Is your classic home crying out for something more stylish and substantial than brittle and bright white plastic guttering? Regardless of whether you own a period property that requires plenty of renovation or you’re looking for a more durable drainage system, cast iron guttering could be the solution to your downpipe problems.
Below, we explore when the cast iron gutter was first created, whether you can still purchase cast iron guttering and how it compares to other materials.
Finally, we’ll help you to decide whether cast iron guttering is the right choice for your property. With more than 30 years of collective experience working with cast iron, we’re no strangers to the benefits of this particular rainwater management system material.
When was cast iron guttering first created?
First created in the late 18th century, cast iron guttering has been around a while. Originally, cast iron gutters were mass-produced as an alternative to timber gutters lined with lead due to the fact that cast iron guttering was both easier to produce and install. Cast iron quickly became the chief guttering material throughout the Victorian era until it was overtaken by plastic in the 1900s.
Towards the end of the Victorian era, nearly every property was built with both cast iron gutters and cast iron downpipes. As a result of the industrial developments, the end of this era also saw a wide range of cast iron guttering and downpipe styles emerge, providing homeowners with a chance to add character to their homes or business.
While lead was still used in the manufacture of downpipes and hoppers, cast iron became the most common guttering material in the UK and was particularly prevalent on special buildings. Nowadays, older buildings like churches are likely to still have cast iron rainwater systems, especially if they’ve been well-preserved thanks to regular maintenance.
Cast iron guttering, therefore, was established as more than just another material that gutters could be manufactured from; it became indicative of a building’s heritage and character. Plus, it also served a vital practical purpose by preventing water from penetrating the property and foundations, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the building.
Can you still get cast iron guttering?
Yes! Cast iron guttering is still readily available despite UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride), guttering being the most common and most popular drainage system material in the UK. At Rainclear Systems, we have a vast selection of cast iron gutters, downpipes and accessories in a variety of different styles for our customers to explore.
No matter what your personal preference is, you’re sure to find the perfect profile to complement both the age and character of your property. We offer five different cast iron guttering profiles, including Half Round, Beaded Half Round, Deep Half Round, Victorian Ogee and Moulded Ogee.
If you’d like to discuss your rainwater system preferences with an experienced member of our highly-knowledgeable customer service team, then feel free to get in touch. As one of the UK’s first specialist stockholders in rainwater products, we can provide you with expert guidance as to which style of cast iron gutter is best for a wide variety of projects. Regardless of whether you’re undertaking a period of property restoration or building your own eco-home, we can help.
Is cast iron guttering better than other materials?
There are many reasons to consider installing cast iron guttering instead of some of the more common plastic and metal guttering options. Rainwater systems can be made from all kinds of materials, including UPVC, aluminium, steel or copper. Nowadays, gutters are commonly made from either plastic or metal, but which is best, and should you be considering other guttering materials, too?
From the aesthetic appearance to the durability and price of the material, we compare a range of different guttering materials against cast iron to help you make the best draining system decision for your property.
Cast iron vs aluminium guttering
Aluminium guttering has many benefits, including being lightweight and therefore easy to install, as well as being both corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant. Plus, it also maintains its condition even under adverse weather conditions and has a lifespan of 25 to 40 years. When compared to the average lifespan of cast iron guttering (50-100-plus years with proper care), it becomes clear why cast iron is often viewed as the better option.
While aluminium guttering has plenty of advantages, as outlined above, it also lacks the strength and durability of the cast iron alternative, which is evident in the shorter lifespan. Furthermore, unlike cast iron, it doesn’t (always) boast the distinct texture and appearance of cast iron guttering that beautifully complements older heritage and listed properties.
Cast iron vs UPVC guttering
UPVC guttering is undoubtedly a more affordable option than cast iron gutters. It’s worth noting, however, that while cast iron guttering may not be the cheapest rainwater system material, the durability of the material will ensure that it lasts for decades. By contrast, PVC guttering typically lasts just 10 to 25 years, so if you want an incredibly long-lasting rainwater system, you can’t go wrong when you choose cast iron.
Not to mention, the brittle nature of UPVC guttering also makes it much more susceptible to damage from objects like falling heavy ladders (ladders should never be lent on gutters) or tree branches. While cast iron rainwater components can smash or crack if dropped, they’re typically more robust. Over time and exposure to the elements (such as heat, cold, and UV rays), UPVC guttering can become weakened, and joints become loose and leak. If you’re looking for a stronger and more reliable rainwater system solution, we recommend cast iron.
