A roof renovation is the project that protects every other part of the house: a home can have the finest windows and the best heating system, but if the roof lets in water or lets out heat, everything else suffers. For 15 years, Toiture En Ligne has been renovating the roofs of Brussels terraced houses, villas in Walloon Brabant, farmhouses in Hainaut and homes across Flanders. We take care of the whole project from start to finish, from the initial inspection to the handover, with a single point of contact for you.
On this page you will find the warning signs that a renovation is becoming necessary, the stages of a typical project, the materials we install, the price ranges we see in Belgium and the financial support you should not overlook.
When should you consider a roof renovation?
A well-maintained tiled or slate roof lasts a long time, often more than fifty years. However, the underlay, the fixings, the battens and the junctions age faster than the tiles themselves. Several signs should alert you:
- tiles or slates that slip, crack or come loose after every strong wind;
- damp patches on the ceilings of rooms under the roof or in the loft;
- an underlay that is missing, torn or has become brittle;
- so much moss and lichen that the roof stays permanently wet;
- a roof structure that is distorting, with a ridge line that is no longer straight;
- no insulation or very thin insulation, with rooms under the roof that are freezing in winter and stifling in summer.
A single one of these signs does not always justify starting again from scratch: a targeted repair may be enough. That is exactly the purpose of our free visit: we go up on the roof, inspect the loft and tell you honestly whether repair or renovation is the right choice. Our article on the signs that a roof needs replacing helps you make an initial assessment.
The stages of a roof renovation
Every roof is different, but a complete roof renovation always follows the same sequence. Knowing it helps you compare quotes and understand exactly what you are paying for.
- Inspection and survey. We measure the roof slopes and check the roof structure, the condition of the verges, valleys, flashings and drainage, and we photograph everything.
- Detailed quote. Each item is priced separately: strip-off, disposal, underlay, insulation, roof covering, zinc work and roof windows. You know exactly what is included.
- Site set-up. Scaffolding, protective sheeting, tarpaulins and, where necessary, an application to the local council to occupy the public road.
- Removal of the old covering. Tiles, slates, battens and the old underlay are removed and sorted so that they can be taken to the appropriate recycling channels.
- Inspection and reinforcement of the roof structure. Damaged timbers are replaced or doubled, and the wood can be treated against insects and fungi.
- Insulation and underlay. High-performance insulation is installed, often using the sarking method, followed by a breathable, waterproof underlay.
- Counter-battens, battens and new covering. The tiles or slates are laid according to the manufacturer’s rules, with fixings adapted to the wind exposure of your home.
- Zinc work and finishing. Gutters, downpipes, valleys, verges, chimney flashings and roof windows are carefully connected.
- Clean-up and handover. The site is left clean, and we walk around the roof with you before handing over the written guarantees.
For a single-family home, allow one to three weeks of work on site, depending on the surface area, the weather and the complexity of the roof.
Using the renovation to insulate
A roof renovation is the best time to insulate: the covering is off, access is complete and insulation represents only part of the overall budget. Nearly a third of the heat in a poorly insulated house escapes through the roof. We most often install external insulation, known as sarking, which preserves the interior space and eliminates thermal bridges. When the budget is tight or the loft has already been converted, insulation between the rafters from the inside remains an option. Our roof insulation page explains both techniques in detail.
Good to know
We aim for a thermal resistance of at least R = 4.5 to 5 m²K/W for the roof. This is the level generally required by regional support schemes, and the level that really makes a difference to your energy bills.
Which materials for your new roof covering?
The choice of covering depends on the style of the house, the pitch of the roof, local planning rules and your budget. We work with all the materials commonly used in Belgium:
- Clay tiles: the great Belgian classic, durable and available in many models and colours. See our tiled roof page.
- Concrete tiles: more economical, robust and available in a wide range of colours.
- Natural slates: elegant and extremely durable, ideal for steep roofs. See slate roof.
- Fibre cement slates: lightweight and more affordable.
- Standing seam zinc and metal: for contemporary roofs and low pitches.
- EPDM or bitumen for the flat sections. See flat roof.
We show you samples and completed projects near your home to help you decide. Our comparison of tiles or slates summarises the advantages of each option.
How much does a roof renovation cost?
The price of a roof renovation varies widely depending on the surface area, access, the chosen material, the condition of the roof structure and the thickness of the insulation. As a guide, these are the price ranges we see in Belgium for a pitched roof, excluding VAT:
| Type of work | Indicative price range |
|---|---|
| New concrete tile covering, without insulation | €80 to €120 per m² |
| Complete renovation in clay tiles with sarking insulation | €170 to €260 per m² |
| Complete renovation in natural slate with insulation | €220 to €330 per m² |
| Replacement of zinc work (gutters and downpipes) | €60 to €110 per linear metre |
These figures do not replace a quote: only a visit makes it possible to price your roof accurately. For a home that is more than ten years old, the work may qualify for reduced VAT at 6% instead of 21%, which makes a significant difference to the final bill. Our guide to roof renovation costs goes through every item.
Grants and financial support
Regional support changed considerably in 2026. In Wallonia, the Habitation grants ended on 30 September 2026 and were replaced by subsidised loans, the Rénopack and the Rénoprêt. In Brussels, Renolution grants are no longer awarded for invoices dated 2025 and 2026. In Flanders, the Mijn VerbouwPremie for roofs remains available to households in income categories 3 and 4. We help you gather the documents you need. See our grants pages for the situation in your region.
Why entrust your roof renovation to Toiture En Ligne?
- 15 years of experience with every type of Belgian roof, from terraced houses to villas with four roof slopes.
- A single site manager, available from the first appointment until the handover.
- Photos at every stage, even of the parts of the roof you will never see.
- Written guarantees on labour and materials, provided with the invoice.
- A clean, well-organised site: waste sorted and materials reused whenever possible.
- A free, detailed quote, with no obligation, after an on-site visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission to renovate my roof?
A like-for-like replacement that does not change the shape of the roof or the appearance of the covering is generally exempt from planning permission. Changing the material or colour, raising the roof or adding dormers may, however, require a permit. The rules vary by region and by municipality, so we check this with you before the work begins.
Can we stay in the house during the work?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. The roof is covered with tarpaulins every evening and during showers, and the work is carried out from the outside. Only converted lofts may be less comfortable for a few days.
What is the best time of year for a roof renovation?
Spring and summer offer the most comfortable conditions, but we work all year round while protecting the site. Planning early mainly allows you to book the dates that suit you best.
