RB501NOG – Side Rafter Rise and Fall Bracket for Notts Og 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 Ornamental Airbrick is suited to Victorian villas, bay-fronted terraces, Gothic Revival institutional buildings, church halls, and civic buildings where decorative ironwork is part of the architectural language. It is also appropriate for listed buildings and conservation area properties where the airbrick is on a prominent elevation and the ventilation grille is expected to carry decorative character.

Prices for rooflight openers are shown on the product pages at tuscanfoundry.com. For volume orders, project pricing, or compatibility queries, please call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form on our website.

Prices are shown on each product page. For project quantities, conservation specifications, or to discuss suitability for a listed building, call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form.

The Brass Rooflight Pole Winder Opener 300mm is a screw-jack operated rooflight opener designed for manual control of timber-framed skylights and Lumen Rooflights. The 300mm fixed arm is suited to standard rooflight positions and is finished in polished brass.

Satin chrome has a brushed, low-sheen finish suited to contemporary interiors, while polished chrome has a bright mirror finish. Both are available in the telescopic hand winder range at Tuscan Foundry. The choice typically depends on the existing ironmongery specification.

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.

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.

With National Maintenance week fast approaching (18th – 25th November 2011), Tuscan Foundry Products Ltd have decided to help period property owners look after rainwater systems by offering big discounts on selected cast iron gutters, pipes and fittings.

Friday 25th November is designated as National Gutters Day and on this particular day, homeowners are encouraged to check their systems for evidence of damage. Repairing sections of damaged cast iron gutter and pipe can help avoid potentially thousands of pounds of damage to brickwork.

Tuscan is offering these savings across a range of profiles and includes both primer and painted stock. The offers will only be available whilst stocks last so visit our website to view our discounted cast iron rainwater goods today.

For more information concerning National Maintenance Week visit the Society for the Protect of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) at www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk

The Cast Iron Louvre Airbrick suits Victorian, Edwardian, and inter-war residential and commercial properties where the louvre-pattern vent was the standard specification. It is the correct like-for-like replacement on listed buildings and conservation area properties, and suits new heritage-style construction requiring an authentic period ventilation grille.