When specifying a rainwater system, there are a number of material options available. However, with the construction industry’s increasing efforts to reduce its environmental impact, a growing number of specifiers are now seeking sustainable solutions that can be recycled at the end of their usable lifespans.

For a material to be considered sustainable, it must be recyclable, have a low impact on the environment and have a long life expectancy. With this in mind, marine grade aluminium is ideally placed as one of the most sustainable building materials currently on the market.

Infinitely recyclable without a reduction in quality, an estimated 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today. The process also requires very little energy, unlike PVC and cast iron which can be recycled but at a detriment to their quality.

Aluminium also offers a more durable solution. While materials such as PVC are less durable and prone to becoming brittle and cracking, Marley Alutec’s marine grade aluminium rainwater solutions possess a functional life expectancy of 50 years or more with minimal maintenance required.

Likewise, while cast iron and galvanised steel systems offer durability, both require regular treatment with corrosive-resistant primers to ensure their longevity. Conversely, Marley Alutec’s marine grade aluminium is highly corrosion resistant with a naturally generating oxide coating which automatically reforms if the material becomes damaged to provide continuous protection.

However, when looking into aluminium solutions, it is crucial that only marine grade products are selected as lower quality aluminium cannot provide the same level of protection and will eventually corrode. Marine grade aluminium rainwater systems from trusted manufacturers such as Marley Alutec can provide specifiers with a guarantee that they are choosing sustainable and long-lasting solutions that will perform as expected, long term.

For more information on Marley Alutec, please visit www.marleyalutec.co.uk.