FAQ's

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Should I use traditional or contemporary products?
Doesn't aluminium require regular maintenance?
Doesn't aluminium corrode when left unprotected?
Can we make to order?
Do you offer anything other than 'supply only' of the materials?
I am currently working on a commercial project and I am limited to the amount of rainwater pipe drops on the scheme, do you have a gutter section that would be suitable?
I am currently installing your cast aluminium gutter system, what should I use to seal the joints?
The contract that I am currently working on is in an area prone to vandalism, do you have a system that can help?
I have purchased your rainwater system and it has now been installed. However I ordered the product in its mill state, can I still paint it?
I am currently working on an Edwardian project that requires the cast gutter to be replaced. The existing gutter has patterns embossed on the front of it, can you manufacture this?
I am currently working on a large Victorian house, which rainwater system should I use?
I am currently working on a commercial project, which rainwater system should I use?
I am confused about the rainfall intensity to be used. I have always specified 75mm/hr, is this correct?
Should I fit balloon leafguards or gutterguard type products?
Rainwater FAQs

Should I use traditional or contemporary products?
Generally, at the specifier’s discretion. However, specific projects warrant specific designs, for example in heavy industrial or coastal environments. Traditional ranges are available in cast aluminium and cast iron; Contemporary designs are in pressed or extruded aluminium.
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Doesn't aluminium require regular maintenance?
Only periodic maintenance is required in accordance with good maintenance procedures. Polyester-coated aluminium requires only a warm soapy water solution to bring back the original appearance. Twice a year (once in the Autumn and again in the Spring) we recommend that gutters and joint integrity are checked, removing any collected gutter debris.
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Doesn't aluminium corrode when left unprotected?
Only when in contact with naturally aggressive metals and other substances. However, preventative measures are normally available (please seek expert advice from Alumasc Technical Services).

Aluminium is a non-corrosive metal. Although a natural oxidation effect occurs on unprotected aluminium, the process actually protects the metal from further corrosion. Some specifiers request plain aluminium to make a feature of the oxidised aluminium.
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Can we make to order?
Although Alumasc carry an extensive product range, we are always willing to offer our engineering expertise in manufacturing to your requirements.
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Do you offer anything other than 'supply only' of the materials?
Alumasc offer a free design and scheduling service. On site guidance is available via our national sales managers. Although we do not offer a fitting service, we will gladly assist in finding suitable sub-contractors who regularly install Alumasc products.
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I am currently working on a commercial project and I am limited to the amount of rainwater pipe drops on the scheme, do you have a gutter section that would be suitable?
The Aqualine gutter in our Contemporary range with fast flow outlets has better flow characteristics than traditional gutter systems. Alumasc Technical Services can assist with the design of the scheme.
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I am currently installing your cast aluminium gutter system, what should I use to seal the joints?
Alumasc recommends that the gutter joint be cleaned thoroughly and that a low/medium modulus neutral cure silicone sealant be used such as Dow Corning 791 together with aluminium nuts, bolts and washers.
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The contract that I am currently working on is in an area prone to vandalism, do you have a system that can help?
The Guardian rainwater pipe system in our Contemporary range would be ideal for this situation. It has a unique secret fixing method within the pipe extrusion and flat fixing it to the wall ensures it is virtually impossible to climb.
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I have purchased your rainwater system and it has now been installed. However I ordered the product in its mill state, can I still paint it?
Alumasc Rainwater goods can be site painted using a zinc phosphate aluminium primer followed by two full coats of gloss paint.
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I am currently working on an Edwardian project that requires the cast gutter to be replaced. The existing gutter has patterns embossed on the front of it, can you manufacture this?
Alumasc can manufacture a wooden pattern from your existing gutter and sand cast new lengths from this to recreate the exact same profile.
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I am currently working on a large Victorian house, which rainwater system should I use?
Our Heritage Cast Aluminium or Cast Iron ranges are ideally suited to this type of contract.
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I am currently working on a commercial project, which rainwater system should I use?
Our Contemporary range, and in particular the Aqualine system would complement this type of project.
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I am confused about the rainfall intensity to be used. I have always specified 75mm/hr, is this correct?
BSEN12056, the current roof standard, requires that you use a 1 year event for all external gutters, which means that the rainfall intensity varies depending on where you are in the country. For example a project in the north of Scotland will have a rainfall intensity less than half that used in the South East of England. Contact Alumasc technical department for more details.
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Should I fit balloon leafguards or gutterguard type products?
Alumasc does not recommend the fitting of any leafguard products, as they can have a detrimental effect on performance, especially when blocked with leaves. BSEN12056 calls for a 50% reduction in design capacity if balloon leafguards are fitted.
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