Horizontal vs Vertical radiators

Is there a difference in the average life expectancy between horizontal and vertical radiators?

Asked by Sharon on 21st Jul 2022
Expert Trade Answers
"In short No.

Life expectancy is down to the quality of materials used in manufacturing and the condition of the water inside the system.
Even the best quality radiator would corrode if the system water is contaminated.
The main thing is that consumers ensure the water quality within the system is kept to a good standard.
This will mean regular cleansing and adding inhibitors to the system. This should be checked annually."
Answered on 21st Jul 2022 - Member since Jan 2022 - report
"Quality of rads you buy what you pay for.
But it all has a huge impact on the radiators and heatin circuit as a whole if the water content is full of sludge’ scale . System must be flushed ‘ cleaned and inhibited to preserve its quality and performance’ otherwise scale ‘ corrosion build up within the c/h circuit will damaged it only in few years…"
Answered on 22nd Jul 2022 - Member since Jul 2022 - report
"a Radiator is just a vessel that holds water shape makes no difference to lifespan.

3 things matter the quality and thickness of the metal, The quality of the paint finish particularly in damp areas like a bathroom. And most importantly what applies to all the radiators and indeed your system is the cleanliness of your system and whether or not it has been treated with an inhibitor to protect it from rust and sludge build-up"
Answered on 13th Aug 2022 - Member since Aug 2022 - report
"It’s a bit of a tough question. It will depend on the quality of the radiator. Some are made of cast iron, others are made of steel. There is also the quality of the finish, they may just be painted, or they could be lacquered or, if they’re cast iron, they may be completely “naked”. Generally, as long as the system is clean and correctly dosed with inhibitor, they should last a good long time no matter what radiators are put in generally speaking"
Answered on 11th Aug 2022 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"life expectancy is much the same. what is important that you have the correct kw radiator for each room also that the central heating system is set up correctly."
Answered on 1st Aug 2022 - Member since Mar 2018 - report
"They should last for the lifetime of the heating system if used as they are supposed to and not wet clothes hung on them as the washing powder will corrode the outside. The central heating water inside should have the PH and inhibitor checked annually. Too low PH causes pinholes and too high PH accelerates corrosion leading to sludge. Ideal range is between 7-8.5 for most systems. Check your boiler manufacturers installation book for the actual ranges as some are slightly different"
Answered on 21st Jul 2022 - Member since Jul 2019 - report
"No not really the answer is you must have an inhibitor in your central heating system that protects them"
Answered on 21st Jul 2022 - Member since Feb 2018 - report
"There is no difference between these it all depends on the material but rads with covectera are best"
Answered on 22nd Jul 2022 - Member since May 2022 - report
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