Guttering and zinc work cover all the metal elements that collect and channel rainwater on a roof: gutters, downpipes, valleys, flashings, verges and the cladding of chimneys and dormers. Discreet as they are, they play an essential role. An overflowing gutter is enough to damage a facade, make a wall damp or rot a cornice within a few winters. For 15 years, Toiture En Ligne has been shaping and installing made-to-measure guttering and zinc work in Brussels, Walloon Brabant, Hainaut and Flanders.
The zinc elements of a roof
- Gutters: hung along the edge of the roof, or built into a cornice;
- rainwater downpipes, which carry water to the drains or a rainwater tank;
- valleys, which collect water where two roof slopes meet;
- flashings, which seal the junction between the roof covering and a wall or chimney;
- verges and edge trims, which protect the sides of the roof;
- cladding for dormers, chimneys and flat roof parapets;
- outlets, leaf guards and overflows, often forgotten yet decisive.
Zinc, the reference material in Belgium
Zinc is the traditional material for Belgian guttering, and for good reason. It is durable, easy to shape and solder, develops a natural patina over time and is fully recyclable. Properly installed, it lasts several decades. It comes as natural zinc, which weathers to grey, or as pre-weathered zinc in light grey or anthracite, for a uniform appearance from day one.
Alternatives to zinc
Powder-coated aluminium, installed seamlessly in one piece, offers a wide choice of colours and requires virtually no maintenance. Copper, more expensive, is reserved for prestigious buildings. PVC is economical but ages less well and distorts with temperature changes. Our article on zinc gutters compares these materials in detail.
Our guttering and zinc work services
Installing gutters and downpipes
We size the gutters according to the roof area and the intensity of rainfall, position the brackets at the right spacing and set the fall so that the water drains away without standing. Downpipes are secured with clips suited to the facade.
Box gutters and cornices
On Brussels houses and many townhouses, the gutter is built into a timber cornice. We renew the boxing, install a new soldered zinc lining and restore the cladding. See our cornice renovation page.
Valleys, flashings and verges
These are the most heavily stressed points of the roof. We shape each piece to measure, with overlaps and expansion joints that allow the metal to move without cracking.
Repairing zinc work
Soldering a leak, replacing a corroded section, realigning a sagging gutter, unblocking a downpipe: we repair whenever possible and replace when necessary.
Signs that your guttering needs replacing
- water overflowing the gutter with every downpour;
- streaks, moss or efflorescence on the facade;
- leaking solder joints or holes caused by corrosion;
- a sagging gutter whose fall has reversed;
- damp patches on the ceiling near a chimney or a valley.
Zinc work and roof renovation
During a roof renovation, we almost always replace valleys, flashings and verges: their lifespan is often shorter than that of the new covering, and replacing them later would mean partially dismantling the roof.
How a guttering project works
- Visit, measurement of the lengths and inspection of the supports.
- Choice of material, colour and gutter profile.
- Removal of the old zinc work and sorting for recycling.
- Repair of the supports: fascia boards, cornices, masonry.
- Shaping and installation, soldering, setting the falls.
- Drainage test and clean-up.
How much does guttering cost?
| Work | Indicative price range excluding VAT |
|---|---|
| Hanging zinc gutter, installed | €50 to €90 per linear metre |
| Zinc downpipe, installed | €40 to €70 per linear metre |
| Box gutter in a cornice | quoted according to the condition of the boxing |
| Chimney flashing | quoted according to size |
The price depends on access, height and whether scaffolding is needed. These ranges are indicative and do not replace a quote after a visit. For a home that is more than ten years old, reduced VAT at 6% may apply.
Sizing rainwater drainage correctly
Heavy downpours are more frequent than they used to be, and many old gutters were sized too tightly. A gutter that is too narrow, a downpipe that is too far away or an insufficient fall are enough to cause overflows in every storm. During our visit, we calculate the roof area draining into each gutter and check the number and diameter of the downpipes. If necessary, we add an extra downpipe or move to a larger profile. This sizing is an integral part of well-designed guttering, just like the quality of the solder joints.
We also check the connection at the foot of each downpipe: inspection chamber, cast-iron shoe to withstand impact, connection to the drains or the rainwater tank. A blocked or broken shoe sends water back towards the facade and the foundations.
Maintaining your guttering
A gutter blocked by leaves, moss or a nest can overflow with the first heavy shower. We recommend cleaning at least once a year, ideally after the leaves have fallen, and a second time in spring if the house is surrounded by trees. A leaf guard at the top of each downpipe limits blockages. Our roof maintenance guide sets out the right steps.
Why entrust your guttering to us?
Our zinc workers shape and solder on site, using materials from recognised manufacturers. Every project is followed by a single site manager, you receive photos of the completed work and a written guarantee on labour and materials. We tell you honestly whether a repair is enough or a replacement is needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does zinc guttering last?
Properly installed and maintained zinc guttering commonly lasts several decades. The quality of the solder joints, ventilation under the zinc and avoiding contact with certain woods or metals all matter a great deal.
Can the downpipes be connected to a rainwater tank?
Yes, and it is often even required for new builds. We install suitable filters and diverters.
Can zinc and copper be combined?
No: in contact, copper causes zinc to corrode. The materials must remain compatible across the whole roof.
