If you’ve ever installed, or inherited, cast iron guttering, you’ll know that the bracket is the quiet hero (or occasional villain) of the whole system. Traditional drive-in spikes, top-fix rafters and fascia brackets all do the job, but each comes with quirks that add time, cost, and sometimes risk on site. The SureFix design is a new adjustable rise-and-fall bracket that is quickly becoming a favourite with contractors and conservation-minded homeowners alike for its speed, precision and reduced risk of damage to brickwork and mortar.
So what is the SureFix bracket?
SureFix is our stainless steel alternative to the traditional drive spike. It offers forward and backward adjustment so when combined with our stainless steel adjustable rise-and-fall cups, it provides a two way adjustment that is ideal for period properties. Our 316L stainless steel version of the SureFix stay combined with our 316L stainless steel rise and fall cups, offers a more durable and longer lasting version of the zinc plated mild steel option. It features an increased 80 mm adjustable slot for fine-tuning fall and alignment, helping you overcome uneven brickwork and awkward detailing without tearing back finishes or re-drilling fixings. The current design is built in by the bricklayer, so the bracket is positioned during the masonry phase rather than retro-fixed later—reducing access risk and the chance of damaging finished facades.
Key advantages of the 316L stainless steel version at a glance
- 80 mm of true adjustability for precise falls and tidy sightlines.
- Lower remedial risk: avoids cracking or spalling brickwork common with some drive-in alternatives.
- Build-in workflow: set by the bricklayer, reducing follow-on trades and tower time.
- Made for cast iron: pairs neatly with our stainless steel half-round cups which are popular on period and listed buildings.
- Stainless steel: increased longevity, lower maintenance and rust resistant
- Increased strength: a wider and thicker section provides greater strength to support heavier and larger guttering whilst still allowing the use of the special setting tool.
Why reinvent the gutter bracket?
Traditional drive-in & rafter brackets have trade-offs and whilst drive-in square-bar brackets are robust they are literally hammered into the wall or fascia which can cause significant issues on delicate masonry. It also takes time to set them out and hammer each one into position. The SureFix design addresses both of these points whilst providing the added advantage of dual adjustment.
Period-correct appearance without the hassle
Even today, cast iron remains the gold standard on heritage projects offering longevity and an unrivaled authentic appearance. UK foundries such as Hargreaves supply an extensive range of cast iron profiles, all for traditional properties and our SureFix range complements these systems whilst simplifying the installation process all while respecting the fabric of the building.
It is not just heritage applications that benefit from the SureFix design. New builds with brick facades needing crisp, consistent falls without costly re-drilling and also retrofits where you are replacing tired PVC/steel with cast iron and want to minimise patch repairs as you set out new bracket centres.
How does this compare on cost to standard brackets?
Whilst the SureFix bracket is a more expensive design, especially when compared with standard mild steel alternatives, the value case for SureFix is based on a whole-job cost: time saved, fewer repairs, cleaner sign-off and the longevity provided by 316L stainless steel.