Contents
- 1 How do you remove a radiator with flexi pipes?
- 2 How are radiator covers attached?
- 3 What part of radiator is hottest?
- 4 Can you replace the plastic side of a radiator?
- 5 What is a decorators cap?
- 6 Can I pour water down my radiator to clean it?
- 7 Is it easy to remove a radiator?
Are radiator covers removable?
The stylish VERTICAL SLATS design of our Classic panel range is simple, yet stylish with square shapes integrated within each other to create an intriguing and inspirational design. – Your lounge/living room, dining room, bedroom or entry hall will be transformed in minutes without the need to drill, cut or damage the walls.
Removable Radiator Covers are extremely easy to fit onto a standard panel or column radiator so it is hidden behind the modern attractive cover, yet there is very little loss of heat (approximate 1%) making this a perfect solution for any room in your house. The ingenious design of the fittings not only means that the covers are extremely easy to fit (it will only take 5 minutes) but also there is a minimal loss of heat (approximately only 1%).
The flexible fittings allow for the 70cm High ( 27 ½”) Radiator Cover position to be adjusted so it fits the space perfectly, without the need to be placed in the middle of the radiator. Made from water retardant material covered with durable PVC foil the Radiator Covers are easy to clean.
Do radiator covers come in different depths?
Step 3) Measuring Radiator Cover Depth – Measure the distance between the wall and the radiator to determine the depth of your radiator. You will need to take this measurement below your radiator if you have pipework underneath the radiator. Ensure that your measurement begins at the wall and finishes at the deepest part of your heating system – even if this is pipework * – so that your radiator guard encases the entire system.
For DeepClean radiator casings, Contour has a standard tolerance that is 65mm deeper than the deepest part of the radiator. You will need to add this to your depth measurement to calculate the necessary dimension for your new radiator covers. For example, a 90mm radiator requires a 155mm radiator cover.
The 65mm tolerance comprises
40mm allowance for the door of your radiator cover 20mm allowance for the frame of your radiator cover 5mm for further tolerance
Why do radiators have grills on top?
What’s the difference between Compact, Round Top & Seam Top radiators? When choosing a radiator, there are so many different styles to choose from, that actually making a final decision on what you want to buy can be quite challenging. You may have decided that you want to keep things simple and opt for a classic white convector radiator. You can recognise a compact convector radiator most easily when looking at it from the top or from the side. Usually, a compact radiator will be ‘enclosed’ in the sense that when looking down or from the side, the inner parts of the radiator are covered up by thin white panels.
- On top, there will usually be a neatly fitting grill panel that allows the hot air to escape but covers up the internal convector fins (the zig zaggy bits of metal inside the radiator).
- Down the side will be a long smooth panel, matching the white of the rest of the radiator and again covering up the side of the internal convector fins.
It’s really a stylistic choice rather than anything functional, but compact radiators are popular because they are aesthetically pleasing and easy to keep clean. They’re also informally popular for resting things on, like a cup of tea or a glass of water. Whereas with compact radiators the internal convector fins are covered up, with round top radiators, the fins are visible. However, this is offset by the fact that the panels (the grooved, white faces of the radiator) are rounded off at the top, creating a smooth and gentle look that is also pleasing to look at.
Again the internal convector fins can be seen from the top or from the side, but this time the tops of seam top radiators are thin and straight, providing a crisp, straight line to the top of the radiator. Seam top rads were also standard installations for many 1970s-built houses and if your radiators have not been replaced since your home was built, these are a popular choice for a straight swap that won’t change the aesthetics of your rooms.
The straight nature of the finish makes them popular for drying socks and underwear on them, without them sliding off.the radiator, that is! All of our convector radiators utilise 3rd generation radiator technology meaning they are more energy efficient, use less water, are manufactured from less steel and provide greater heat outputs than previous generations.
This means you will be spending less on heating bills as well as knowing that you’re likely purchasing a product that has a smaller carbon footprint than what you have in place at the moment. Convector radiators require a low water content to run on a low-temperature heating system using ground source heat pumps.
