METAL COMPARISONS
No matter which metal rainwater system you choose, all systems offer exceptional ‘life time’ value for money, are recyclable with a low carbon footprint. Although metal systems will cost more initially, every metal guttering range will out last and out-perform (especially in the eco stakes) a PVCu product and, in our view at least, will look better too.
Each material has its own appeal and benefits and choosing the right system depends on the requirements of each project, the budget and desired aesthetic appearance.
MODERN EXTRUDED & PRESSED ALUMINIUM
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.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is highly recommended. See advice on maintenance below.
- Clean out hoppers, outlets, angles and gutter lengths every six months ensuring these are always free from dirt and debris.
- Ensure joints and fixing points within your system and on brackets are sealed and secure.
- Always place ladders against structures and not the rainwater system.
- Clean external visible surface finishes to maintain aesthetic appearance.
- Regular inspection for signs of deterioration and any areas of corrosion damage should be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Strength & Durability
- Steel is stronger than PVCu and when installed creates a robust system compared with plastic.
- 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. Steel systems will require minimal but regular maintenance (see right).
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
https://www.rainclear.co.uk/resources/guttering/galvanised-steel-gutters/guttering-fittings.html
Galvanised Steel half Round Profile
- 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
Prices obviously vary hugely and we, as many, offer discounts on volume but based on standard 125mm, half round, black coated gutter our guide price is £21.63 for a 3m galvanised gutter length. (including our current £15% Online Discount 25/06/18)
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.
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 and best suited to quality, traditional projects.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is highly recommended. See advice on maintenance below.
- Clean out hoppers, outlets, angles and gutter lengths every six months ensuring these are always free from dirt and debris.
- Ensure joints and fixing points within your system and on brackets are sealed and secure.
- Always place ladders against structures and not the rainwater system.
- Clean external visible surface finishes to maintain aesthetic appearance.
- Regular inspection for signs of deterioration and any areas of corrosion damage should be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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
https://www.rainclear.co.uk/resources/guttering/cast-aluminium-gutters.html
Cast Aluminium Half Round Profile
Cast Aluminium Victorian Ogee Profile
Cast Aluminium Moulded Profile
- 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 25/06/18)
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.
Modern Extruded Aluminium
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of all metal guttering is highly recommended. See advice on maintenance below.
- Clean out hoppers, outlets, angles and gutter lengths every six months ensuring these are always free from dirt and debris.
- Ensure joints and fixing points within your system and on brackets are sealed and secure.
- Always place ladders against structures and not the rainwater system.
- Clean external visible surface finishes to maintain aesthetic appearance.
- Regular inspection for signs of deterioration and any areas of corrosion damage should be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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.
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, It can be installed by a professional or an experienced DIYer.
Style & Finish
https://www.rainclear.co.uk/resources/guttering/snapit-aluminium-gutters.html
Extruded Aluminium ‘Joggle’ box 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 25/06/18)
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.
CAST IRON
Cast iron is the most expensive of the metal ranges, but with good reason, it offers an unrivaled 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
https://www.rainclear.co.uk/resources/guttering/cast-iron-gutters.html
- The cast iron range comes in 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.
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 standard 125mm, half round, pre-painted cast iron gutter our current guide price is £39.80 per 1.83m length (including our current £45% Online Discount 25/06/18)
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 advice on maintenance below.
- Clean out hoppers, outlets, angles and gutter lengths every six months ensuring these are always free from dirt and debris.
- Ensure joints and fixing points within your system and on brackets are sealed and secure.
- Always place ladders against structures and not the rainwater system.
- Clean external visible surface finishes to maintain aesthetic appearance.
- Regular inspection for signs of deterioration and any areas of corrosion damage should be repaired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Freephone 0800 644 44 26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk