Replies

1. 
   Tim | Feb 17, 2010 02:01pm | #1

   You need to know the supply temperature of the water, and then you should be able to find published data.

   Not many US manufacturer offer cast iron radiators anymore. Weil-McLane has cast-iron baseboads and Burnham offers (or did a few years ago) an imported CI radiator, old style, that looks great. They're pricey, but very classic.

1. 
   CCI | Feb 17, 2010 03:02pm | #2

   I personally can't stand the look of baseboard and happen to like the way the old recessed cast iron Sun Rads look.  You can wrap the baseboard around them and the look like they belong.  Unlike the sheetmetal baseboard covers which just look tacky and cover up my nice moldings.

   My house had the original Sun Rads on the first floor and I wanted them on the new 2nd floor as well.

   I used Governale brand, a really nice copy of the Sun Rads.  They are available by the section, so you can make them any width/capacity you need.  I love the way they stay warm even after the burner is shut down.

   When mine were installed the plumber did a main or trunk line with branches going to each radiator.  Each radiator has valve on the input side so I can adjust the flow through each radiator to control the heat output without affecting the radiators downstream.   It works great. 

   No matter how well you calculate heat requirements some rooms are always too cold or too hot.  With the system described above, you can adjust each room to your liking without screwing up any other rooms.

   I got my Governale radiators new and they were not that expensive.  They come primed and ready for paint.  I don't think I would get salvaged ones, since the labor to clean and test them for leaks seems to be not worth it.

   A good plumbing supply house should be able to get them - have them delivered, they are heavy.

   Good luck.