PVC
PVC has long been a popular choice due to its light weight, which allows for a safe, easy and fast installation process, meaning trade professionals can move onto the next job quicker. PVC rainwater systems are also often the most cost effective at the outset and offer a range of design possibilities.
Nonetheless, PVC falls short when it comes to sustainability. Although it is not toxic in its finished form, manufacturing the material involves the use of hazardous chemicals such as chlorine and ethylene. Plus, it produces large amounts of dioxins.
Once installed, PVC is unlikely to deliver in terms of long-term performance. When subjected to high temperatures, the material can warp and deform permanently. Increased ultraviolet light exposure can also cause the material to discolour and become brittle, weakening the entire system. As such, PVC systems are often replaced multiple times during a property’s lifetime. At the end of its usable life, PVC can be recycled into other products, however there are only a few UK companies capable of doing so.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a more durable and sustainable choice than PVC and is fairly resistant to weather and temperature changes. While it does not offer much design flexibility, it does create a traditional aesthetic that is suited to a range of projects, particularly heritage builds.
Unfortunately, cast iron requires regular inspection and maintenance every ten years to prevent rust or corrosion. This procedure often requires removing the gutters from the building, cleaning them with a wire brush, priming them again using a corrosive resistant primer and applying finish paint. Not only is this process time intensive, but it can also be very expensive. What’s more, cast iron is extremely heavy, meaning multiple contractors are needed to manoeuvre and hold sections in position, which also presents a number of safety risks, particularly when working at height. Finally, at the end of its working life, it is possible to recycle a cast iron rainwater system.
Aluminium
High quality aluminium harnesses all the aesthetic benefits of PVC and cast iron and also has unique qualities of its own. Firstly, it is incredibly durable thanks to a naturally occurring protective oxide coating, which means that if its surface is damaged, the material oxides again to protect itself. As such, aluminium rainwater systems require minimal maintenance and have a functional life expectancy of 50+ years, offering the ultimate ‘fit and forget’ solution. To further enhance the colour stability of the solution, a polyester powder coating can be added. If requested, this coating can be used to accurately mimic the appearance of traditional cast iron gutters and downpipes and depending on the provider, alternative colour options will also be available.
What’s more, aluminium guttering is very easy to install. It is 65% lighter than cast iron yet still incredibly strong. Aluminium systems can also be adapted onsite and fitted using standard carpentry tools meaning that any bespoke requirements can be easily met.