We know that an energy-efficient heater is important to you, which is why we try to be as elaborate as possible about each unit’s energy efficiency. We also have low temperature surface radiators for those looking for safe options for public spaces such as schools, hospitals, offices or community centres.
For example, you may be thinking of a wall-mounted convector heater. When selecting our convector radiators, we ensured we chose brands that look good and perform to a high standard. We have categorised them into three distinct groups – own brand, premier, and specialist.
How do you remove a radiator with flexi pipes?
How To Move A Radiator With Flexible Pipes – Flexible radiator pipes are a great option for those who want to minimise the amount of pipe visible next to their radiator. Relocating radiators with flexible pipes only requires a couple of extra steps. First, drain the radiator as above.
How are radiator covers attached?
How to fit a radiator cover – In most cases, radiator covers come flat packed and will need to be assembled. This will likely be a simple job of screwing the sides and the top shelf together. The front grill can in some cases be screwed in place or be attached by magnets – allowing access to the radiator for drying laundry.
- Some radiator covers come with fixing brackets so they can be attached to the wall.
- Follow the instructions included with the cover to fix the bracket to the wall as suggested.
- Many radiator covers aren’t actually fitted, they are free-standing.
- This allows access to the controls.
- This is much easier to fit – simply lift into place – however, they won’t be as secure, so ensure you check its stability before putting anything valuable on top.
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What are the best type of radiator covers?
Brass Grille Radiator Covers – Brass grilles for radiator cabinets will enhance your decor by providing a bold statement piece. The metal radiator grilles are available in a range of finishes from satin nickel to antique brass. Each one adds that extra touch of opulence and luxury to your room’s interior design.
Do radiator covers make radiators less efficient?
When you cover a radiator, you’re interrupting this process and reducing the efficiency of how much warm air it creates. So while a radiator cover won’t stop all of the heat from your radiator, they will reduce the effectiveness of how well it heats your home, leading to a waste of energy and money.
Does it matter if radiator cover is bigger than radiator?
Radiator cover measuring guide, How to measure a radiator to order and fit a radiator cover or cabinet. There are three main measurements required to use our radiator cover builder: width, height and depth (as illustrated below in FIG 1), the other measurements needed are for the skirting board and the thermostat access if these are needed, this guide is lower down this page.
The illustration FIG 1 below, shows the three min sizes you need form your radiator and these are the main dimensions needed to enter into the radiator cover builder on our website, the width measurement of your radiator from the outer edge of the valve on the left to the outer edge on the right side, then the height from the floor to the top of the radiator and finally the depth from the wall to the front or the furthest point forwards from the wall.
Measuring tips : lay the tape measure on the floor and put on the lock facility on the tape measure to help with wider radiators, also when measuring the depth check both sides of the radiator and use something with a straight back like a book and place it flat on the radiator front surface over hanging the radiator and then measure from the wall to the straight edge for a more accurate measurement ! when taking these measurements it is a good idea to slightly measure over than being totally accurate! FIG 1 Design Tip – If your radiator is poorly positioned, you can always order a greater width than your actual radiator in order to bring symmetry and balance to your room, or even if you have a low radiator order a larger height to make a usable shelf for ornamental or photo display area.
Are all radiator covers the same height?
