Round Pipe Ornamental Earband (C)

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.

Half round gutter has a simple semicircular profile and is the most widely used pattern across all building types and periods. Ogee (OG) gutter has an S-shaped decorative profile, historically associated with Victorian and Edwardian properties. Moulded ogee profiles, such as the G46 and Regent No.16, have a more elaborate cross-section with additional mouldings and are typically found on larger or more architecturally significant buildings. The correct choice depends on what is already present on the building and any requirements set by a conservation officer.

Hopper heads are supplied in red oxide primer ready for on-site painting, or pre-finished in black. A full range of Heritage Colours in traditional linseed oil paint is also available on request — please contact us for the swatch chart.

Our cast iron hopper heads are available with 65mm, 75mm and 100mm round outlets, 75mm, 100mm and 125mm square outlets, and 100x75mm, 125x100mm and 150x125mm rectangular outlets, to match the downpipe already on site or specified for the project.

Victorian properties most commonly used Ogee (OG) gutter profiles, including the standard Cast Iron Ogee and the G46 Moulded Ogee. Half Round guttering was also widely used, particularly in the later Victorian period. The correct profile depends on what is already present on the building — we recommend inspecting any surviving sections and matching the profile, size, and socket direction exactly. We supply 19 standard gutter profiles and can copy-cast any non-standard profile from a drawing, photograph, or physical sample.

The in-house Premier Extra coating is formulated for a life expectancy of around 10 years under normal weather conditions, provided any impact damage or surface scuffing is made good promptly. Coastal locations or higher pollution levels can shorten this, so it's worth asking your local stockist or paint manufacturer for site-specific advice.

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 School Board Airbrick is suited to Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing, mid-century school buildings, civic halls, public baths, and converted institutional buildings. Its plain square-grid face matches the utilitarian aesthetic of late-Victorian construction and is also appropriate for new heritage-style builds in conservation areas.

Size selection depends on the distance between the mounting point and the rooflight frame, and the desired throw (opening distance). Our telescopic openers are available in 150mm, 250mm, and 300mm; the screw-jack stay is available in 300mm with a 250mm throw. For guidance on sizing for your specific rooflight, please call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form.

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.