Choosing the Right Victorian Ogee Cast Iron Guttering
When replacing original Victorian guttering, it's important to get the profile right first. There are a number of variations within the classic Victorian Ogee profile design between manufacturers.
Our Alumasc Apex Heritage collection adheres to the classic Victorian Ogee profile design, with matching fittings in both sizes. Suitable for period, conservation and new builds requiring traditional cast iron rainwater goods.
115mm or 125mm Victorian Ogee? What Size Do I Need?
The Alumasc Apex range of Victorian Ogee is available in two sizes, known as 115mm (4.5") and 125mm (5").
There are a couple of notable differences between the sizes:
- 115mm (4.5") - OG45: The nominal manufacturer size is 113mm, with a technical width of 114mm and depth of 54mm.
- 125mm (5") - OG50: A larger profile with a technical width of 127mm and depth of 63mm.
Both sizes are supplied in 1.83m lengths, weighing approximately 11.5kg and 12.5kg respectively.
The larger profile gives you a bigger gutter channel, however when choosing guttering for a new installation, you should consider the roof area, rainfall capacity and outlets.
For a replacement project, we'd typically advise matching the existing profile. In case you're not sure about the size, you can measure across the existing gutter and take a photograph of its end profile.
Victorian Ogee Cast Iron Guttering Is a Left-Hand Socket System
It's a good idea to check this detail before placing an order. The Victorian Ogee range of Alumasc uses a traditional left-hand socket arrangement. Unike the symmetrical half-round profiles, Victorian Ogee has front and back sides and therefore the directions of the sockets and stop ends are relevant.
In particular, our Victorian Ogee range includes the following stop ends: left-hand internal, left-hand external and right-hand external stop ends.
These cannot be used interchangeably. The right stop ends depend on how you arrange the gutter lengths and at what point the run finishes.
If you're replacing a section of the cast iron guttering, take a photograph of the original stop end and socket before removing it. You can find out that you ordered the wrong handed stop end and wait for the delivery.
What Fittings Do I Need for Victorian Ogee Guttering?
A guttering run requires more than just straight lengths. You'll need support brackets, gutter unions, stop ends and at least one outlet. For the corners you'll need matching internal or external angles in 90° and 135° angles. Our Victorian Ogee range includes fascia brackets, rise and fall brackets and rafter brackets depending on how the gutter is supposed to be mounted.
You'll need to select the size of the outlet. Our Victorian Ogee collection includes 65mm and 75mm round outlets, which should match your selected cast iron downpipes.
We would recommend you use the same brand for your entire installation. Profiles from similar looking collections of other manufacturers may not fit in the same sockets and unions.
How Many Gutters Do I Need to Order?
Both Victorian Ogee sizes are available in 1.83m (6ft) lengths. For example, a straight 5m roof run will require at least three lengths, giving you 5.49m of the nominal material before allowing for the socket engagement and cutting.
For more complex runs, measure each straight section separately and allow for corners, outlets and jointing.
Cast iron is much heavier than plastic guttering. Make sure you use the right support brackets and follow Alumasc's installation guide.
Painted Black or Primed Cast Iron Guttering?
Factory-painted black is a popular choice for traditional brick and stone buildings. It gives you the look of the original cast iron rainwater goods without having to paint the guttering on-site.
Primed cast iron is an option you might consider in case you plan to paint the gutters yourself. It is especially useful for matching existing rainwater goods or external metalwork.
Don't forget that primer is not a complete exterior painting system. Primed products require proper protective finishing in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Custom colours are also available in selected colours for heritage and architectural projects. Please contact our team to find out what finishes and lead times we offer.
Victorian Ogee Cast Iron Guttering FAQs
Is Victorian Ogee the Same as Moulded Ogee Guttering?
Not really. Both are traditional cast iron profiles but they differ in dimensions and shapes. While Victorian Ogee has a distinct front profile shape, Moulded Ogee has a larger, more ornamental shape.
You can compare the two in our Moulded Ogee Cast Iron Guttering collection.
Can I Replace Just One Section of Victorian Ogee Guttering?
Yes, as long as you can source a compatible replacement section. Before ordering, measure and examine the width, depth, orientation of the socket and condition of the surrounding gutters.
Even when sizes are the same, older cast iron systems aren't always compatible with modern fittings.
How Long Does Victorian Ogee Cast Iron Guttering Last?
Properly installed and maintained cast iron guttering may serve you decades. Frequent cleaning, solid joints and preservation of the protective paint finish make a big difference.
Inspect your old guttering for signs of corrosion, deteriorated coating and leaking joints, especially around sockets and outlets.
Need Help Selecting Your Victorian Ogee Guttering?
If you're still unsure about the size or fittings, please get in touch with Cast Iron Warehouse. We also have a range of help guides.
Send us a photo of the existing gutter profile, your roof measurements and the fittings you wish to replace. We'll be happy to help you select the suitable Alumasc Apex Heritage range products.