FAQ Measurements Fitting & Instructions
- FAQs: What Radiator Cover size do I need for my radiator/heater? Any type of Radiator Cover your choose needs to cover the heater and pipes and valves, therefore we recommend to measure take measurements of your Radiator and add a minimum of 5 centimetres either side (10cm in total) to ensure good fit. Please see our Measuring Guide Page for more details as well as indivicutal product pages for anything we specifically recommend. If you are unsure please do just contact us and we will guide you through the process. I cannot find the size of Radiator Cover I need? Not a problem, we can prduce the Radiator Cover to any size (almost;) Please just contact us and we will make recommendatons and ceate a quotation if your radiator is shorter or longer than detailed or if you have any queries. How long will it take me to actually fit the Radiator Covers? Our Radiator Covers are designed for a quick, one-person installation, with no specialist tools required. I have personally done it in less than 5 minutes on a Panel Radiator Covers, The only thing you need to do is to decide if you would like the Radiator Cover to be fitted on a permanent basis (follow instructions A) or so it is easily removed and replaced (follow instructions B, recommended). You can access detailed instructions with relevant videos on the Instruction Page, With every fully assembled Floating Radiator Cover we supply a handy template and all the necessary fixings so you will only need a 8mm drill to mount it onto the wall, whihc should only take no more than 10. Our Radiator Cabintets also come fully assmbled, meaning all you need to do is put it in place and enjoy, we do also recomemnd fixing the sides or top to the wall to ensure stability. Can I use the Panel Radiator Covers on any type of radiator heaters? Yes, the Panel Radiator Covers are opened on all sides and postioned away from the radiator so you can uses these on any type of heter. You might, however, need some additional fittings, Our standard fittings are designed to hang on a typical panel radiator and we can provide an adapter pack that will let you fit the covers onto a column radiator (one with individual ‘ribs’). There are some older radiators with Round or Roll Tops that will not take the standard fittings we supply. We can, however, supply you with some alternative fittings, including angle bracket to attach to the wall and the back of the Radiator Cover (thought you would need to check the distance from the wall to the back of Radiator Cover to ensure the size is correct remembering to allow at least 5 centimetres gap from the front of the radiator). You can see the alternative fittings on this page, Do radiator covers block or stop heat? No. Unlike some other products on the market our Panel Radiator Covers, Floating Raditor Covers and Radiator Cabinets are designed to retain as much heat efficiency of your heaters as it is possible for the specific range. Fixed about 5cm away from the radiator the stylish floating Panel Radiators are designed only to ‘cover’ the front of your radiator, meaning that the top and bottom (and sides) of your radiator are completely open, which allows the free flow of air through the radiator retaining the effective distribution of convected heat, The unique designs of the front panels feature large cut outs (these differ for different designs), which also means there is little change to the natural radiant heat yet there is a barrier safeguarding children, pets etc. from touching hot surfaces. Do radiator covers reduce or restrict heat output? This depends on what type of Radiator Enclosure you select. Our most popular Radiator Covers are designed to retain the heat efficiency of your heaters. The panels are designed only to ‘cover’ the front of your radiator, meaning that the top and bottom (and sides) of your radiator are completely open, which allows the free flow of air through the radiator retaining the effective distribution of convected heat, With top and side panels (on most models) Floating Radiator Covers and Radiator Cabinets are more enclosed, but our design features large gaps at the top and bottom of the cabinet meaning, in comparison to other cabinets, there is the least interference with the heat transfer from the radiator to the room, indeed there is a flue effect of cold air being drawn through the radiator and adding the natural convection process. Enclosed on sides the Radiator Cabinets provide an even better barrier safeguarding children, pets etc. from touching hot radiator surfaces or valves so we highly recommend these in children activity areas such as bedrooms, playrooms, nurseries, corridors etc. etc MEASUREMENTS – see more details on the Measureing Guide page and use this sheet to add all the measurements of radiators in different rooms or areas and email it back to us and we will recommend the size of your Radiator Cabinet. How to measure your Radiators for RADIATOR COVER PANELS:
- Ensure you measure the full horisontal WIDTH / LENGTH of the radiator, including any VALVES etc.
- Now add 10cm (4″inches) to the length measurement, the total will give you the MINIMUM length you will need and ensure the Radiator Cover hides your radiator as well as any valves etc.
- For example: if your Radiator and valves measure 90cm / 35″ long you will need a 100cm / 39″ Radiator Covers.100cm Radiator Covers are suitable for radiators up to 90cm / 3 ft long or 130cm Radiator Covers are suitable for Radiators up to 120cm / 4ft long.
