When the replacement or repair of a heritage rainwater system is undertaken, Alumasc’s Heritage Aluminium Rainwater is just one of the options available within a trusted package of traditional solutions.
Contractors and installers often bear the burden of much responsibility when it comes to the repair and maintenance of traditional roofing. Which system offers the most suitable solution? And how can precious original features around the roofline and walls be safeguarded? The answer lies entirely in the preparation.
Here, John Coe, commercial director at Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), talks us through the process.
The most critical stage of any heritage specification, is the site survey. At this initial stage, we ascertain, where possible, the manufacturer of the existing system, and whether individual sections of the system need to be replaced like for like, or whether a complete system replacement is necessary.
The surveyor will also note and report the condition of the existing building envelope, along with any defects present; for example, crumbling brickwork, perished jointing, damaged stonework, etc. This ensures the rainwater goods are not installed onto any weak or problematic areas, which may eventually compromise the lifespan or performance of the new system.
Importantly, this process will also identify any non-standard or special stonework detail, such as ornamental corbels, plinths or finials. A detailed measure will be undertaken, allowing any bespoke sections of pipework to be manufactured to suit; ensuring that all original features are accounted for, by way of appropriate off-sets and returns, when installation time comes. In more modern construction, where walls tend to be flatter and essentially 2D in appearance, take-offs can often be done from drawings. In listed properties, however, these original ‘3D’ features make the initial site survey essential for pinpointing fine detail and ensuring a successful installation.
System options
Once the existing manufacturer has been identified, it will become clear whether new sections of Alumasc Rainwater product can be integrated, or whether a complete system replacement is necessary. Due to historic manufacturing methods, tolerances on older systems may not be the same as those in use today. These differences in tolerance mean that certain gutters cannot be mixed and matched.
When like-for-like section replacement is possible, Alumasc’s Apex Heritage Cast Iron can be used. Apex Heritage is available in all four gutter profiles: Half Round, Victorian Ogee, Beaded Half Round, and Moulded; and it offers a full range of circular or square/rectangular downpipes with authentic socketed joints to closely replicate historic styles.
Eight standard colours are available to suit most traditional projects, and these can be pre-painted in the factory. Certified factory-painted systems are only around 13% more expensive than primed cast iron, and this small initial investment saves the labour of painting on site, which incurs a much greater cost.
Where a cast iron system has to be fully replaced, Alumasc’s Heritage Cast Aluminium may be considered an option.
Full aluminium systems can be designed to provide all the essential architectural features appropriate to traditionally designed buildings; with the added benefit of being inherently lightweight. As with cast iron, Alumasc’s aluminium systems are fully compliant with British Standards, and offer the added protection of a BBA approved powder coating.
Replication of bespoke features
The survey will also ascertain any requirement for the replication of bespoke features such as ornate hoppers, for example. Given their age, many hoppers no longer have moulds available, so Alumasc will carefully remove the hopper which they consider to be in the best condition, and from this, a template mould will be created, and used to fabricate the replicas.
Leave nothing to chance
Whatever the chosen system, the initial site survey is your safeguard, putting all elements of the building exterior under the spotlight, giving every installation the best chance of long-term success.
For more information call Alumasc Rainwater on 01536 383810 or visit www.alumascwms.co.uk/products/rainwater
