Cornice renovation is a craft in its own right. On Brussels houses, mansions and a large share of Belgian townhouses, the timber cornice crowns the facade: it carries the gutter, protects the top of the wall and gives the house its character. After decades of exposure to rain, sun and frost, however, it eventually deteriorates. For 15 years, Toiture En Ligne has been restoring and renovating cornices in Brussels, Walloon Brabant, Hainaut and Flanders, while respecting their architecture.
The role of a cornice
A cornice is not just decoration. It performs several essential functions:
- carrying the gutter, often built into a zinc-lined timber box;
- keeping water away from the facade thanks to its overhang;
- protecting the top of the walls and the feet of the roof timbers;
- ventilating the eaves, in some cases;
- defining the style of the facade, with its mouldings, brackets and modillions.
Signs that a cornice needs renovating
- paint that is flaking and leaving the wood bare;
- timber that is crumbling, splitting or soft to the touch;
- traces of water, moss or efflorescence on the facade, below the cornice;
- a gutter that overflows or leaks inside the box;
- mouldings or brackets coming loose;
- a cornice that is leaning or sagging.
The earlier the work is done, the more of the original cornice can be kept. Rotten timber that is left untreated gradually contaminates the neighbouring parts and, in serious cases, the feet of the roof structure. Our article on renovating a wooden cornice helps you assess the situation.
Our cornice renovation solutions
Restoring the existing cornice
When the structure is sound, we strip the old paint, replace the damaged parts with inserts of new timber, rebuild the mouldings and then apply a multi-coat microporous paint system. The cornice regains its original appearance and its protection for many years to come.
Like-for-like replacement
If the cornice is too badly damaged, we rebuild it in timber, faithfully reproducing the original profiles, brackets and ornaments. This is the preferred solution for visible facades, and often the only one accepted in conservation areas.
Renewing the box gutter
The box gutter is the heart of the cornice and the cause of most damage. We renew the gutter lining in soldered zinc, with a correct fall, properly sized outlets and expansion joints, laid on new boxing. See our guttering and zinc work page.
Cladding a cornice
When the original appearance has no heritage value, a cornice can be clad with composite panels, aluminium or PVC to reduce maintenance. We honestly set out the advantages and limitations of this option, which changes the appearance of the facade and may require planning permission.
How a cornice renovation works
- Visit and inspection from a cherry picker or scaffolding: probing the timber, checking the gutter and the feet of the roof structure.
- Detailed quote, with photos and a description of the proposed solution.
- Formalities: application to occupy the public road and, if necessary, for planning permission.
- Installation of the scaffolding and protective measures.
- Removal of the gutter and the damaged parts.
- Repair or rebuilding of the timber, followed by installation of the new zinc.
- Painting in several coats and finishing.
- Handover, photos and written guarantee.
Cornice and facade: one combined project
Scaffolding represents a large part of the budget. Take the opportunity to combine cornice renovation with repointing the facade, painting the window frames or a roof renovation.
Planning and heritage
In Brussels, as in many municipalities in Wallonia and Flanders, cornices contribute to the unity of the street. A like-for-like restoration does not generally require planning permission. A change of material, colour or shape may, however, require one, and listed buildings or those in conservation areas are subject to specific rules. We help you prepare the necessary documents.
Timber or plastic: which should you choose?
Many owners hesitate between restoring their timber cornice and a low-maintenance cladding. Timber has the advantage of authenticity: it suits the facade, can be repaired again and again, and is often compulsory in conservation areas. Plastic or aluminium cladding requires less painting, but it changes the appearance and can trap moisture if the timber underneath is not treated first. That is why we look together at the condition of the timber, the value of the facade and your expectations in terms of maintenance before proposing a solution, so you can decide with full knowledge of the facts.
How much does cornice renovation cost?
The price of a cornice renovation is calculated per linear metre and depends on the condition of the timber, the richness of the mouldings, the height of the facade and the scaffolding required. As a guide, in Belgium, excluding VAT:
| Work | Indicative price range excluding VAT |
|---|---|
| Repainting a sound cornice | €40 to €80 per linear metre |
| Restoration with timber repairs and new zinc | €150 to €300 per linear metre |
| Like-for-like replacement | €250 to €450 per linear metre |
| Scaffolding and road occupation | depending on the facade and the municipality |
These figures are indicative and do not replace a quote. For a home that is more than ten years old, reduced VAT at 6% may apply.
Why entrust your cornice renovation to us?
- Joiner-roofers used to working on older houses and moulded profiles;
- an approach that keeps the original timber wherever possible;
- zinc soldered on site, with correctly calculated falls and expansion joints;
- a single site manager, photos of every stage and a written guarantee.
Maintaining a renovated cornice
A well-renovated cornice needs little maintenance: an annual clean of the box gutter, a visual check of the paintwork and a fresh coat of paint every eight to twelve years depending on exposure. This simple follow-up avoids having to redo all the work. Our roof maintenance guide helps you organise it.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cornice renovation take?
For a townhouse, allow one to two weeks in general, depending on the extent of the repairs, the drying time of the paint and the weather.
Can a timber cornice be replaced with a PVC one?
It is technically possible, but it changes the appearance of the facade and may require planning permission. In conservation areas, it is generally refused.
Should I warn the neighbours?
On a shared facade, it is useful to warn the neighbours, especially if the scaffolding touches their facade or the gutter is shared. We can coordinate a joint project.