- Please note all Radiator Covers, Radiator Cabinets and Radiator Shelves / windowsills come with rigid White back on all colours.
- How to measure your Radiators for FLOATING RADIATOR COVERS: Measure the VERTICAL HEIGHT of your radiator ONLY – all sizes we details can be adjusted so just let us know if you would like the Radiator Cover any Larger or Smaller than the avaialbe sections.
Ensure that you check if your Radiators are Compatible with our standard fitting: There are some older radiators with Round or Roll Tops that will not take the standard fittings we supply. WE can,however, supply you with some alternative fittings, including angle bracket to attach to the wall and the back of the Radiator Cover (thought you would need to check the distance from the wall to the back of Radiator Cover to ensure the size is correct remembering to allow at least 5 centimetres gap from the front of the radiator).
You can see some additional information via this link, We supply alternative fitting components upon request, click here to see details of the different fitting choices Fitting Instructions: Please go to the Instruction Page to see how to fit the Radiator Cover Panles To limit the loss of heat ensures that you choose the size that allows free air flow around the radiator, in all directions.
Standard covers are 70cm / 27 ½” high, double check that this is the right height for you, otherwise contact us to get a bespoke quotation. To complete the look consider ordering made to measure matching Radiator Shelves that will also improve heating efficiency by directing heat into the room or add some matching Wall Panels to create stunning feature walls matching your Radiator Covers.
How to measure your Radiators for RADIATOR CABINETS: Ensure you measure the full WIDTH / LENGTH of the radiator, including valves. Ensure you measure the full HEIGHT from the floor to the top of your radiator; measure depth from the wall to the front of the radiator Decide if you need a skirting board cut out? For example: 100cm Radiator Cabinets are suitable for radiators up to 90cm / 3 ft long or 130cm Radiator Covers are suitable for Radiators up to 120cm / 4ft long. To limit the loss of heat ensures that you choose the size that allows free air flow around the radiator, in all directions. Standard covers are 88cm high, double check that this is the right height for you, otherwise contact us to get a bespoke quotation. See more information on our Measuring Instructions page or use this sheet to add all the measurements of radiators in different rooms or areas and email it back to us and we will recommend the size of your Radiator Cabinet. Fitting Instructions Please go to the Instruction Page to see how to fit the radiator covers.
What part of radiator is hottest?
Distribution of heat in an electric radiator The electric radiator with a heating medium liquid is fitted with a heating element in one of the collectors as a source of heat. The heating medium is heated by the hot heating element. This causes the heating medium to raise up, and as a consequence this starts the circulation of the heating medium throughout the radiator. In conclusion, the collector directly connected to the heating element will always be the warmest part of the radiator (especially its upper section), while the lower pipes will always remain cooler. Such a phenomenon is absolutely standard. Note: If the heating element is installed directly into the radiator collector (not through a T-piece or valve), the two lowest tubes of the radiator will remain cold.
Is it safe to remove radiator cap?
It is safe to remove the radiator cap or any other part of the pressurized system _. Scan QR code or get instant email to install app A When the system has cooled explanation Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled.
Why does it bubble when I remove radiator cap?
What Does It Mean if Car Coolant is Bubbling? Cooling systems in most cars are pressurised, and rely on a leak-free closed circuit of hoses to pump coolant/antifreeze around the engine. When air gets into this sealed system, air pockets can form and cause blockages, which can lead to bubbling and overheating.
- Bubbling indicates rising air pressure in the cooling system, which is a sign that the flow of liquid is blocked by a pocket of air.
- One of the most common causes is a blown head gasket, in which the air pressure inside the cylinder heads is transferred to the cooling system.
- This escaped air causes bubbling in the coolant/antifreeze reservoir, which can often be mistaken for boiling.
Aside from a blown head gasket, there are several other causes for air inside in the cooling system, which we’ll come to later.
Can you replace the plastic side of a radiator?
