Round Pipe Ornamental Earband (C)

The Antique Black cast iron version is suitable for external use. The Polished Lacquered version is best suited to interiors or sheltered external locations where the polished finish will be protected from weathering. The Polished Brass version is suited to interior and semi-exposed locations. For external applications on exposed elevations, the Antique Black finish is the recommended specification.

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.

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.

Tuscan Foundry's cast iron hopper heads are available in Standard Black and Heritage Colour finishes. A linseed oil paint finish is also offered — a sustainable, vapour-permeable option particularly appropriate for listed buildings and conservation projects. Heritage colour swatches are available from the team on request.

The Antique Black finish suits Victorian, Edwardian, and inter-war buildings where ventilation ironwork was painted rather than polished — estate houses, terrace housing, civic buildings, and rural properties. It is also correct for listed buildings and conservation area properties requiring like-for-like replacement of original ornamental cast iron vents.

The H460 accepts round pipe connections in 65mm, 75mm, and 100mm diameters. Square pipe connections are available in 75×75mm, 100×100mm, and 125×125mm. Rectangular connections include 100×75mm, 125×100mm, and 150×100mm options. Connection type is selected at the point of order.

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.

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.

A hit and miss vent has a sliding plate on the reverse of the grille that can be moved to open or close the ventilation apertures. This allows airflow to be regulated without removing or replacing the grille. The vent can be fully open, partially open, or fully closed depending on ventilation requirements.

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.