Established 1893 | BS 460:2002 Certified | UK & International Supply | Expert Technical Support | 0333 987 4452
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Our fascia rise and fall bracket for Notts Og cast iron gutter suits most period property renovations. These brackets are a heavy steel brackets that is
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.
Yes. Polished brass ironmongery is historically appropriate for period buildings and is generally acceptable to conservation officers for listed building projects. If you require confirmation for your specific scheme, we are happy to advise — call 0333 987 4452.
Our cast iron hopper heads are available in a choice of finishes including primer, painted, and specialist heritage finishes. Please call us on 0333 987 4452 or submit an enquiry to discuss the right finish for your project.
Please call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form with the size, quantity and connection details, and we'll provide a quotation.
Yes. Cast iron hopper heads are the historically correct choice for listed and period buildings, and a like-for-like cast iron replacement is generally accepted without objection by conservation officers. We manufacture to BS 460 for genuine heritage character and durability.
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. Bespoke copy casting is a core service at Tuscan Foundry Products. We can replicate any cast iron gutter, downpipe, hopper head, or fitting from drawings, detailed photographs, or a physical sample or surviving section. Each commission is assessed individually. Lead time is typically 12 to 14 weeks, and quantities as low as a single piece can be considered depending on pattern-making costs.
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.
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.
LCC is traditional cast iron socket-and-spigot soil pipe made to BS 416-1:1990. Each length has a socket at one end and a spigot at the other, and joints are packed with caulking cord and finished with a jointing sealant. It is supplied with a black bitumen coating and is the like-for-like choice for external soil stacks on Victorian and Edwardian buildings. See the Traditional LCC range.
