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The drainage and guttering market has matured considerably over the past 20 years and there are now many more product choices for consumers to consider.

Despite the influx of new materials it appears that the benchmark for rainwater systems is still cast iron. Cast iron rainwater goods were introduced in the late 18th Century as an alternative to lead. 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.

It is easy to forget about your rainwater system but it does need to be maintained and inspected at least twice a year regardless of the product material. It does not matter whether the property is hundreds of years old or brand new, the message is the same; ‘maintaining your rainwater system contributes to the external appearance of the building as well as keeping it free from damp and structural damage.

Yes. Cast iron rainwater goods are widely accepted by conservation officers and historic environment bodies as the appropriate material for listed buildings. Tuscan Foundry's hopper heads are manufactured in solid cast iron to BS 460 specification and are suitable for all listed building classes. A linseed oil paint finish is also available, which is particularly appropriate for conservation projects.

Yes. Cast iron hopper heads are the historically appropriate choice for listed buildings, and are generally preferred by conservation officers and local planning authorities over modern plastic alternatives. Tuscan Foundry cast iron hopper heads are manufactured in solid grey iron and are suitable for use on listed buildings and within conservation areas. A linseed oil finish is also available, which is particularly appropriate for sensitive heritage projects.

Our cast iron hopper heads are available in a choice of finishes including primer, painted, and specialist heritage finishes. Please call us on 0333 987 4452 or submit an enquiry to discuss the right finish for your project.

Yes. All our mild steel brackets are supplied in either silver or black zinc plate. This coating protects the metal however, both will need painting prior to installation.

We have chosen to use zinc plating for two reasons; firstly that it is a more environmentally friendly than galvanising and secondly that it does not block up the threaded part of the rise and fall cups in the way that galvanising does.

The Paxton H82 is a large-format hopper with decorative collar mouldings, making it particularly well suited to late Victorian and Edwardian buildings where the rainwater system forms part of the architectural composition. Typical applications include commercial heritage buildings, civic buildings, large detached houses, institutional premises, and warehouse conversions where a more substantial fitting is appropriate.

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.

The Pultney Tapered Hopper Head is well suited to Georgian and Regency townhouses, Victorian terraces, rural farmhouses, barns, and functional estate buildings where a plain, period-correct hopper is the appropriate specification. It also works well on new heritage-style construction. Its unfussy, chamfered form makes it a versatile choice across a wide range of traditional building types.

Select your required size and finish options from the product page and add to cart for an instant price. For project quantities, bespoke requirements, or any specification queries, please call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form at tuscanfoundry.com.

Select your required size and finish options from the product page and add to cart for an instant price. For project quantities, bespoke requirements, or any specification queries, please call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form at tuscanfoundry.com.