Established 1893 | BS 460:2002 Certified | UK & International Supply | Expert Technical Support | 0333 987 4452
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The Traditional Express cast iron soil product is an industry leading push fit soil system designed for a lifetime performance. The contemporary cast iron system provides the aesthetic appearance of traditional cast iron soil systems and is suitable for Listed properties and conservation projects.
The TX Cowl is a cast iron ventilating cowl that fits to the top of a Traditional Express soil vent pipe, allowing the stack to ventilate to atmosphere whilst preventing rain, debris, and birds from entering the open pipe top. The cowl is an essential component on any open-top soil vent stack — without it, rain ingress and debris can block the vent and compromise the anti-siphon ventilation performance of the stack, risking trap failures and the entry of drain gases into the building.
The cast iron cowl replicates the original appearance on period buildings and is the correct heritage detail for listed and conservation building soil vent terminations. 100mm diameter. Pre-painted black gloss finish. Part code: TX4080. For specification support, call 0333 987 4452.
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 Brass Rooflight Pole Winder Opener 300mm is a screw-jack operated rooflight opener designed for manual control of timber-framed skylights and Lumen Rooflights. The 300mm fixed arm is suited to standard rooflight positions and is finished in polished brass.
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 Brass Rooflight Opener Handle 1520mm is a pole-operated handle designed for manual rooflight opening mechanisms. It is suitable for use with Lumen Rooflights and compatible timber-framed skylights, and is particularly appropriate for period and heritage properties where a brass finish is specified.
Yes. The Louvre Airbrick is dimensioned to standard brick course openings and is suitable for direct replacement of worn, broken, or missing original cast iron louvre grilles. If you are unsure of the size required, measure the opening in the brickwork rather than the existing damaged grille.
Yes. Cast iron is the material required by most conservation officers and listed building consents for the replacement or replication of traditional rainwater goods. Our hopper heads are produced in solid cast iron and we can assist with specification notes or material statements for planning purposes if required.
The polished chrome telescopic rooflight hand winder is suited to contemporary, Georgian-revival, and high-specification interiors where a bright chrome finish is required to complement existing ironmongery. It is compatible with Lumen Rooflights and timber-framed skylights.
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 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.
