Soffits, Fascias and Guttering

For these we went for a company called Alutec, which specialise in aluminium rainwater systems.  These items were not something I thought I could get excited about but I do love them.  They are manufactured in aluminium, which is one of the few materials that can be recycled infinitely (in fact, 75% of the aluminium that has been produced since 1888 is still in use today); it is also extremely durable with a life expectancy of 50 years or more - so it will outlast us.  To add to our green credentials, hydro electric or geo-thermal power accounts for 60% of the processing requirements of the product.

Aluminium is about 65% lighter than steel or cast iron.  It has a very high strength to weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance - one of the oldest recorded uses is in the making of Eros in Piccadilly Circus, which was cast in 1893.

Aluminium naturally generates a protective oxide coating.  Should the surface be damaged, the aluminium simply oxidises again to protect itself.  The polyester powder coating provides a durable and maintenance free finish - we are definitely thinking ahead to our old age.

All of our soffits, fascias and guttering is in the same RAL colour as the windows (7016) and has a recycled polycarbonate core and is quite a plain 'square' design - pity about the walls still, but they will smarten up eventually.