The Disadvantages of a Plastic-Aluminum Radiator – The biggest disadvantage to a plastic-aluminum rad is its durability. The sudden exposure to high temperatures cause the plastic radiator tank to crack. Here are a few other key disadvantages: 1.Plastic is NOT Heat Resistant Firstly, the radiator tank gets hit again and again with varying degree temperatures of coolant.
- The fragility of plastic can not withstand these temperatures and will quickly erode and develop holes.2.
- Full Rad Must Be Replaced Secondly, other materials like copper-brass may bend and dent, but can easily be repaired and welded.
- But plastic will need to be fully replaced.
- And because plastic tanks are crimped onto the aluminum radiator core, un-crimping it weakens the aluminum tabs.
This makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to achieve a good seal when trying to repair. A full replacement is required.3. Compromises the Efficiency of Your Machine Lastly, plastic does not efficiently exchange heat like metal does. So your machine is required to work harder in order to cool itself.
What is a decorators cap?
High-Quality, Low-Cost Decorator Caps – Decorator caps are used to seal off radiator valves in order for a radiator to be removed for the wall behind to be decorated. Only available for Thermostatic Radiator Valves, they work by replacing the TRV sensing head and stop the flow of water.
What type of radiator valve do I have?
Do I need straight, angled or corner radiator valves? – Side connections: The position of the valves are situated at either side of the radiator near the bottom. Underside connections: The position of the valves are situated underneath the radiator at either end or centrally. See our guide below – How to work out which radiator valves you will need:
Side connections with pipes coming up from the floor = you need “angled” valves. Underside connections with pipes coming up from the floor = you need “straight” valves Side connections with pipes coming out of the wall = you may choose between “angled” or “corner” valves. Traditionally installers would use angled valves, however it’s been discovered that a neater alternative is to use corner valves, as this means that the heads of the valves would sit upright, rather than protruding into the room like with an angled valve. Underside connections with pipes coming out of the wall = you can choose from “angled” or “corner” valves. Traditionally installers would use angled valves, but again corner valves would be a neater alternative
If you are starting from scratch then there will not be any pipes currently installed, in which case you should be able to choose where you want the pipes coming from; the wall or the floor. This gives you more flexibility when it comes to choosing your radiator valves.
How do you remove a lockshield valve?
You will need: –
- New radiator valves
- Old towels or sheets
- Adjustable spanner
- Pair of grips
- Wet & dry vacuum or large container
- PTFE tape
- Radiator bleed key
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes Follow the steps below to learn how to change your radiator valves.
- Turn the heating and water off Turn the heating off and allow the radiators to cool completely for at least an hour. You should do this before starting any job to do with your radiators to avoid burning yourself! Remove the plastic twist cap on the lockshield valve (return valve) and use an adjustable spanner or pair of pliers to turn the spindle clockwise to turn it off until it won’t turn any more. This will stop any water from entering the radiator from that side. Note down the number of turns it took to turn the lockshield off as you will need to make the same number of turns when you connect the new lockshield and turn it back on. Then go to the other side of the radiator and turn the valve clockwise by hand until it won’t turn any more. If you have a thermostatic valve, turn it clockwise until the dial reads zero.
- Protect the floor Cover the floor area around the radiator under the valves you are going to replace with the towels and container to catch any excess water.
- Prepare the radiator valves Start this step by preparing your on/off radiator valve on the flow pipe. If you are swapping an old thermostatic valve for a new TRV, take the thermostatic head off both valves. You should be able to turn this to remove it by hand. Remove the nuts and adaptors on the new vave and smear the thread that joins to the radiator with the wrap the PTFE tape around clockwise about 8 times to prevent any leaks.
- Release the stored pressure Take your radiator bleed key and open the radiator bleed valve to release any stored pressure. Then close the bleed valve back up again. If your lockshield valve has a drain off, you could at this point drain the radiator from the drain valve. Place a container beneath the valve and turn it anti-clockwise to open it using an adjustable spanner.
