TFH3 – Plain Deep Half Round Gutter

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.

Yes. The polished chrome telescopic rooflight hand winder opener is compatible with Lumen Rooflights and most timber-framed skylights. Call 0333 987 4452 to confirm compatibility with a specific rooflight model.

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 Polished Lacquered finish suits buildings where period ironwork was finished bright rather than painted — formal entrance elevations, listed properties, and settings where the grille contributes to the decorative programme of the facade. It is appropriate for conservation specifications and high-specification heritage new build.

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 classes. A linseed oil paint finish is also available, which is particularly appropriate for conservation projects.

Yes. Cast iron hopper heads are the historically appropriate choice for listed buildings, and are generally preferred by conservation officers and local planning authorities over modern plastic alternatives. Tuscan Foundry cast iron hopper heads are manufactured in solid grey iron and are suitable for use on listed buildings and within conservation areas. A linseed oil finish is also available, which is particularly appropriate for sensitive heritage projects.

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.

The School Board Airbrick suits Victorian and Edwardian institutional, civic, and residential buildings where the square-grid airbrick pattern was standard — including school buildings, civic halls, estate housing, terrace houses, and warehouses. It is also appropriate on listed buildings and conservation area properties as a like-for-like replacement for worn square-grid cast iron vents.

A corner hopper head collects rainwater from two gutters running at right angles and channels it into a single downpipe. They are typically required at internal roof valleys, on hipped roofs, and wherever two runs of gutter converge at a corner. The Regent H1A is designed specifically for this application and is sized to suit the most common gutter profiles.

This opener is particularly well suited to period and heritage properties — Georgian and Victorian terraces, conservation area houses, traditional orangeries, and listed buildings where a brass finish is required to complement existing ironmongery. It is compatible with Lumen Rooflights and most timber-framed skylights.