Cast iron vs copper guttering
Sought-after for its sheer beauty and flair, copper guttering has the most in common with cast iron gutters. Both of these durable materials typically last for at least 50 years and are corrosion-resistant. However, while copper is naturally immune to corrosion, cast iron is only protected from this destructive process thanks to the layers of paint applied during regular maintenance.
Despite these similarities, you should also bear in mind that copper will lose its shine, slowly turning a brown and then its characteristic Verdigris green colour over time. Gradually, copper gutters will develop a pale green protective coating known as Verdigris patina. While this coating helps to fend off corrosion and rust, it dramatically changes the overall appearance of the guttering.
Cast iron vs steel guttering
First, galvanised steel gutters have an average lifespan of just 15 to 30 years (Rainclear’s manufacturer guarantees 15 years), while cast iron can last up to an impressive 70-100-plus years if regularly maintained. Not to mention, older steel gutters have been known to rust. Unlike copper, steel gutters without the latest galvanising technology are more susceptible to this kind of damage despite their considerable strength.
As a result, without a suitable robust colour coating that significantly improves the lifespan of the steel guttering, it can be gradually worn away by adverse weather conditions and rust. In terms of cost, cast iron still comes out as one of the most expensive options, but it’s worth bearing in mind just how much longer this type of rainwater system (with the proper care and maintenance) will last when compared to aluminium and steel alternatives.
If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of opting for a cast iron guttering rainwater system, then please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of our team. Now you know a little bit more about the various advantages of choosing cast iron gutters over other guttering materials, let’s find out whether this style of guttering is the right choice for you and your home.
Is cast iron guttering right for your home?
Are you searching for a rainwater system that lasts for decades? Or maybe you want to bring back the traditional charm of your period property? Whatever your reasoning for wanting cast iron guttering might be, we can help you to decide whether this type of system is the best choice for your home.
Want to personalise with paint?
A major benefit of choosing cast iron guttering is the fact that this material can be painted to complement the exterior of your home. After sanding away any peeling paint and preparing the cast iron surface, all that’s required is some primer and suitable paint to transform the guttering time and time again. This rainwater system material is therefore ideal for homeowners that care about the appearance of their property. Plus, it’s also a good match for those who like to revamp the exterior of their home every so often.
Is the price right?
Due to cast iron guttering being one of the more expensive drainage system options, it’s likely that making the decision to replace your current guttering with this cast iron alternative won’t be taken lightly. For example, if you’ve just purchased a modern, new build home, exchanging the UPVC guttering for cast iron gutters is unlikely to be very high on your to-do list.
However, if you like to renovate traditional properties or want to restore your Victorian abode to its former glory, it’s important to pay attention to the details – including the guttering! If you can afford to invest in the right home improvements, you could instantly elevate the exterior of your property and even add value to the building.
Keen to add character to your property?
Traditionally (during Victorian and Edwardian times), cast iron hoppers would be imprinted with the date or family coat of arms. A cast iron system could therefore provide an indication of a building’s age while also providing an architectural flourish. If you own an older heritage or listed property, you may therefore want to consider retaining the character of the building by opting for a cast iron rainwater drainage system.
To find out more about the appropriate maintenance cleaning methods for cast iron guttering, you can always check out our substantial online selection of resources. From repainting every 10 to 15 years to regularly ensuring the fixings are secure, we help you to keep your guttering in great condition. Alternatively, please feel free to get in contact with our team to receive comprehensive answers to all your guttering maintenance enquiries!
Cast iron guttering at Rainclear
Ready to choose cast iron guttering for your home? Explore an impressive selection of cast iron guttering, downpipe styles and accessories at Rainclear today to find the best system for your property! Offering both durability and style, our cast iron gutters, downpipes, and hoppers can instantly transform the exterior of any home or business premises.
For more home improvement inspiration, you can always explore our wide range of cast iron case studies or check out our customer gallery that’s filled with images of our products taken in situ by our many satisfied customers. If you require a helping hand with finding the right cast iron system for your home, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a friendly and knowledgeable member of our team.
At Rainclear Systems, we’d love to hear from you! You can either give us a call on 0800 644 44 26, send us your enquiry to [email protected] or use our online contact form to get in touch. However you decide to contact our team, we’ll be happy to discuss your specific project requirements in more detail, suggest suitable products and answer any metal rainwater management system enquiries you might have.