Zinc gutters are the traditional solution for Belgian roofs. You find them on Brussels houses, built into the cornices, as well as on villas and terraced houses, as hanging gutters. But when rainwater drainage needs replacing, other materials are also offered, mainly aluminium and PVC. Which should you choose? It all depends on your house, your budget and how much maintenance you are prepared to do. Here is our comparison.
The role of gutters, too often underestimated
A gutter collects the water running off the roof and channels it to the downpipes, then to the sewer or a rainwater tank. Without one, or if it overflows, water runs down the facades, soaks into the walls, damages the cornices, splashes the base of the walls and can seep down to the foundations. A faulty gutter is one of the leading causes of damp in facades.
Zinc gutters
Zinc is a durable metal that is easy to shape and solder, and it develops a natural patina over time. It comes as natural zinc, which turns matt grey within a few years, and pre-weathered zinc, in light grey or anthracite, with an even look from day one.
Advantages
- Longevity: properly installed and maintained, zinc gutters last for decades.
- Made to measure, ideal for box gutters and complex shapes.
- Easy repair by soldering.
- Traditional appearance, suited to period and contemporary homes.
- 100% recyclable.
Disadvantages
- A higher price than PVC.
- Installation that requires real skill, especially for soldering and expansion joints.
- Incompatibility with copper and some acidic timbers, which cause corrosion.
Aluminium gutters
Powder-coated aluminium is often installed seamlessly, thanks to roll-forming on site to the exact length of the facade. It is light and available in many colours.
- Advantages: little maintenance, no soldered joints, wide choice of colours, good lifespan.
- Disadvantages: more vulnerable to impacts, harder to repair than zinc, a less traditional look.
PVC gutters
PVC is the cheapest and simplest solution to install, which explains why it is found on many extensions and buildings from the 1980s and 1990s.
- Advantages: low price, light weight, no corrosion.
- Disadvantages: it expands considerably in heat, warps, becomes brittle with cold and UV, and its glued joints age. Its lifespan is noticeably shorter.
Gutters compared
| Criterion | Zinc | Aluminium | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Long | Long | Shorter |
| Maintenance | Low | Very low | Low, but joints need watching |
| Appearance | Traditional, natural patina | Modern, many colours | Basic |
| Repair | Very easy | Average | Section replaced |
| Box gutter | Yes, the benchmark solution | Rarely | No |
| Indicative installed price, excluding VAT | €50 to €90 per linear metre | €45 to €80 per linear metre | €25 to €45 per linear metre |
These prices are orders of magnitude for a hanging gutter, excluding scaffolding. They vary with the profile, access and height.
How to choose
Older house with a timber cornice
Zinc gutters are the obvious choice. They are the only solution truly suited to box gutters, and they respect the character of the facade. See our article on the wooden cornice.
Contemporary house
Pre-weathered anthracite zinc or powder-coated aluminium: both go well with modern architecture. Aluminium offers more colours; zinc a more matt look and better repairability.
Extension or garden shed
PVC can be justified on a small outbuilding. For a main house, we advise against it.
Correct sizing matters more than the material
A gutter that is too small will overflow in every storm, whatever it is made of. The gutter diameter and the number of downpipes must be calculated according to the roof area.
Installation: the rules for long-lasting zinc gutters
- Brackets close enough together to prevent sagging under the weight of water, snow or a ladder.
- A steady fall towards the downpipes, so water does not stand.
- Expansion joints on long runs, so the zinc can move without cracking.
- Soldered joints made by a professional.
- A leaf guard at the top of each downpipe to stop leaves.
Signs that your gutters need replacing
- Leaks at soldered joints or connections, visible as streaks on the facade;
- a gutter sagging between two brackets, where water stands;
- corrosion holes, often in the bottom of the gutter or near the outlets;
- PVC that has become brittle, discoloured or warped;
- regular overflowing despite recent cleaning, a sign of undersizing.
When several of these signs appear, switching to new, correctly sized zinc gutters solves the problem for good.
Maintaining your gutters
Whatever the material, a gutter should be cleaned at least once a year, ideally after the leaves have fallen, and a second time in spring if the house is surrounded by trees. Take the opportunity to check that the downpipes flow freely and that the soldered joints are sound. Our roof maintenance guide offers a full calendar.
Zinc gutters and rainwater tanks
Zinc is compatible with harvesting rainwater for the garden, toilets or washing machine. A filter at the inlet of the tank and a diverter on the downpipe are all you need. For new builds and some renovations, a rainwater tank is often required by regional or municipal regulations.
Zinc and long-term cost
Looking only at the purchase price quickly points to PVC. Yet it pays to look further: PVC often has to be replaced after a few decades, each time with new scaffolding and labour. Zinc lasts much longer, can be repaired on site and retains its value as a raw material. Over the life of a house, zinc often turns out to be the most economical choice, especially on hard-to-reach facades.
Frequently asked questions
Should all the gutters be replaced at the same time?
Not necessarily. But if several sections are leaking and scaffolding is needed, replacing everything at once is often more economical and gives a consistent result.
Will natural zinc change colour?
Yes, it gradually develops a matt grey patina. If you want a final appearance from day one, choose pre-weathered zinc.
Can a zinc gutter be painted?
It is possible with specific preparation, but rarely worthwhile: pre-weathered zinc provides a durable colour straight away.
In summary
Zinc gutters remain the best solution for most Belgian houses, and the only one truly suited to cornices. Aluminium is an attractive alternative for contemporary architecture; PVC a stopgap for small outbuildings. Our zinc workers operate in Brussels, Walloon Brabant, Hainaut and Flanders: discover our guttering and zinc work service.
