Cast Iron Guttering Buyers Guide

The importance of a high-quality rainwater system is something that is often overlooked by home owners, but without it properties can suffer structural damage which can lead to costly repairs.

At Rainguard, we have been providing rainwater systems for over thirty years, tailoring each project we work on to the individual and their property. Joining forces with the UK’s leading manufacturer of Cast Iron rainwater systems, Hargreaves, we can provide customers with a traditional solution that includes Guttering, Downpipes, Soilpipes, Hoppers and Accessories.

History of Cast Iron Guttering

Guttering was first introduced with the Roman conquest of Britain in AD43, but it wasn’t until the 18th Century that Cast Iron rainwater systems were introduced. The material was easier to produce and much more cost-effective, leading to it replacing the previously popular lead. By the 19th Century, virtually all houses were built with a Cast Iron Guttering and Downpipes, which led to a foreseeable improvement on health throughout the working class population.

Whilst the poorer social groups benefited from this technological advancement, the upper classes prospered. The prestigious appearance of Cast Iron led to ornamental Ear Bands and Hoppers embellished with dates or coats of arms and are commonly found on not just homes, but properties such as churches, schools and communal buildings.

Why Cast Iron?

Many of the traditional or heritage buildings you see will still be maintaining their original rainwater solutions after thorough periodic maintenance. Their longevity is one of the main reasons why builders, architects and home-owners choose Cast Iron as their guttering material whether it’s for restoration, replacement or renovation reasons.

The grand aesthetic Cast Iron upholds is another popular feature of the material. Its timeless characteristic adds a luxurious touch to the exterior of a property, increasing its value and curb appeal. This in turn can set it apart from others, which can have a huge impact on property developers, buyers and renter’s decision.

Not only is Cast Iron durable and appealing, but good for the environment too. Over time it oxidises slowly, releasing carbon based iron ashes into the atmosphere. This has been proven to combat global warning by increasing planktonic life in the ocean and promoting plant growth. So by choosing Cast Iron for your rainwater system, you are not only installing a strong and charismatic solution, but benefiting the environment around you.

Guttering
Cast Iron gutters attach to the eaves of the roof, capturing rainwater to prevent it from damaging the building’s infrastructure. Available in five different profiles, our Cast Iron guttering comes in grey but can be painted to suit the characteristics of your building. We also stock a range of standard and optional accessories to securely keep it in place and help prolong the lifecycle of the material.

Downpipes
Cast Iron downpipes transfer the rainwater from the gutters to the drains or water butts, further preventing damage to the foundations and brickwork of the property. We stock these downpipes in either round, square or rectangular and are all supplied in three standard lengths, however we can work with you to tailor these to your specific requirements. Our Cast Iron downpipes are manufactured in either grey or black at a premium, but can be painted on site to match the rest of your rainwater system. To extend the lifecycle of the downpipes we can also supply a range of standard accessories, along with ornamental ear bands to preserve the traditional aesthetic of the building.

Soil Pipes
Whoever thought waste pipes could be so attractive, but our Cast Iron soil pipes fit in seamlessly with the rest of the rainwater system, adding character and heritage to your property. Exceeding all the requirements of BSEN 1561 Grade EN-JL 1020, ISO 185 Grade 15, our pipes are produced in grey iron and are finished with a yellow ochre two pack internal coating. A full range of components are available and due to no specific tools being required for jointing, it makes it easy to install.

Hoppers
Usually installed as a decorative elements, Cast Iron hoppers not only add character to the exterior of the property but allow a greater amount of rainwater be transported down the downpipes during stormy weather. Our Cast Iron hoppers are named after places of natural beauty in Yorkshire and come in 8 different designs, reflecting durability and charisma.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR CAST IRON RANGE YOU CAN CALL US ON 0113 279 5854.