Cast Iron Effect - Features & Benefits

Cast Iron Effect Guttering is a decorative type of PVC Gutter that first appeared early in the 21st Century. Unlike other PVC gutters, Cast Iron Effect has a unique mottled, satin finish, resembling the look of traditional cast iron style.

The fittings have been designed to resemble the real thing. Downpipe fittings have been especially crafted to look different from regular PVC and similar to their Victorian counterparts. Cast Iron Effect is a specialist item than is rarely stocked by general Builders Merchants.

It is more expensive than standard PVC guttering but is cheaper than genuine cast iron. Most UK gutter manufacturers now supply a Cast Effect gutter in their portfolio as standard

Choice of Cast Iron Effect Gutter Styles

This type of guttering is available in three different styles – traditional Half Round, Deepflow and Ogee.

Half Round is probably the closest in appearance to original cast iron guttering, although Victorian Ogee was popular on grander properties. The Ogee version has the largest capacity of the three. The Deep Flow system, which is semi-oval in shape, has an even greater capacity than the Half Round.

The downpipe system that is most popular is the circular one, with moulded “ears” on the clips, sockets and shoes. Square downpipes are also available in cast iron effect; this is sometimes used in conjunction with the Ogee system. A Soil and Vent pipe system is available to match – this looks very effective on external soil stack installations. All of the above choices are held in stock in large quantities at Gutter Supplies.

Colour Finish

FloPlast cast iron effect guttering has a satin black mottled textured finish. It is very difficult to tell it apart from real metal at any distance other than very close up. For those wishing to match up to other finishes the exact colour is RAL 9055.

Floplast “Cast Iron” Guarantee

Floplast guarantees the cast iron effect finish on these products will last for 20 years. This is the longest guarantee on any PVC rainwater system currently offered in the UK.

Installation & Maintenance

As this is a PVC gutter system, Cast Iron effect guttering is easy to install. The process for fitting cast iron effect fixings is the same as for normal PVC. These fixings are used on the downpipe fittings where the fixing points are visible. These have textured heads to exactly match the finish on the fittings.

Cast iron effect pipes differ from metal pipes in that they come in 2.5m lengths as standard. This is to better match the 6ft lengths of the original metal pipes. Metal pipes are still only available in these 6ft lengths due to their weight. All gutter fittings are supplied with pre-lubricated rubber seals and retaining clips for ease of installation.

In terms of maintenance, the system is no different to other PVC systems in that it needs to be washed down once or twice a year externally with soapy water to maintain its appearance. The inside of the gutter should be cleaned out at the same time, removing all leaves, moss and sediment that have been washed down off of the roof.

We also recommend that a leaf guard system is installed – this is really a must for any type of domestic guttering. Either a gutter brush which sits inside the gutter or a mesh gutter guard which clips onto the top will do the job; we would also suggest the fitting balloon type outlet guards into the neck of each downpipe is an excellent investment as a preventative measure.

Best Suited To?

Initially after its launch, Cast Iron effect was mostly installed on period style properties. As it has grown in popularity thanks to its good flow capacity it is now regularly found on all manner of buildings, from barn conversions to terraced houses. As it adds a degree of differentiation to the aesthetics of a property it has become popular with planning officers and architects, so it is now quite common to find it specified on a new build or refurbishment project.

Finishing Touches

Ornamental styled rainwater hoppers and decorative motifs such as Lions Heads and Fleur-de-Lys are available as a standard part of the range. Whilst these add a touch of class to any installation they are also commonly used for other purposes, such as decorative plant holders!