We're often asked 'what's the difference?' between each of the metal rainwater systems we sell. As if it was a question we could answer in a few sentences. Or we’re asked to say 'which is the best?' when that depends entirely on YOUR project/property, YOUR budget and YOUR preferences. So, to try to answer those questions as simply and clearly as possible we’ve created a Matrix (or table!) and assigning a score from 1 to 4 for each 'feature' we think you should consider in making YOUR choice.

1. Compare the Metal Rainwater Ranges’ Features, Benefits and Prices

2. CAST IRON
Cost Cast Iron is the most expensive system
(currently (10/09/19) from £26.31 per 1.83m primed gutter length)
Long Life Can last 50-100yrs+ with the correct application of multiple layers of paint & then proper
maintenance including regular repainting
Traditional May be specified by your conservation officer if your property is in a conservation area or a
listed property.
Maintenance Will need repainting every 5-8 years (and up-keep as necessary in between) unless you choose
our factory pre-painted Cast Iron which should increase the interval before repainting is
required to 10 years.
Installation Weight means it requires two people to install. Traditional methods of installation with
silicone and bolts (or Hydrostrips©
available for half-round profiles)
Sustainability Cast Iron is 100% recyclable. Much of the Cast Iron in use now contains Iron that h been
recovered and recycled.
Compatibility Layers of paint protect the Cast iron core from the corrosive effects of water, run-off from
otherwise incompatible woods, and other metals (cathodic metal (e.g., copper) onto an anodic
metal (i.e. zinc) (Cast iron sits in the middle of these two opposites)
Colours Available in the factory applied paint in 7 standard RAL colours. However, you could buy the
primed system from us and then have a PROFESSIONAL paint the system in Farrow & Ball
Colours, for example.

3. CAST ALUMINIUM
Cost Cast Aluminium is less expensive than Cast Iron but more expense than Steel (currently
(10/09/19) from £50.14 per 3m gutter length)
Long Life Can last over 40yrs in rural/urban and 25yrs in marine or industrial environments
Traditional May be specified allowed by your conservation officer if your property is in a conservation
area or a listed property as a suitable replacement for origin Cast Iron.
Maintenance Our factory powder coated Aluminium will not require repainting. Plain milled aluminium
oxidizes to create a natural barrier. Does not rust.
Installation Lighter weight, but still traditional method of installation (or patented Metseal for half-round
profiles)
Sustainability Aluminium is 100% recyclable. Much of the Aluminium in use now contains aluminium that
has been recovered and recycled.
Compatibility Some woods contain alcohols and oils that have solvent action, but less impact on Aluminium
than Zinc (and, therefore, Galvanised Steel). Powder coating will offer some protection but
plain milled should not be used with copper roofing because of likelihood of
galvanic/electrolytic corrosion.
Colours Available in the BBA approved factory applied powder coating in 26 Standard RAL colours

4. MODERN (Pressed or Extruded) ALUMINIUM
Cost Modern Aluminium is less expensive than Cast Iron but more expense than Steel (currently
(10/09/19) from £46.50 per 3m gutter length)
Long Life Can last over 40yrs in rural/urban and 25yrs in marine or industrial environments
Traditional Moulded styles can be supplied with a heritage ‘textured finish’ powder coating. (Cast
gutters retain the surface texture of the sand the metal was ‘cast’ in. The textured finish –
also called leatherette finish – mimics this ‘cast’ look effect.
Contemporary With a smooth powder coating, sleek bends and often no visible welds to corners, the
pressed Box and extruded half-round gutters and downpipes are the ideal combination or a
contemporary look.
Maintenance Our factory powder coated Aluminium will not require repainting. Plain milled aluminium
oxidizes to create a natural barrier. Does not rust.
Installation Innovations like the SnapIT Express’ snap-together-without-bolts and inject-silicone method
make it swift and economical to install.
Sustainability Aluminium is 100% recyclable. Much of the Aluminium in use now contains aluminium that
has been recovered and recycled.
Compatibility Some woods contain alcohols and oils that have solvent action, but less impact on
Aluminium than Zinc (and, therefore, Galvanised Steel). Powder coating will offer some
protection but plain milled should not be used with copper roofing because of likelihood of
galvanic/electrolytic corrosion.
Colours From 7 standard colours in 10 days without surcharges to 26 standard RAL colours or 200
plus BS colours with longer lead-times and charges that vary by range and by colour.

5. GALVANISED STEEL
Cost Galvanised Steel is the least expensive of all the metal rainwater ranges (currently
(10/09/19) from £15.94 per 3m gutter length)
Long Life Expected to last over 25yrs – Comes with manufacturer’s warranty of 15yrs
Traditional The plain Galvanised Steel is protected by molecular layer of zinc (this is the galvanising
process) so it dulls over time to look like lead. This can look great on a stone or period style
property.
Contemporary The metallic finish of the plain galv also looks great on a contemporary style building. The
colour coated Galvanised steel can be colour matched to doors and window frames.
Maintenance The Galvanising process makes the steel ‘self-sealing’ after it is cut. The Robust colour
coating will not fade, peal or crack.
Installation The innovative design features of this steel system make it simple and quick to install. No
specialist equipment or tools are required.
Sustainability The galvanising process is probably the cleanest method of protecting Steel. Steel is 100%
recyclable at end of life and is more likely to be reclaimed and recycled than plastic gutters.
Compatibility
(Plain Galv)
Some woods contain alcohols and oils that have solvent action on Zinc (and, therefore,
Galvanised Steel). The robust colour coating will offer protection but plain Galv should not
be used with copper roofing because of likelihood of galvanic corrosion. Plain Galv is also
not recommended for a marine environment (up to 30-50 miles from the coast) or more
polluted industrial cities.
Compatibility
(Colour
Coated)
The robust colour coating offers 4 layers of protection from woods and other metals. Ideal
for coastal locations.
Colours Available from stock in 7 colours plus the plain galv, an almost unlimited choice is available
if you are prepared for a longer lead-time and surcharges.

6. COPPER
Cost Copper is another one of the most expensive rainwater ranges (currently (10/09/19) from £
£59.05 per 3m gutter length)
Long Life Expected to last over 100yrs – resistant to corrosion in any environment – even harsh
marine environments
Traditional Copper has been more widely used in other countries where plastic has never become the
leading gutter product like in the UK. In 20 years it will transform from a burnished red-
brown to a patinaed Verdigris.
Contemporary The warm metallic red-brown, it’s unique characteristic, makes it a statement purchase for
any modern property
Maintenance Virtually maintenance free except to keep free of debris
Installation The innovative design features of this system make it simple and quick to install. No
specialist equipment or tools are required. No riveting or welding.
Sustainability 100% recyclable – only 12% of known reserves have been mined – 90% of copper scrap is
reused.
Compatibility Copper is unaffected by run off from wood shingles or other metals

7. QUARTZ ZINC
Cost Zinc is also one of the most expensive of all the metal rainwater ranges (currently (10/09/19)
from £64.32 per 3m gutter length)
Long Life In rural areas 100years
Traditional The pre-weathered appearance of the Quartz Zinc looks similar to lead making look great on
a stone or period style property
Contemporary The unique appearance o Quartz zinc’s finish makes it perfect if you’re looking to make a
statement
Maintenance Virtually maintenance free except to keep free of debris
Installation The innovative design features of the half round profile system make it simple and quick to
install. No specialist equipment or tools are required. No riveting or welding (N.B. The Box
profile system is designed for a higher skill set)
Sustainability Zinc is in plentiful supply throughout the earth’s crust and mined globally. It’s low melting
pint means it requires less energy to convert into recyclable material and each 30% of world
production comes from recycled material
Compatibility Some woods contain alcohols and oils that have solvent action on Zinc (Oak, Chestnut, Larch,
Red or White Cedar, and Douglas Pine). Should not be used with copper roofing because of
likelihood of galvanic/electrolytic corrosion.
The Quarts Zinc system IS recommended for a marine/coastal environment.