I got . . . ssss . . . steam heat! I got . . . ssss . . . steam heat! Like Gladys in the Pajama Game (an old favorite musical) the ReUse has steam heat. Well, actually the ReUse still has no heat and it’s colder than a witch’s . . . 1950’s bullet bra (insider humor, for another blog entry perhaps)? But the ReUse has radiators! Since they are red hot they sell out ($10+ per fin) almost before they come in.

Their large thermal mass radiates a steady, even heat, long after the boiler has shut off. Some people claim these heating systems are more efficient. With modern weather upgrades to old houses and modern, energy efficiency boilers (they are compatible) it’s possible to efficiently keep your old house nice and cozy. In fact the “Old House Journal” suggests that under these conditions smaller radiators may be just as effective as large ones, freeing up space for other old house artifacts. I find it heartening that many of the radiators were made 50-100 years ago, all in the US and many in Buffalo. As well, reusing them keeps them from the landfill or scrap yard and further utilizes the energy already spent to make them.

Technical stuff aside, I really believe something more emotional draws people to radiators. They’re often quite beautiful. I’ve seen them scrolled with vines, oak leaves, flowers, fleur-de-lis, and such. Those Victorians demanded art in the most humdrum items. And then there are the warm memories (pun intended!) associated with them. I remember mittens and boots drying on them, after a day of sledding – back when kids went out to play.

Once again here are a few tips, based on some informal research, for that person interested in obtaining replacement radiators, re-outfitting an old house with radiators, or installing them in a new house.

Planning is the best tool

This is a job best reviewed by a heating/plumbing specialist, even if you are just replacing an old broken radiator. First they’ll use formulas to calculate the correct amount of BTUs for a room of a specific size. Heating systems in old houses were designed to for uninsulated houses, so larger radiators and bigger boilers were used. In an updated house smaller radiators might be used to heat the same room.

Radiators consist of a series of hollow fins connected at the top and bottom by a metal bushing (a tube). A long threaded rod feeds through the tops and bottoms of the fins. Caps at the end screw onto them, compressing all the fins together. When radiators fail they fail at either the valve (the knob that controls the water flow) or at the bushings. When the valve fails it can be replaced. The bushings however are hard to find. An informal search of the web found no companies selling these items. “Old House Journal” suggests they are unavailable and recommends replacing the radiator.

The other point of failure in radiators is a cracked fin. This usually happens in houses that freeze. In theory one can unscrew the threaded caps and remove the damaged fin and reassemble the radiator. Small cracks might be welded. However a radiator that has been compressed together for 100 or more years might not go back together tightly.

This leads to my next point. All radiators, repaired or reclaimed, should be pressure tested for leaks before they are cleaned up or installed. Plumbers and heating specialists can do this. The ReUse can do this testing and will fully refund any radiators that turn out not to be sealed.

Lastly, if you have specific needs and you do not see it at the ReUse, make sure to talk to Michael or Kevin as there may be radiators that haven’t been salvaged yet or will be coming in the future.

Weight

Another thing to consider is that cast iron radiators are dangerously heavy and unwieldy. They can weigh 400 lbs or more. This is reason enough to plan ahead and work with professionals when stripping, repairing, and installing them.

They will need to be transported. Some SUVs might hold one or two units. The ReSource has heavy duty trucks and delivers for a fee.

If storing them make sure they are secured to a something stable (e.g. a tree) with a strap. If moving them make sure you have enough manpower and stable footing. A falling radiator will severely crush limbs and digits. An improperly lifted radiator can severely hurt your back. We’d rather you spent your money on a beautifully restored radiator system instead of doctors and pain killers!

Finally, cast iron radiators are brittle and will likely shatter if they fall.

Paint

Like many ReUse items they are often encased in 100 years of old lead-based paint. Paint isn’t just unsightly but also decreases their efficiency. You can strip these yourself, although I recommend doing this only if you are experienced and have the space, the proper safety equipment (Tyvek suit, face shield, chemical fume respirator, chemical-resistant gloves,boots and a garden hose at the ready) and tools to maneuver these monsters (e.g. an engine lift). They can be dunked in a lye bath prepared in a large plastic storage tub (remember you have to neutralize this when done!) or stripped using heavy duty marine-grade stripper. If using stripper cover the radiator tightly with plastic to increase its effectiveness and wait 30-60 minutes. Use wire brushes and any tool to remove paint. Triple-bag paint waste and dispose in the household trash. Afterwards wash the piece down with mineral spirits and dry. Paint as soon as possible because they will rust within a day or two.

I highly recommend sending them out for professional stripping such as to Buffalo Refinishing Services. There are other refinishing services in the phone book that will strip radiators by dunking or sand blasting. This is cleaner and safer and well worth the money.

Good luck and we hope to see you (dressed warmly) at the ReUse.

—Ian MacDonald