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

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.

Prices are shown on each product page. For project quantities, specification advice, or a formal quotation, please call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form.

The Gothic foliate tracery design of the Ornamental Airbrick provides a good free-flow ventilation area relative to its face size. The open area is comparable to other standard cast iron airbrick patterns. The visual density of the pattern at a distance reads as solid ironwork, which suits formal and decorative elevations without compromising subfloor ventilation effectiveness.

The H460 is well suited to Georgian, Regency, and Victorian buildings where a plain, undecorated rectangular hopper is the appropriate choice — particularly listed properties, conservation area buildings, and institutional or commercial buildings in historic town centres. Its clean, restrained form makes it equally appropriate on modern heritage-style construction where period accuracy is required without ornamental detail.

Prices are shown on each product page. For project quantities, bespoke specifications, or conservation-related queries, please call us on 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form on our website.

Our standard spike or sturt length is 300mm (12″). Other sizes are available upon request.

The School Board Airbrick suits Victorian and Edwardian institutional, civic, and residential buildings where the square-grid airbrick pattern was standard — including school buildings, civic halls, estate housing, terrace houses, and warehouses. It is also appropriate on listed buildings and conservation area properties as a like-for-like replacement for worn square-grid cast iron vents.

Our cast iron hopper heads are available in a standard primed and black-painted finish, ready for on-site topcoats. Heritage colour finishes and factory-applied linseed oil paint are available on request. Linseed oil paint is a vapour-permeable, period-appropriate finish particularly well suited to listed buildings and conservation area properties.

The satin chrome telescopic rooflight hand winder opener is available in multiple sizes. The telescopic mechanism adjusts to accommodate varying rooflight positions and throw requirements. For a full list of available sizes, visit tuscanfoundry.com or call 0333 987 4452.

The Strayton H42A accepts round, square, and rectangular pipe connections. Round: 65mm, 75mm, and 100mm. Square: 75×75mm, 100×100mm, and 125×125mm. Rectangular: 100×75mm, 125×100mm, and 150×100mm. Please specify your required connection size when ordering.