- Open the old valve on the flow pipe Use a spanner to slacken off the top nut closest to the radiator to open the old thermostatic valve. To do this, hold the body of the valve with the grips and use an adjustable spanner to make an upwards turn and unscrew the cap nut until water starts to flow out. It is important to keep hold of the valve body with the grips to avoid it putting pressure on the pipe causing it to bend and potentially leak later on!
- Release the pressure & drain the radiator. Once the old thermostatic valve or manual is open, air will escape and water will flow out of the radiator. Use a large container or wet and dry vacuum to catch the water that flows out of the radiator until there is no water left inside. This could take about 5-10 minutes or longer depending on the size of your radiator.
- Remove the old thermostatic valve. When all the water has drained from the radiator, keep unscrewing the nut until you can pull the valve out of the radiator to disconnect it. Now use the spanner and grips and turn the nut anticlockwise to loosen the nut on the bottom of the valve that connects to the pipework and remove the valve.
- Attach the new thermostatic valve or manual valve Holding the valve body with the grips, align it with the adapter and tighten the cap nut with the spanner that holds them together. Then tighten the cap nut that holds the valve to the pipe. Tighten the nuts by hand for speed then finish off with the adjustable spanner. Make sure it’s not too tight or you might damage the thread! Then take the new thermostatic valve head and screw it onto the valve. You should be able to do this by hand.
- Remove the old lockshield valve If you are changing both radiator valves so you have a matching pair, now is the time to remove your old lockshield valve. But if you only want to change your thermostatic or manual valve then you can skip to the final maintenance section. So, to remove your lockshield valve, use a spanner to slacken off the top nut closest to the radiator like you did in step 5. To do this, hold the body of the valve with the grips and use an adjustable spanner to make an upwards turn and unscrew the cap nut. Use a container underneath the valve to catch any drips but all of the water should have been drained from the radiator. Now use the spanner and grips and turn the nut anticlockwise to loosen the nut on the bottom of the lockshield valve that connects to the pipework and disconnect the old valve.
- Connect the new lockshield valve Repeat step 8 to align the lockshield valve and connect it to the radiator inlet and copper pipe.
Can I pour water down my radiator to clean it?
Hot water radiator cleaning hack – On Facebook group Mrs Hinch cleaning tips and tricks, one cleaning fan shared a before and after shot of her radiator. ‘Thank you to whoever suggested cleaning radiators with hot water,’ she writes. ‘We live in a student house and our allergies have been awful since we’ve been using the heating a lot.’ We asked UK Radiators whether it’s safe to clean your radiator’s fins with hot water. (Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter) ‘BUT, not all paint is designed to take boiling water directly, so there is a risk it could strip or damage the surface coating.’ The UK Radiators director also says surface damage caused by doing this could be considered misuse, depending on your manufacturer’s warranty terms.
- Therefore, warm water would be preferable to water straight from the kettle.
- Daniel also says you should avoid using any detergents whatsoever.
- Even light detergents can react with paint if not properly removed.
- You’d also need to be very careful of any plug sockets, your own safety, and your flooring.
Sounding a little more trouble than it’s worth? We think so. (Image credit: The Radiator Company) Andrew Collinge, heating product manager at BestHeating agrees with Daniel that this hot water radiator cleaning hack is safe to try. He says clearing out dust may even mean you save money on your heating bills. Speaking of which, this TikTok tin foil radiator hack might help keep the coldest room in your house warm.
- Andrew’s word of warning is to make sure the radiators are turned off before trying it.
- Personally, we think using a long-handled radiator brush, £9.99 at Amazon, is a much safer bet.
- If you’re concerned about your heating bills, make sure you know how to bleed a radiator to keep them running efficiently.
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Is it easy to remove a radiator?
Written By: JustBoilers.com Experts | Last Updated: July 2022 Removing a radiator is a fairly easy job. It’s something a competent home plumber should be able to manage with little trouble. After all, it is one of the last things a building contractor installs, and the pipes will already be accessible.