Rainclear Systems’ Heritage Cast Aluminium Rainwater range – can it replace cast iron guttering?

Of course aluminium guttering will never completely replace cast iron. Cast iron is often obligatory on our oldest buildings - and with good reason, it offers an unmistakable appearance and has proven to last up to one hundred years with sensible maintenance. It is generally the more expensive system to purchase but still represents great lifetime value when you factor in longevity.

Geraint Jones, managing director of Rainclear Systems, the UK's leading stockist of metal guttering, is a huge fan of cast iron: "As well as its strength and efficiency, the wonderful thing about a modern cast iron system is that it's now available in a pre-painted factory applied finish. Ready to install, this removes all the hassle and concerns of onsite painting.

"That said, our Heritage Cast Aluminium gutters can be supplied to resemble cast iron in a 'textured' black, making them just as ideal to use on traditional, historic and restoration projects where cast iron is not specified."

Cast aluminium is lighter than cast iron making it easier to handle and fix. It offers all the benefits of aluminium's resistance to corrosion, plus a factory applied polyester powder coating finish which gives it a life expectancy of 40 years.

It has minimal maintenance requirements whereas 'Iron work corrodes without regular decoration,' - according to Douglas Kent, SPAB technical and research director, writing in Listed Heritage issue 102 Sept/Oct 2015.

Colour range

UK manufactured and in-house powder coated, the Heritage Cast Aluminium system can be supplied to any RAL or BS colour reference for bespoke projects so the client can match their guttering and downpipes with their windows or match the colour of the original, perished cast iron rainwater system.

Versatile

Both cast iron and aluminium offer unrivalled versatility. If there are any specific design requirements for a restoration or a renovation project, Rainclear work closely with the UK's most established and experienced foundries to match any feature - however ornate.

Durable

The Heritage Cast Aluminium system is high-performing, durable and requires minimal maintenance. It has a life expectancy of 40 years in rural/suburban areas and up to 25 years in industrial areas. Aluminium is 100% recyclable at the end of its life and has a monetary scrap value - giving it an exceptionally low lifetime cost.

Visit the website at www.rainclear.co.uk to see the range and save 35% off cast iron and 20% off cast aluminium. Download the brochures with prices, the metal comparison guides and installation guides for each. There is next day delivery and free delivery on orders over £300 net. Payment is secure by credit card or Paypal.

Alternatively, if you have any questions, give the friendly, knowledgeable team at Rainclear a call on 0800 644 44 26.

Some cases in point

Chicklade Farm, Salisbury

This was a renovation of an existing 19th century farm house situated in a prominent conservation area and so selecting the right product was essential. The Heritage Cast Aluminium gutters and downpipes finished in RAL9017 black maintained the authenticity of this beautiful, traditional property.

Rainclear also facilitated the design and manufacture of completely bespoke aluminium rainwater diverters for the environmentally conscious client, allowing them to divert and recycle their rainwater to help maintain the beautifully restored cottage garden.

Riddel Hall, Belfast

The Heritage Cast Aluminium rainwater system with bespoke hoppers and finish helped retain the architectural integrity of this Grade B1 listed building. The £10m project was highly commended in the Conservation category of both the RICS 2012 Awards and the RSUA Design Awards.

The architects provided a sample of original components from the building and 45 replica hoppers, together with downpipes, ear-belts and bracketry were replicated along with a special RAL8004M finish in copper brown to match the colour of the original rainwater system.

The old system had perished and the Heritage Cast Aluminium system was specified for its ability to replicate the look of the original cast iron system, whilst offering modern performance, longevity and low maintenance.