The different materials/types of rainwater goods – key points to know
Contents:
STEEL
Steel is the most affordable and initially cost effective of the metal rainwater ranges and it makes for a smart, stylish and contemporary rainwater system.
Strength & Durability
- Steel is stronger than PVCu and when installed creates a more robust system.
- Rainclear’s galvanized steel guttering will resist thermal expansion and contraction providing greater joint integrity – ideal in the UK where the weather variations really test the gutter joints.
- Rainclear’s steel range is 20% deeper than other steel systems available and much deeper than most PVCu gutters offering greater holding capacity and better flow / discharge rates.
- The product carries a manufacturer’s guarantee of 15 years although life expectancy should be 20 to 25 years.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is highly recommended but need not be arduous:
- Clear out hoppers, outlets, angles and gutter lengths regularly to keep these free from debris.
- Regularly inspect for any signs of deterioration. Ensure joints and fixing points are sealed and not leaking and that brackets are secure.
- Always place ladders against structures and NOT the rainwater system.
- Clean external visible surfaces regularly to maintain aesthetic appearance.
Installation
- Rainclear’s steel system is dry-jointed with rubber lined union connectors so there is no need for silicone.
- Steel is lightweight and easy to handle, 3m long lengths help quick installation.
- It can be installed by a professional or an experienced DIYer.
- Rainclear’s range of bracketry has been developed specifically for the UK market.
Style & Finish
Plain Galvanised, self-healing Steel 20% deeper half-round profile
Dusty Grey RAl 7037 Robust Colour Coated self-healing Galvanised Steel core
Black Robust Colour Coated with self-healing Galvanised Steel core
Antique White RAL 9002 Robust Colour Coated with self-healing Galvanised Steel core
Anthracite Grey RAL 7016 Robust Colour Coated with self-healing Galvanised Steel core
Sepia Brown RAL8019 Robust Colour Coated with self-healing Galvanised Steel core
Galvanised Steel Half-Round Profile in plain, uncoated Galv, Anthracite Grey, Dusty Grey, Antique White, Sepia Brown and Black.
- Rainclear’s stocked ranges come in a half round profile, finished in either plain galvanised, black, anthracite grey, dusty grey, white or sepia brown powder coated and
- Other colours are available upon request.
Eco-friendly & sustainable?
- The lifetime value of steel is high as it lasts such a long time.
- Steel is also 100% recyclable saving landfill space and conserving natural resources.
Guide Price
Based on standard 115mm, half round, plain uncoated Galvanised Steel gutter our guide price is £18.48 for a 3m galvanised gutter length. (including our current £15% Online Discount 06/18)
N.B. From July 2018 it will be just £16.31 per 3m length with the incredible 25% OFF SUMMER STEEL DEAL.
Who does it suit?
Rainclear steel has been used on both contemporary and traditional style buildings. Its modern style adds character to most types of build.
MODERN EXTRUDED ALUMINIUM
Strength & Durability
- Extruded and pressed aluminium provides high durability, the material thickness is generally 2-3mm so it is much thicker than an equivalent steel system at 0.60mm.
- The material lends itself to fabrication which offers flexibility to meet awkward site detailing.
- Pressed systems are generally available in large profiles so is a great choice for light commercial and industrial buildings.
- In a normal domestic application, a good quality aluminium system should last in excess of 25 years
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is highly recommended. See ‘Maintenance’ above.
Installation
- There are a number of jointing systems available depending on the systems and profile type.
- Modern aluminium systems are lightweight, easy to handle and 3m long lengths make it an ideal choice for quick installation.
- Rainclear’s SnapIT range literally ‘snaps’ together with no nuts or bolts – a popular choice for the self-build market.
- Depending on which system is specified, can be installed by a professional or an experienced DIYer.
Style & Finish
SnapIT, ‘bolt-less’, Half Round profile
SnapIT, ‘bolt-less’, Moulded profile
- There’s a great variety of profiles available in extruded & pressed aluminium ranges.
- The SnapIT extruded ranges now come in half round, vintage moulded ogee and contemporary joggle box sections offering a great choice of finish.
- There is also a range of 26 colour choices available in each material – a finish to suit all types of project.
- The life time value of aluminium is high as it will generally last 25 years or more. z 80% of the aluminium rainwater systems already in use in the UK have been manufactured from recycled aluminium and all aluminium is infinitely recyclable at the end of its life.
