Chimney Back Gutter

Yes. Cast iron airbricks are frequently specified for listed buildings and conservation area properties precisely because they replicate the material and pattern of the original Victorian and Edwardian ventilation grilles. Local conservation officers and building control typically accept like-for-like cast iron replacements without objection. We can provide product specifications and material datasheets to support applications.

Tuscan Foundry supplies screw-jack rooflight openers in polished brass, satin chrome, and polished chrome finishes. Options include telescopic hand-winder openers in 150mm, 250mm, and 300mm sizes, fixed screw-jack stays, and pole-operated handles for high-level rooflights. All are designed for timber-framed rooflights and skylights.

Most old buildings have cast iron rainwater systems that should be maintained and preserved however; these inherent benefits make cast iron an ideal choice for both traditional and modern installations. It is not uncommon to see modern alternative products marketed with terms like low maintenance or easy to install and cost effective. It has even been said that ‘plastic guttering systems provide a way of achieving a traditional look with modern convenience

As well as being easier to produce, the material enabled eaves gutters to be installed more simply, since lead could only be used in this location as a lining for timber gutters. Many modern materials focus on replicating the appearance of cast iron but those materials can vary rarely offer any of the benefits. Cast iron gutters and pipes offer great strength and durability, a proven history of long life, low noise operation and fire resistance.

Most old buildings have cast iron rainwater systems that should be maintained and preserved however; these inherent benefits make cast iron an ideal choice for both traditional and modern installations. It is not uncommon to see modern alternative products marketed with terms like low maintenance or easy to install and cost effective. It has even been said that ‘plastic guttering systems provide a way of achieving a traditional look with modern convenience’.

These terms tend to refer to possible cost savings rather than any real product benefits. It is also difficult to quantify the benefits of modern convenience over traditional build quality. It is worth remembering that all rainwater goods will require some element of maintaining to ensure they are unblocked by debris and remain functional. No rainwater system cleans itself.

Today most suppliers of cast iron rainwater systems offer products in both primer or pre-painted with a 10 year protective coating. When describing modern materials, the term ‘cost effective’ is used rather than simply saying cheap. There is no doubt that the initial cost of many modern materials is less than cast iron but you might be surprised to know that over its lifespan, cast iron will cost around a third of plastic.

The Antique Black finish suits Victorian, Edwardian, and inter-war buildings where ventilation ironwork was painted rather than polished — estate houses, terrace housing, civic buildings, and rural properties. It is also correct for listed buildings and conservation area properties requiring like-for-like replacement of original ornamental cast iron vents.

Yes. Our telescopic screw-jack openers and pole-operated handles are compatible with Lumen Rooflight systems. They are also suitable for use with other timber-framed rooflights and skylights fitted with appropriate catches or stays. If you are unsure of compatibility, call us on 0333 987 4452 and we can advise.

Prices are shown on the product page. For project quantities, multiple pattern orders, or a formal quotation, call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form.

Yes. Cast iron airbricks are the appropriate material for listed buildings and conservation area properties where the original ventilation grilles were cast iron. They maintain the character and material authenticity required by most conservation officers and listed building consent conditions. We recommend confirming the specific pattern with your conservation officer before ordering.

We do offer a range of Ogee patterned gutters in both straight and radius profiles. The straight profiles are much more common and as such cost less.

The School Board Airbrick is suited to Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing, mid-century school buildings, civic halls, public baths, and converted institutional buildings. Its plain square-grid face matches the utilitarian aesthetic of late-Victorian construction and is also appropriate for new heritage-style builds in conservation areas.

Our brackets are more commonly used on cast iron rainwater systems. Unlike plastic, cast iron is heavy and the weight keeps the gutter in position. As such our brackets do not normally have retaining clips which could lead to plastic or lightweight gutters blowing out of the bracket. The profile of your gutter should match that of our bracket but without the weight to keep it in place you may well encounter problems in bad weather.