Established 1893 | BS 460:2002 Certified | UK & International Supply | Expert Technical Support | 0333 987 4452
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The Shotton No.514 is the plainest of the square-bodied heads in the range, and the most architecturally versatile because of it.
A heavy stepped cornice projects boldly at the top of the casting, throwing a strong horizontal shadow across the face. Below it the body tapers on all four sides in a single clean sweep, entirely undecorated, before stepping back in to a short collar at the round outlet. There is no panelling, no boss and no applied ornament — the whole effect rests on the weight of the cornice against the plain field beneath.
That plainness is why it specifies well. On a classical elevation the cornice picks up the building\u2019s own mouldings without competing with them. On a civic or institutional building it reads as appropriately sober. On a country house service range or a stable block it is correct without being showy. And where a scheme requires a run of several hoppers along one elevation, the Shotton repeats without becoming busy.
The generous taper also gives the casting useful capacity for its footprint — it collects well from a substantial roof area while keeping a relatively tight projection from the wall face, which matters where a pavement or a narrow passage runs beneath.
Cast in solid iron to BS 460:2002 and supplied in primer or black as standard, with heritage colours and traditional linseed oil finishes available on request.
Pipe connections: 65mm, 75mm and 100mm round; 75×75mm, 100×100mm and 125×125mm square; 100×75mm, 125×100mm and 150×125mm rectangular.
Suitable for listed buildings and conservation areas. For flow rate calculations on a specific roof area, or to discuss the right outlet size for the run, call 0333 987 4452.
| Finish | Primer, Black |
|---|---|
| Connection | 65mm Round, 75mm Round, 100mm Round, 75mm x 75mm Square, 100mm x 100mm Square, 125mm x 125mm Square, 100mm x 75mm Rectangular, 125mm x 100mm Rectangular, 150mm x 125mm Rectangular |
Yes. Polished brass is a historically appropriate finish for period and listed buildings and is generally acceptable to conservation officers. If your project requires specific confirmation, we are happy to advise — call 0333 987 4452.
The School Board Airbrick (F020801AFC) is available in three standard sizes: 225mm × 75mm, 225mm × 150mm, and 225mm × 225mm. These correspond to one-, two-, and three-brick-course heights and allow ventilation requirements to be met across a range of subfloor and wall opening sizes.
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.
The H526 measures 440mm wide x 240mm deep x 460mm high, making it well suited to Victorian and Edwardian townhouses.
A hit and miss vent has a sliding plate on the reverse of the grille that can be moved to open or close the ventilation apertures. This allows airflow to be regulated without removing or replacing the grille. The vent can be fully open, partially open, or fully closed depending on ventilation requirements.
Georgian properties typically used Half Round or ogee-style guttering, often in larger sizes to handle the roof areas of substantial period buildings. Large sand cast gutter profiles are appropriate for grander Georgian architecture, particularly country houses, institutions, and formal terraces. If the original guttering has been lost or damaged, a site survey can establish the most appropriate profile from the building
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 grades. A linseed oil paint finish is also available, which is particularly appropriate for conservation projects.
Yes. The Louvre Airbrick is dimensioned to standard brick course openings and is suitable for direct replacement of worn, broken, or missing original cast iron louvre grilles. If you are unsure of the size required, measure the opening in the brickwork rather than the existing damaged grille.
The H534 measures 430mm wide x 240mm deep x 366mm high, making it well suited to Victorian villas and townhouses.
The Antique Black cast iron version is suitable for external use. The Polished Lacquered version is best suited to interiors or sheltered external locations where the polished finish will be protected from weathering. The Polished Brass version is suited to interior and semi-exposed locations. For external applications on exposed elevations, the Antique Black finish is the recommended specification.
