RB501G46 – Side Rafter Rise and Fall Bracket for G46 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.

The right size depends on the width of your gutter run and the volume of water you need to collect. The Strayton H42A is available in four widths: 305mm (12"), 355mm (14"), 457mm (18"), and 610mm (24"). As a general guide, wider hoppers suit larger roof areas and heavier rainfall zones. If you are unsure, our team can advise based on your gutter profile and catchment area — call 0333 987 4452.

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 use on all listed building classes. A linseed oil paint finish is also available, which is particularly appropriate for conservation projects.

The Regent H1 is well suited to Victorian and Edwardian terraces, listed commercial buildings, civic and institutional properties, and ecclesiastical buildings where a traditional funnel-form hopper is architecturally appropriate. Its multi-faceted tapering body reads as period-accurate on Gothic and classical building types alike, and it is a commonly specified choice for conservation and listed building projects across the UK.

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 Calnethorpe is designed for formal classical and Georgian elevations where scale and material authenticity matter — large townhouses, country houses, manor houses, and institutional buildings. It is also widely specified for new-build heritage projects where cast iron rainwater goods are required to conservation standard.

Casting of iron is an imperfect processs. It is possible with some cast iron radiators that you will get minor imperfections in the surface finish. When radiators are painted this will reduce and over the years every additional coat of paint applied will provide a smoother more equal finish.

BTU stand’s for British Thermal Units. This was the old (Imperial) measurement for heat in connection with plumbing. Although BTU’s is a term still commonly used within the heating and plumbing, the industry is now going over to KW’s Kilowatts.

Yes. Cast iron is the material required by most conservation officers and listed building consents for the replacement or replication of traditional rainwater goods. Our hopper heads are produced in solid cast iron and we can assist with specification notes or material statements for planning purposes if required.

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.