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0333 987 4452
0333 987 4452
Tuscan Foundry Products, Tyn-Y-Clyn, Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3LU, United Kingdom
© Tuscan Foundry Products 2022
A cast iron rainwater pipe is one of the most recognisable features of a period property. After centuries of battling the elements, not to mention serving their primary purpose, it’s easy to see why these pipes can face a little wear and tear.
Thankfully, Edward Richards joined his father’s business to produce cast iron and steel building and rainwater products in 1893. With more than 100 years of experience behind us, we’ve also seen how a cast iron pipe can break and buckle under the elements.
This experience has taught us that there are just as many ways to fix cast iron pipes as to break them. Here are some of our tried and tested methods.
Ears are the most common type of pipe fixing, either bolt-on or cast-on. They usually have a plain and functional appearance, although it is possible to have ornamental ears fitted to a pipe. It is expected to fit a spacer behind the ears to allow space behind the pipe for redecoration. Ears can be supplied for either flat or corner fixing.
Unlike ears, Earbands are separate castings to the pipe and fit around the pipe socket to hold the pipe back to the wall. The ear can be plain or ornamental. This method of fixing is more prevalent in Scotland than the ears method described above. Again, earbands can be used for flat or corner fixing, although spacers such as bobbins do not work with earbands without further provision. Including ornamental Earbands can significantly enhance the appearance of a pipe system.
A holderbat is a two-piece bracket which supports pipes around the collar and fastens them to a wall from a single point. They can be supplied for building into a wall or for screwing to it.
A holdfast is a U-shaped bracket driven into the wall and around the pipe socket. These are commonly used in Scotland.
However you wish to fix your cast iron pipe, you’ll want to do so in a way that preserves your home’s natural aesthetic and the safety of the pipe. We have a comprehensive selection of fittings to help you get the job done, all made using traditional methods.
Ensuring your cast iron downpipes’ longevity and aesthetic appeal is crucial, especially if your home is a listed building. Listed buildings are protected by law due to their historical and architectural significance, which means any modifications must be in keeping with the original period style and craftsmanship. This makes it even more critical to use fittings and repair methods that are true to the traditional techniques and materials originally used.
At Tuscan Foundry, we specialise in providing period-appropriate solutions that meet the stringent requirements for listed buildings. Our cast iron fittings are crafted using traditional methods, ensuring they look authentic and provide the durability needed to withstand the test of time. Whether your home dates back to the Georgian, Victorian, or Edwardian era, our range of products can help maintain its historical integrity.
Don’t compromise on quality or authenticity. Speak to Tuscan Foundry about fixing your downpipes today, and let us help you preserve the beauty and heritage of your home with our expertly crafted traditional fittings.
Cast iron offers an authentic appearance that complements traditional architecture. It’s also robust, long-lasting, and often required to meet listed building consent conditions. Unlike plastic alternatives, cast iron guttering retains the historic integrity of a building and weathers beautifully over time.
It’s also worth noting that modern cast iron systems benefit from factory-applied protective coatings, making them easier to maintain and install than in decades past. Cast iron offers seamless integration into any historic elevation when matched carefully to the existing system or surrounding details.
Sales & Customer Services:
0333 987 4452
Tyn-Y-Clyn
Llanafarn Fawr
Builth Wells
Powys LD2 3LU
United Kingdom
Tuscan Foundry Products, Tyn-Y-Clyn, Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3LU, United Kingdom
© Tuscan Foundry Products 2022