Guide Price
Prices obviously vary hugely and discounts are available on volume but based on standard 115mm, half round, powder coated extruded aluminium gutter our guide price is £47.24 per 3m length (including our current £15% Online Discount 06/18)
Who does it suit?
Modern aluminium systems offer a wide range of profile and coatings to suit all types of building projects. They are a long lasting, highly efficient solution for rainwater disposal and a leading choice for the construction industry.
TRADITIONAL CAST ALUMINIUM
Traditional cast aluminium is at the top end of the price range, more expensive than extruded aluminium and steel but generally less than pre-painted cast iron. It is strong and long lasting (25-40yrs) and best suited to quality, traditional projects.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is highly recommended. See ‘Maintenance’ above
Strength & Durability
- Cast aluminium is extremely durable and a great choice for coping with wet weather or snow.
- Aluminium does not rust; any exposed aluminium surfaces simply oxidize to create a natural barrier.
- Rainclear’s textured black finish emulates the look and feel of cast iron but is substantially lighter weight which makes it much easier to handle and install.
- In a normal domestic application, a cast aluminium system should last in excess of 25 years.
Installation
- Installation is straight forward with a traditional silicone and bolted joint, typically installed on fascia brackets, rafter brackets or rise & fall brackets.
- The traditional cast aluminium gutters come in 1.83m (6ft) lengths with pipe choices of 2m or 3m long making it an ideal alternative to cast iron.
- It can be installed by a professional or an experienced DIYer.
Style & Finish
- There’s a great variety of styles, half round is the most popular with Victorian ogee and moulded profiles also available.
- Cast aluminium is available pre-coated in 26 standard factory-applied, powder coated options for immediate installation.
Eco-friendly & sustainable?
- The life time value of aluminium is it very high, lasting 25 years or more.
- 80% of the aluminium rainwater systems already in use in the UK have been manufactured from recycled aluminium and all aluminium is infinitely recyclable at the end of its life.
Guide Price
Prices obviously vary hugely and discounts are available on volume but based on standard 125mm, half round, powder coated cast aluminium gutter our guide price is £56.31 for 1.83m half round gutter length (including our current £20% Online Discount 06/18).
Who does it suit?
An aluminium system is ideal for those looking for something robust and long lasting. It’s available in both textured heritage finishes and more modern smooth finishes so looks great on a wide range of projects. Cast aluminium is generally a more cost-effective alternative to cast iron where a traditional 1.83m length spigot / socket style is required.
CAST IRON
Cast iron is the most expensive of the metal ranges, but with good reason, it offers an unrivalled life span compared to the other materials.
Strength & Durability
Cast iron is immensely strong and long lasting. It also looks superb on traditional style properties. It represents the most expensive material for guttering but this quality system should last at least 50 years with the correct maintenance, with many systems lasting 100 years plus!
Installation
- As this is a heavier system it really needs to be installed by two people and from scaffolding. A professional or a very competent DIYer with assistance would be able to install this system.
- Rainclear’s range of bracketry caters for all the traditional and most commonly used installation practices which make it an ideal choice for historical renovation projects.
Style & Finish
- The cast iron range comes in Half-Round, Beaded Half-Round, Victorian Ogee or Moulded Ogee gutter profiles with round and square downpipe profiles to suit.
- Cast iron is available in a ‘transit only’ primer coat for painting on site or a pre-painted black 4 coat finish for immediate installation.
- Rainclear’s pre-painted black system is a full, wet applied, 4 coat factory finish. We would highly recommend spending that bit extra for the factory pre-painted cast iron because of how effectively the long-term benefits outweigh the initial incremental investment.
Eco-friendly & sustainable?
- Cast iron lasts a very long time and therefore a great choice for the environment as it uses less natural resources over the life time of its installation.
- It oxidises very slowly over time giving off iron ashes which are carbon based and good for the environment. These promote green growth on plants and increase planktonic life in the oceans, thus helping to combat global warming. Recent studies have shown that adding iron dust to the oceans could have a dramatic positive effect on their health, increasing the oxygen output of our seas and oceans and reducing greenhouse gasses.
- Cast Iron is also 100% recyclable.
Guide Price
Based on the 4” half round profile, primed for painting onsite: £25.12 per 6ft length – or pre-painted black, ready to install: £32.59 per 6ft length (including our current £45% Online Discount 06/18)
Who does it suit?
Cast iron is best on traditional heritage style projects and a must for listed properties.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is highly recommended. See ‘Maintenance’ above.
