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Tuscan Foundry Products, Tyn-Y-Clyn, Llanafan Fawr, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3LU, United Kingdom
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The Preservation of Cast Iron Rainwater Systems
Paul Stenning of Tuscan Foundry Products explains why preserving and maintaining a rainwater system contributes immensely to the external appearance of a property and prevents structural damage.
Victorian Cast Iron Hoppers – “A Stamp on a Property”
The majority of old buildings have cast iron gutters, downpipes, and hopper heads which should be preserved and regularly maintained as part of the building’s heritage and original character. Decorative features like hopper heads, or rainwater heads as they are more commonly known, are especially important to the architectural value of a property as it is often an indication of the age of the building. For instance, during the Victorian and Edwardian times, cast iron hopper heads were commonly used to put a stamp on a property by displaying either a date, coat of arms, an emblem, or initials as well as providing an effective way of collecting rainwater.
Cast Iron Rainwater Systems – Preserving Aesthetics and Structure
Preserving and maintaining a rainwater system not only contributes immensely to the external appearance of a property it could prevent serious structural deterioration It is not always necessary to replace the whole rainwater system as a failed section can be replaced. The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) suggests that where sections are beyond repair, replacements are made of the same material as the original which is normally cast iron or sometimes lead with older buildings.
Restoring Original Rainwater Systems
It should always be the aim to restore the original rainwater system as part of the building’s architectural heritage. Weather damaged sections can be taken to a foundry and shot blasted back to the bare metal by a professional and repainted.
Where there is only one surviving hopper head, cast iron foundries can replicate the original to produce a matching pair.
Cast Iron not only does it have infinite design possibilities no other product offers its strength, durability, and longevity with such low maintenance. However, even though cast-iron rainwater goods have a superb life span they still need to be looked after, especially for their historical value