Wire Pipe Balloon

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 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.

Our bespoke rise and fall gutter brackets — including fascia, side rafter, and top rafter variants for Osma Roofline and Osma SuperLine systems — are manufactured to order. The standard lead time is 10–14 working days from receipt of a confirmed order. If you have a programme deadline, please call us on 0333 987 4452 and we will advise on current availability.

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.

Traditional Express can be painted, including in our linseed oil finish. LCC is supplied with a black bitumen coating, which cannot be reliably overpainted with conventional paints; maintain it with a compatible bituminous paint. Where a painted soil stack is required, specify Traditional Express.

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.

Prices are shown on each product page. For project quantities, conservation specifications, or to discuss suitability for a listed building, call 0333 987 4452 or use the contact form.

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

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.

Yes. Traditional cast iron column radiators are the authentic choice for period interiors, and plain patterns such as the Victorian 4 column are usually preferred by conservation officers. Replacing radiators or altering pipe runs in a listed building may need listed building consent, so speak to the conservation officer before work starts.