RB500 – Top Rafter Rise and Fall Bracket for Plain Half Round Gutter

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 handle is compatible with Lumen Rooflights and most pole-operated rooflight and skylight systems. If you are unsure whether it suits your specific rooflight, call us on 0333 987 4452 and we can advise.

Hopper heads are supplied in red oxide primer ready for on-site painting, or pre-finished in black. A full range of Heritage Colours in traditional linseed oil paint is also available on request — please contact us for the swatch chart.

Prices are shown on the product pages at tuscanfoundry.com. For project or volume enquiries, please call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form on our website.

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.

Our cast iron hopper heads are available with 65mm, 75mm and 100mm round outlets, 75mm, 100mm and 125mm square outlets, and 100x75mm, 125x100mm and 150x125mm rectangular outlets, to match the downpipe already on site or specified for the project.

It is possible for us to supply towel warmers with an electric heating element in them. The Electrad system is a unique system available to us, that enables independent heating of towel rails and radiators via the properties electrical system.

The polished chrome telescopic rooflight hand winder is suited to contemporary, Georgian-revival, and high-specification interiors where a bright chrome finish is required to complement existing ironmongery. It is compatible with Lumen Rooflights and timber-framed skylights.

The Ornamental Airbrick (OAB) is available in three sizes: 225mm × 75mm (2.8kg), 225mm × 150mm (4.1kg), and 225mm × 225mm (5.8kg). All sizes have a uniform depth of 75mm, making them consistent to install across a subfloor ventilation course.

Our cast iron airbricks are available in three standard sizes: 225mm × 75mm (single course), 225mm × 150mm (double course), and 225mm × 225mm (square format). These correspond to the standard airbrick positions used in Victorian and Edwardian brickwork. Each size is available across the School Board, Louvre, and Ornamental pattern ranges.