Square Pipe Loose Eared Socket

Our brackets are more commonly used on cast iron rainwater systems. Unlike plastic, cast iron is heavy and the weight keeps the gutter in position. As such our brackets do not normally have retaining clips which could lead to plastic or lightweight gutters blowing out of the bracket. The profile of your gutter should match that of our bracket but without the weight to keep it in place you may well encounter problems in bad weather.

Georgian properties typically used Half Round or ogee-style guttering, often in larger sizes to handle the roof areas of substantial period buildings. Large sand cast gutter profiles are appropriate for grander Georgian architecture, particularly country houses, institutions, and formal terraces. If the original guttering has been lost or damaged, a site survey can establish the most appropriate profile from the building

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.

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.

Cast iron radiators cost no more to run than modern steel or aluminium radiators. Cast iron is a very efficient material at emitting heat, thus you have items like le creuset cast iron pans. Cast iron holds it’s heat extremly well, which means that the radiators stay warm for longer.

BS 460:2002 is the British Standard governing cast iron rainwater goods — gutters, pipes, and fittings. It sets the dimensional tolerances, materials, and performance requirements a component must meet, so that joints seal, sections align, and the system performs as a whole rather than as isolated parts. All Tuscan Foundry Products components are manufactured to comply with BS 460:2002, which is worth citing directly in specification documents and listed building consent applications. The same manufacturing standard applies to bespoke and copy-cast work, even where the profile itself isn't from our standard range.

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.

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 airbricks are available in a choice of finishes including primer and painted options. If you require a specific finish for a conservation project or to match existing ironwork, please call us on 0333 987 4452 to discuss.

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.