Why Grade 304 Stainless Steel is such a fantastic radiator material

At Trade Radiators, all of the radiators in our Stainless Steel Range are manufactured using high quality Grade 304 Stainless Steel, also known as ‘18/8’ due to it’s composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. When purchasing a radiator, it’s important to know if it is made of Grade 304 because this particular type of stainless steel has many benefits over other variants, making it perfect for the construction of highly durable and long-lasting radiators.

High resistance to corrosion

An important feature of Grade 304 stainless steel is it’s incredible ability to withstand corrosion, a factor that many people do not consider when selecting a radiator. Our central heating systems typically consist of a gas-powered boiler that pumps hot water around our pipes and into our radiators in order to heat our rooms. When water and metal interact with each other, a chemical reaction takes place called oxidation (iron reacting with oxygen), which, in very simple terms can cause tiny particles of metal to break off inside the pipework and radiators. Over time, this internal corrosion can cause a sludge-like substance to build up within your system, causing problems such as hot and cold patches on your radiator, or blockages resulting in your system using more gas to heat your home. While we would always recommend using a chemical inhibitor within your central heating system, Grade 304 stainless steel is highly resistant to this type of internal corrosion. Additionally, radiators made of Grade 304 are easy to clean externally and actually look better and are more resistant to external corrosion each time they are polished.

Easy to bend and shape

Grade 304 is an ‘austenitic’ steel, which in terms of radiator manufacture, means it can easily be fashioned into a variety of shapes without sacrificing its strength or durability. As radiators are now less an afterthought and much more an integral part of any interior design plan, people are increasingly looking for stylish radiators that can act as a centrepiece of the room. The combination of flexibility and strength has meant that 304 Grade stainless steel radiators are available in a wide range of designs and sizes; great for anyone who values both aesthetics and functionality. This style and substance ‘combo’ has been most noticeable in the development of 304 stainless steel vertical radiators, which has turned the traditional view that radiators can only be horizontal on its head (or on its side, to be more accurate). In our increasingly smaller living spaces, bending and shaping Grade 304 into fashionable vertical radiators has revolutionised the heating industry. Being able to make use of vertical space while still providing enough warmth to heat a room has made a huge difference to those with limited wall space who previously worried about finding a horizontal radiator adequate enough to heat the room.

Built to last

Grade 304 stainless steel is not just limited to radiators either. It’s strength and durability has caused it to be used for other household items such as in the manufacture of kitchen sinks, saucepans and outdoor furniture. It’s high resistance to rust and durability means that people who buy a product made with 304 stainless steel know that they are purchasing something that’s built to last, hence the long guarantees that accompany these products - 25 years in the case of our grade 304 stainless steel radiators. An added benefit is the environmental impact of Grade 304 stainless steel. When the time eventually comes and the components are decommissioned, stainless steel is 100% recyclable without degradation over time. It’s been estimated that approximately 92% of stainless steel in use around the world has been and will be recaptured and recycled. In a world of climate change and high levels of carbon emissions, it’s fantastic to know that such a top quality material will continue to be in use for generations to come. All of our Grade 304 Stainless Steel Radiators are manufactured to the highest possible standards and come with comprehensive 25 year guarantees as well as free delivery to all mainland UK addresses. Article by Benjamin Clarke RELATED ARTICLES • The benefits of stainless steel radiators 26th Jun 2014  • VIDEO: How to install a Deco stainless steel radiator 2nd Apr 2015  • View our stainless steel heated towel rail range 4th Jun 2015   

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