“Rainwater system” is a term covering a variety of different means of shedding water away from a building. Most commonly seen on older church buildings as attached cast iron guttering, rainwater systems can also be incorporated — unseen — into the building’s fabric, behind parapets and within walls.
It has long been recognised that rainwater must be shed away from a building. Medieval churches were famed for their decorative gargoyles and impressive spouts — simple yet effective. In a modern setting, churches and ecclesiastical buildings are more commonly fitted with guttering, hoppers, and downpipes.
Cast Iron Gutters and Pipes — Part of the Church’s Architecture
Rainwater systems are often detailed as part of the church’s architecture. In the case of many church buildings being listed or of significant historical interest, they form part of the protected fixtures and fittings. Elements of the rainwater system are frequently more ornately decorated to enhance the appearance of the building, especially where made in lead or cast iron.
Rainwater goods were also a favourite place to record dates, frequently seen cast into hopper heads and leader heads on cast iron downpipes.
Water Damage to Churches and Ecclesiastical Buildings
Most forms of deterioration that affect old buildings in the United Kingdom are attributable to excessive moisture. Dampness promotes timber decay, corrosion of metals, and structural collapse. It mobilises soluble salts that harm masonry, increases frost damage, reduces thermal efficiency, spoils plasterwork and decorations, and creates conditions harmful to the health of occupants.
If water is not effectively channelled away from the building, moisture will build up in the ground immediately surrounding the church. This can cause movement in the ground (heave), producing cracks in walls and distortions in doorways and windows. Water drawn up the wall from the foundations (rising damp) damages internal plasterwork.
Blocked, cracked, or badly designed rainwater goods can allow water into the walls and roof timbers of a church building. The resulting dampness encourages timber decay through fungal attacks and insect infestation. In winter, water penetrating masonry surfaces can freeze, causing stonework to crumble.
Inspections and Maintenance
Both lead and traditional cast iron guttering were chosen for their durability as well as their appearance, and when maintained can last in excess of 100 years. As with any building element, prevention is better than cure, and establishing a regular maintenance routine provides the most effective means of ensuring longevity.
Rainwater goods should be surveyed and checked as part of a regular building inspection. Survey recommendations should be followed up promptly where a major fault is noted. We advise inspecting and clearing gutters and pipes at least twice a year — autumn, after leaf fall, being the most important period.
What Prevents Church Gutters from Working Effectively
In autumn, leaves can block gutters within days. The age and openness of church buildings also means that fragments of tile, slate, and fallen stonework can accumulate. Plants can establish themselves in gutters after a build-up of silt. Cast iron gutters and downpipes can corrode and crack, allowing water to escape into the building fabric. Damage also occurs when ladders are leaned against guttering, and downpipes are vulnerable to vandalism.
Detecting Signs of Problems
Outside: rust staining on external walls near downpipes; discolouration or green growth near drainpipes; gutter overflow during heavy rain; trees in close proximity to the building.
Inside: areas of painted plaster changing colour or looking patchy; dampness high on a wall (likely gutter-related); dampness below two metres (likely underground drains).
Repairs and Replacement
It is expected that repairs to rainwater goods will be carried out like-for-like — that is, the design and materials of the existing system will be adhered to in any repair. This is especially important for listed churches where the rainwater system forms part of the listed structure.
Tuscan Foundry can supply bespoke cast iron gutters and pipes to exactly match the original profile, or where costs are a consideration, can offer a close match from our range of 19 standard gutter profiles and over 50 ornamental hopper head patterns. We have supplied cast iron rainwater systems for churches throughout the UK and can offer technical advice on all aspects of church cast iron repair and restoration.
For further information, call 0333 987 4452 or contact our sales office via tuscanfoundry.com.