Capturing the elegant aesthetics of period architecture, Alutec’s Tudor downpipe aluminium rainwater system has been installed at Moreteyne Manor, an exclusive Grade II* manor house that dates back to 1562, to replace its old PVC system.
Moreteyne Manor, a traditional Tudor property in Bedfordshire, is home to a popular restaurant and wedding reception venue and is owned and run by husband and wife, Mark and Jacqui Hickman.
“The PVC rainwater system had started to discolour due to its age, becoming grey and mottled, which did not look too attractive on the beautiful house and didn’t fit with the traditional style. A lot of weddings take place at the manor, with the building as a backdrop to the photographs, but the PVC system was a real eyesore. We knew it would have to be replaced with a system that would complement the exterior of the property and Alutec’s Tudor downpipe system fulfilled this objective perfectly,” commented Jacqui.
Alutec’s Tudor downpipe system offers the traditional look of cast iron rainwater systems, but with the modern performance characteristics expected from 21st century homes. Designed as the ultimate rainwater solution for heritage and period style properties, the aluminium Tudor downpipe system features the uniquely textured Heritage Black finish, achieved using polyester powder coated paint.
Perfectly emulating the textured finish of cast iron systems, this makes it perfect for conservation areas, renovation projects and classically designed new build properties alike.
Critically however, the Tudor downpipe system delivers performance benefits that could never be achieved using cast iron, such as easy installation and minimum maintenance, as well as excellent longevity, durability and sustainability.
Made from marine grade aluminium, the Tudor downpipe is 65 per cent lighter than cast iron, making it easier to handle on site, and boasts excellent environmental credentials. Aluminium can be recycled again and again without loss of quality – in fact 75 per cent of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today.
Aaron Coker who installed the rainwater system commented: “I have been working with Alutec and its products for about five years and like most projects where I’ve used their products, Moreteyne Manor was an easy installation – even though it did have some tricky rooflines. The Manor is a very old property, and I had to follow the contours of the building and allow for movement – which comes naturally with period buildings. With this in mind, I was still able to install the entire system in two days by myself.”
The Tudor downpipe, like all of Alutec’s aluminium rainwater systems, is so impervious to corrosion that virtually no maintenance is required throughout its exceptionally long life expectancy of 50 years or more.
Jacqui concluded: “Alutec’s Tudor downpipe has injected a new lease of life into the building. What’s more, as it fits the aesthetics of the property perfectly, the gutters and downpipes are hardly noticeable as they blend in with the roofline.
“The Alutec rainwater system has also given us peace of mind, as we know that the products will last for many years and will need virtually no maintenance – which is great news, as it means we can spend the money saved on the restaurant and providing lovely weddings for couples.”