Plus – with Cast Iron, additionally
- The factory applied, pre-painted cast iron should not require for 10 years, but the quality of onsite painting varies so be prepared to inspection regularly for signs of deterioration and repair/repaint any areas of corrosion damage in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- We would highly recommend spending that bit extra for the factory pre-painted cast iron because of how effectively the long-term benefits outweigh the initial incremental investment
COPPER
Strength & Durability
Copper protects itself by forming a patina that ensures an exceptionally long product life span of 100+ years.
Installation
No special skills are required to install the copper guttering. The clever design makes installation simple. No soldering, riveting or messy silicone.
Style & Finish
Left to age naturally copper guttering will start to mellow within weeks, changing through various shades of brown and bronze until eventually forming a green / blue patina unique to copper. The time taken for the patina process to start depends on the location of your property, local weather conditions, distance from the sea and other forms of acidic pollution. It may be a more expensive choice initially, but its beauty, durability and recycle-ability – reducing environmental impact – makes it the more cost-effective choice as the long-term advantages far outweigh the initial outlay.
Eco-friendly & sustainable?
Copper is sustainable, it is 100% recyclable with most mined copper still in use today, reducing its environmental impact. Copper guttering is particularly suited for use in conjunction with a copper roof as a means of rainwater harvesting. It acts as an algaecide and fungicide, keeping growths such as moss and lichen to a minimum, therefore keeping gutters clear. Also, it mildly disinfects the water, which is great for putting on plants as it has a balanced pH and is free from chemicals such as chlorine. You get more suds when washing the car and it makes car and window washing smear-free (the streaks and dots are limescale).
Guide Price
Based on standard 115mm, half round profile, our current guide price is £56.38 per 3m length
(including our current £40% Online Discount 06/18)
Who does it suit?
Copper has been used on both contemporary and traditional style buildings. Its distinct appearance; bright, shiny, warm orange gradually dulling to dark brown over 7 years and then turning to Verdigris over 20 years, adds a specific architectural and a real ‘eco’ statement to most types of building.
Maintenance
It is a wonderfully low-maintenance option for guttering systems as it will not require painting or cleaning (if you are happy to allow it to patina with age) other than the removal of debris that may fall into the guttering
- Always place ladders against structures and NOT the rainwater system
- Check annually to ensure fixing points on brackets remain secure and joints are still sealed
- Do not clean external surfaces abrasively to retain initial shine. The natural patina (a slow oxidisation of the outer molecular surface) creates its own protection against UV rays, heat, wind & water and should not be avoided.
QUARTZ ZINC
Strength & Durability
Over time, Zinc forms a thin layer called a ‘patina’. This patina covers the material and protects it from weather elements, such as sun, wind and water but the change is practically invisible. It is immune to the harmful effects of UV rays. a lifespan of nearly 100 years
Installation
Lightweight and easy to install. No special skills required. The clever design makes it simple. We have produced some brief videos explaining things like gluing in the stopends. You can find it and others on Rainclearsys – You Tube: http://bit.ly/RCUTube
Style & Finish
Choosing Zinc as a rainwater solution is stylish statement for those after a different, unique finish that will maintain a striking appearance. The ‘quartz’ zinc we have chosen to stock has the colour and texture of ‘pre-weathered’ zinc.
Eco-friendly & sustainable?
There is no shortage of zinc as a resource and in addition it can be 100% recycled at end of life. Many customers today want to lower their carbon footprint and reduce their impact on the planet. Zinc offers this
Guide Price
Based on standard 115mm, half round profile, our current guide price is £61.46 per 3m length
(including our current £40% Online Discount 25/06/18)
Who does it suit?
Quartz Zinc has been used on both contemporary and traditional style buildings. Its distinct appearance; a dark and textured gun-metal grey, adds a specific architectural and eco statement to most types of building. It is ideal if you live in an exposed location or by the coast. Its hard-wearing properties mean Zinc will last up to 50 years even in this most testing environment.
Maintenance
Requiring no decoration or cleaning, just the removal of debris that may fall into the guttering, makes it suitable for commercial, civic and residential buildings.
- Always place ladders against structures and not the rainwater system
- Check annually to ensure fixing points on brackets remain secure and joints are still sealed
- Do not clean external surfaces abrasively. The Quartz zinc is pre-weathered and the natural texture of its patina (a slow oxidisation of the outer surface at the molecular level) creates its own protection against UV rays, heat, wind & water.
For any question, you have call Freephone 0800 644 44 26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk