Cast Iron Effect VS Real Iron Gutters
Cast iron effect guttering and real cast iron guttering differ in terms of material composition, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost. Here are the key differences:
Material Composition
Cast Iron Effect Gutters:
Cast iron effect guttering is usually made from plastic or PVC materials, designed to resemble cast iron. This product is lightweight and easy to install. Furthermore, it has a factory applied paint layer. This layer resembles both the texture and colour of cast iron.
Real Cast Iron Gutters:
Real cast iron guttering is made entirely of iron, smelted, and cast in a mould. Cast Iron is a strong and durable metal. Solid iron is known for its longevity and resistance to weathering.
Durability
Cast Effect Guttering:
Cast iron effect guttering is designed to imitate the appearance of cast iron. It is very easy to work with and has a 20-year guarantee.
This material is resistant to corrosion, rust, and rot. This makes it suitable for various weather conditions. However, it may not be as durable as real cast iron over the long term.
Solid Iron Gutter:
Real cast iron guttering is highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. It has a long lifespan of at least a minimum 50 years and is known for its robustness.
Cast iron requires less energy than other alternatives. Greenpeace suggest cast iron as the best material for drainage systems when considering the environmental impact of a project. It also produces fewer carbon emissions. These advantages are seen in installation, energy use, maintenance and repair costs, and overall cost of the system.
Maintenance Requirements
Cast Iron Effect Gutter:
Cast iron effect guttering is relatively low maintenance. It does not require regular painting, but it may need occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Real Cast Iron Gutter:
Real cast iron guttering requires more maintenance compared to cast iron effect guttering. Periodic inspection is necessary to detect signs of rust. A new coat of paint may need to be applied to prevent corrosion.
Cost
Cast Iron Effect Gutter:
Cast effect guttering is generally more affordable compared to solid cast guttering. It offers a cost-effective alternative for homeowners who desire the appearance of cast iron without the higher price tag.
Real Cast Iron Gutter:
Real cast iron guttering is more costly. This is because of the higher price of materials and the labour-intensive manufacturing process.
Cast iron effect guttering is appealing due to its aesthetic and advantages of the PVC materials. However, it is not as durable in the long run. It also doesn't have the same charm as authentic cast iron guttering. Real cast iron guttering, although more costly and requiring more maintenance, offers superior longevity and a traditional look.
The Environment
Cast Iron Effect:
A maximum of 20% is recycled plastics is used when make PVC Cast Iron Effect Guttering, as per British Standards. PVC guttering is fully recyclable at the end of your gutter system’s life.
Real Cast Iron:
Cast iron gutters are usually created from a combination of various recycled metals including iron, steel pressings, and steel castings. Reusing these materials means that often, cast iron gutters are made from 70-75% recycled content.
At the end of its lifespan, your gutter system can be reused in a sustainable manner. Cast iron is a great material for eco-friendly drainage solutions. It has the lowest energy use and CO2 emissions, making it the most environmentally friendly option. It also offers the most cost-effective option in terms of installation, repair, and long-term maintenance costs.
Cast iron has a lower environmental impact than many other materials. This includes energy consumption, CO2 emission, and installation cycle. It also has a lower embodied energy, embodied CO2, maintenance and repair cost, and whole life cost.
