Cast Iron Guttering

Cast iron guttering is one of those building choices that feels old-fashioned in the best possible way. Not trendy. Not trying too hard. It just works; and it’s been working for well over a century.

If you’re dealing with a period property, a listed building, or simply want something that looks right rather than “modern enough”, this is usually where people land after weighing things up.

It’s also where questions start. Cost, finishes, fitting and maintenance.

Why people still choose cast iron guttering

There’s a reason cast iron guttering keeps showing up on Victorian and Edwardian buildings that have already outlived several owners.

Traditional sand-cast iron has a reassuring weight to it, both literally and visually. Once installed correctly, it’s incredibly stable, doesn’t warp in heat, and copes well with heavy rainfall - which, let’s be honest, the UK doesn’t hold back on!

It also ticks the right boxes for conservation work. This system complies fully with heritage and conservation requirements and is manufactured to BS460:1964, which tends to keep planning officers calm. Always a bonus.

And yes — it’s 100% recyclable. Old-school material, modern conscience.

Finishes: primed or painted black?

This range is available in primed or painted black cast iron.

Primed guttering is ideal if you want full control over the final colour or need to match an existing scheme exactly. Painted black is the go-to for most period homes - classic, sharp, and ready to install straight out of the box. No waiting around, no extra painting step unless you want one.

Both options are produced using traditional sand casting, so the profiles have that slightly textured, authentic finish you just don’t get with pressed alternatives.

Profiles, downpipes & heritage hoppers

The standout for many customers is Victorian ogee cast iron guttering — decorative without being fussy, and spot-on for 19th-century buildings.

Alongside the gutters themselves, the full system includes:

• Cast iron downpipes

• Heritage cast iron hoppers

• Running outlets, angles, offsets, and brackets

Everything is designed to work together, which avoids the awkward “will this part actually fit?” moment halfway through a job.

Cast iron guttering cost (and why it’s worth it)

Cast iron guttering does cost more upfront than plastic or aluminium guttering.

 There’s no dodging that. But it tends to be a one-time purchase. With proper installation and basic maintenance, you’re looking at decades of service — often longer than the building owner.

So while the initial spend is higher, the long-term cost usually evens out. Or beats it.

Installation notes

• Brackets are required for all running outlets and angles, positioned no more than 300mm from a joint

• Rafter top-fix, side-fix, or rise and fall brackets should be installed at maximum 915mm centres

• Leave 3–4mm expansion gaps within sockets

• Joints can be made using a Britannia cast iron jointing kit, or two beads of Dow Corning 791 sealant, secured with M6 x 25mm bolts, neoprene washers, and nuts

All components are supplied with free fixings and a joining pack, and full fitting instructions are included with every delivery, which saves time and a fair bit of head-scratching.

Delivery & availability

Everything is dispatched direct from the UK warehouse, with fast UK-wide delivery in 2–3 working days from receipt of order. No drawn-out lead times. No vague estimates.

If you’re restoring a building properly — or just want guttering you won’t have to think about again — this cast iron system makes a lot of sense. It’s honest kit. Heavy, traditional, and quietly dependable.