Do LST Radiators rust?

One of the main concerns about the installation of LST radiators is whether or not they will rust.

Rust is not only unsightly but can also cause long lasting damage to the structure of a radiator and, when installed into commercial environments, this can be worrying from both a safety and a financial perspective.

Contour has been blogging about LST radiators, rust and what we’ve done to prevent it developing as much as possible.

LST Radiators In Wet Environments

Rust is formed when iron, or a metallic alloy containing iron, such as steel, is exposed to both oxygen and moisture for a long period of time.

The iron in the metal reacts with the oxygen which forms an oxide compound at an atomic level, impacting on the structural integrity of the metal itself.

The primary catalyst for the development and spread of rust is water. This is why it is often found in metal appliances in bathrooms or on car paint.

In bathrooms, toilets and shower facilities, there is an inevitable presence of moisture and water, which creates the concern for rust in the metallic objects such as radiator covers.

LST radiators can develop rust in a wet environment if there is damage to the powder coating which has resulted in exposed metal.

Materials

Standard LST radiators are manufactured from 1.5mm Zintec steel. This metal has properties within it that protects it from rust and corrosion.

If there is damage to the powder coating which has exposed the metal underneath it, and there is prolonged exposure, rust can occur.

In wet environments, Contour recommends LST radiators that are made from magnelis. This is a form of steel which has undergone an additional treatment stage, similar to hot-dipped galvanising.

This process makes the material stronger and more resistant to rust and corrosion.

Magnelis is suitable for both standard environments and in spaces where anti-ligature solutions are required which makes it suitable for bathrooms in the mental health sector or other places where personal safety is a primary concern.

Alternatively, LST radiators can come made from aluminium. These LST radiators are best suited to standard environments where anti-ligature requirements aren’t necessary.

Here at Contour, we recommend that any LST radiator that’s over 1 metre in width is made from magnelis rather that aluminium. This ensures the best possible structural integrity for the nature of the product.

Conclusion

In wet environments, exposed metal can develop rust because of the moister in the air.

Contour LST radiators are made from materials such as magnelis, aluminium or 1.5mm Zintec steel and are powder coated to offer protection against rust and corrosion in bathrooms, shower areas and toilets.

Materials such as magnelis offers additional protection against rust because of the additional treatment stage that it has undergone.

If you are installing an LST radiator over 1 meter in width, we recommend using this material because of the strength that it gives the radiator covers.