Rainclear Systems, the UK’s leading stockist and online retailer of metal rainwater systems, are suggesting that you take a look at Copper for your rainwater system.

Copper is often overlooked or not even considered for rainwater systems in the UK. This is in part is due to the fairly low use of Copper as a rainwater system in the UK in the past.  Copper has been much more widely used in other countries and has a proven track record of longevity – almost the most durable of all materials – even exposed to harsh marine environments, or to run off from wood shingles, copper performs incredibly well.  Copper is not only durable but also offers a stunning aesthetic choice which just cannot be matched by other materials.

Cost is obviously a considerable factor in choosing a rainwater system and guttering is often way down the priority list when it comes to the allocation of build cost. Also, because the rainwater installation often comes at the end of the project, when budget pressures are most prevalent, the original allocation often ends up depleted. However, as more and more consumers become increasingly aware of the issues around plastic, and is effect on the environment, consumers are waking up to the alternatives and looking at the long-term performance of their build as well as the long-term impact on the environment.  The environmental impact goes much further than the material. Replacing your guttering frequently uses many other resources, including scaffolding, finite skilled labour, transport, waste skips and landfill which all cost money and have significant impact on the environment. So it makes sense to put up something that won’t need replacing for another 50years instead of in the next 5-10years and every 5-10 years after that.

Why Copper for Rainwater?

Stand out from the crowd while fitting in perfectly with nature with the addition of an eco-friendly 100% recyclable copper rainwater management system:

• Recyclable – Much of the copper in guttering is made from recycled copper
• Energy efficient & sustainable – Being 100% recyclable, to date only 12% of the current known reserves have ever been mined, and with 90% of copper scrap being reused
• Safe – Because it is a totally natural product – It is the perfect complement for structures built with other natural products, such has Larch or Cedar cladding, which also change colour over the years (N.B. Iron and steel are much more susceptible to the corrosive influence of wood than Copper)
• Antimicrobial – works as a natural biocide purifying the water to stop the build-up of algae, making it the perfect partner for your rainwater harvesting system (although harvesting for drinking water is not advised)
• Virtually maintenance-free other than periodic cleaning out of debris – meaning Copper gutters and downpipes are suitable for both residential and civic buildings (where the H&S of maintenance staff can be an issue)
• Long-lasting – in excess of 100years – resistant to corrosion in any environment – build for generations to come
• Any competent DIY enthusiast or contractor can install them with no specialist tools required
  • The clever design makes installation simple – the innovative Infinity Copper rainwater system includes:
    • Push-fit stop-ends – so no need to solder the end of a run of guttering
    • Gutter Union/Connector with EPMD rubber seal – so no brazing, soldering or messy silicone sealant here either
    • Wraparound outlets – so no brazing or soldering where the gutter meets the downpipe
    • Downpipes and bends have swaged necks, so slot together simply, allowing quick install without the requirement for glue or solder
    • Stainless steel nails and screws can be used as they sit right beside copper on the galvanic scale
  • 3m gutter lengths and 1, 2 or 3m downpipe lengths makes for swift installation.

What Protects Copper? Oxidisation!

The initially bright finish will weather from a high sheen through a deeper reddish-brown, which gives it a ‘rustic’ look, to verdigris green. This characteristic of copper to patinate to a beautiful verdigris actually creates a protective layer over the metal beneath, reducing the speed of corrosion through the metal so much that copper can last 50-100 years even in proximity to the sea.

The Infinity Copper rainwater system available from Rainclear Systems is a deeper half round profile to allow for better flow rates even in the worst British downpour. The gutters & fittings are available in 115mm and 125mm and downpipes & their fittings come in 80mm and 100mm diameters suitable for either the average domestic property or the larger barn conversion or ‘Grand Design’ in an area of regular high rainfall.

What is a Copper rainwater system likely to cost?

With the current offer of 40% Off Copper currently available on the Rainclear website a 3-4 bedroomed detached house could cost:

for example

£3,355.07

“I must say I was quite nervous spending close to 4K on a product sight unseen, but this is clearly a very high-quality product and can’t wait until it’s installed… The components are solid and beautifully manufactured.

Top notch. I have also been impressed by the follow up calls… It’s been a pleasure dealing with your company.

Thank you,

Roy”

For more information, download the price list with the link below, browse the products on the website using the link below, or get in touch with the friendly, knowledgeable team at Rainclear on 0800 644 44 26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk.