FAQ

Here at Metal & Glass we try and offer as much choice as possible with our systems, with a style to suit most budgets and project requirements. If you need assistance in selecting the right product and system, then our friendly team are more than happy to help.

If you live in a Listed property or a Conservation Area then it is likely you will need a cast iron rainwater system to maintain the period charm of your property. Your local Conservation Officer will be able to advise if this is an essential element of any renovation works. Even if your property is not Listed, cast iron rainwater goods look equally at home on modern contemporary structures. Not only are they functional, long lasting and more environmentally friendly but a cast iron rainwater system will have a much lower whole life cost than most modern alternatives.

A build up of heavy snow can be an issue for any rainwater system, with gutters fitting above the roofline more susceptible to ice and snow. If you are living in an area where persistent snow and ice is a problem, you should make adequate provision for this and install additional support brackets and possibly even snow guards.

Soffit overhangs are commonplace and most standard systems can accommodate this – with steel it is common to use two bends to offset this.

We can overcome most situations using a combination of standard items, but on older properties you may need something more bespoke. We would be happy to discuss your specific requirements with you – we have yet to find a project we cannot help out with!

If you are replacing an existing system then it is commonplace to keep the downpipe placements as they are. Each roof area should have at least one downpipe. If you are uncertain about the capacity of the gutter and quantity of downpipes then we would be happy to advise on your requirement.

It is possible to do this using a top or side rafter bracket, depending on access to rafters. It is also possible to use rise and fall brackets, where a stake is bedded between the brickwork with an adjustable support bracket, allowing you to incorporate a fall.

Most systems are fairly straightforward to fit, once you have set out the level an outlet positions. Some of the traditional systems require a little more care, particularly if you are working on an older / period building where levels may not be true.

Metal gutter systems are exceptionally strong and durable, with low thermal movement compared to plastic and therefore less susceptible to damage through temperature change. We would recommend regular (annual) maintenance and clearing of leaves and other debris to ensure your guttering lasts. If you maintain them properly, as you would expect to do with any other part of your house, then they should last a lifetime.

It is possible to return items direct to the foundry but before ordering we recommend that you read our important information section https://metalandglassltd.co.uk/information/ as here we explain what can and cannot be returned along with our restocking charge policy.