radiators or 4 column radiators, this refers to the number of vertical tubes on each section. The more columns it has the deeper the radiator will project from the wall. The most popular being the three column radiator, heights can vary from 300mm to 3000mm high.

  Sections - Each section is joined individually, either by a joining nipple and gasket system or they are welded. The more sections you have, the longer the radiator and the more heat output available. These sections can be separated to make fitting and transporting your Column Radiator easier.

  Finish - Most of our column radiators are finished in a powder coated (extra tough paint finish) white as standard. We also stock anthracite grey column radiators (grey / black) and bare metal column radiators (raw metal with a clear lacquer top coat, to prevent rust). Additionally, we can offer reasonably quick delivery on popular painted colours and can supply colour painted column radiators in any finish you require on a bespoke, made to order service.
• Where can you put column radiators?

  Column radiators are equally suited to traditional or contemporary rooms. The overall effect can be influenced by the type of radiator valve you fit or the colour, sheen and texture of the paint applied.When it comes to traditional and contemporary radiators, the usual assumption is that column radiators are contemporary and cast iron ones are traditional. This is not the case.

  Traditional Column Radiators

  Although cast iron radiators are more traditional and very well suited for Victorian and Georgian buildings, column radiators can be styled to be traditional and have the following advantages over cast iron ones:
  
  i) Price - column radiators are cheaper than cast iron radiators
  ii) Installation - they are easier to position and connect as they don’t weigh as much as cast iron.
  iii) Speed - the tubular steel has thinner wall sections than cast iron, so it will heat up faster.
• Do column radiators give out more heat?
  Yes, their greater surface area allows them to radiate more heat than a panel radiator of the same dimensions, making them highly efficient. The more columns a radiator has, the higher its heat output.
• Do column radiators need legs?
  Not necessarily. Most are designed to be wall-mounted. Optional feet (legs) are used for aesthetics or to add support for very heavy radiators on non-solid walls, but the radiator must always be securely fixed to the wall.
• Are column radiators noisy?
  They are generally quiet. You might hear normal clicking sounds as the metal expands and contracts. Any gurgling noises usually indicate trapped air, which is easily fixed by bleeding the radiator.
• What's the difference between a 2 column and 3 column radiator?
  The key differences are depth and heat output. A 3-column radiator is deeper and has a larger surface area than a 2-column model of the same height and width, meaning it produces more heat.
• Do column radiators have a flow direction?
  For best performance, hot water should flow in through a top connection and out through the opposite bottom connection. However, many modern designs are flexible and work well with different plumbing configurations.
• Can you use column radiators with a heat pump?
  Absolutely. Their large surface area is ideal for the lower water temperatures produced by heat pumps. You may just need to choose a slightly larger radiator than you would for a conventional boiler system.
• Can column radiators be wall mounted?
  Yes, most column radiators are designed to be wall-mounted and are supplied with the necessary brackets for a secure installation, which helps to save floor space.
• What is the best colour for a column radiator?
  What is the best colour for a column radiator?