TFH14S – Large Sand Cast Moulded Gutter

Yes. Polished brass is a historically appropriate finish for period and listed buildings and is generally acceptable to conservation officers. If your project requires specific confirmation, 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.

We do offer a range of Ogee patterned gutters in both straight and radius profiles. The straight profiles are much more common and as such cost less.

The Polished Brass finish suits buildings where brass metalwork was standard — formal Victorian terrace housing, civic and institutional buildings, and high-quality estate architecture. It is appropriate on listed buildings and conservation properties where the wider ironmongery specification is in brass and a matching material is required.

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 louvre face provides directional airflow and offers some resistance to driven rain entering the subfloor void, making it a practical choice for exposed elevations or properties in areas with significant prevailing wind and rainfall. The square-grid (school board) pattern offers a larger open ventilation area but less weather protection.

Yes. The Brass Rooflight Pole Winder Opener 300mm is compatible with Lumen Rooflights and most timber-framed skylights. If you have a specific rooflight model, call 0333 987 4452 to confirm compatibility before 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.

The Iron Works Patterned Hit & Miss Vent suits Victorian and Edwardian buildings where decorative cast iron or brass ventilation grilles were part of the original specification — including terrace houses, civic buildings, churches, entrance halls, and estate properties. It is appropriate on listed buildings and conservation area properties as a like-for-like decorative vent replacement, and on new heritage-quality construction where period detailing is required.

The opener is designed for use with Lumen Rooflights and compatible timber-framed skylights. The telescopic shaft and adjustable mounting bracket allow it to be fitted to a range of rooflight frames. If you have a specific rooflight model, call us on 0333 987 4452 to confirm compatibility.