Zinc guttering is one of those upgrades that instantly makes a building feel more considered. It looks better than plastic, lasts far longer, and if it’s installed properly, you shouldn’t have to think about it again for decades.
That said, zinc guttering isn’t a “one size fits all” product. The way you install it depends heavily on the type of zinc you’re using. Natural zinc and pre-weathered quartz zinc behave differently, and the installation methods reflect that. We supply 2 types: Quartz and Natural Zinc gutters - both available on a next day delivery basis across the UK.
This guide walks you through both systems in plain English, so you know what you’re dealing with before you start.
First things first: Natural Zinc vs Quartz Zinc
Before you pick up a drill, it’s important to know which zinc system you’re installing.
Natural Zinc (Zambelli system)
Natural zinc is exactly what it sounds like — raw zinc that hasn’t been pre-weathered.
Over time, it develops its own protective patina. Because of that, it needs to be installed in a way that allows for natural expansion and movement.
The Zambelli Infinity system is a dry-jointed system, meaning there’s no sealant involved in the gutter joints themselves.
Expansion gaps are built into the design, which is what allows the zinc to move naturally without cracking or failing
We supply natural zinc on a next day delivery basis.
Quartz Zinc (VMZINC system)
Quartz zinc (such as VMZINC) comes pre-weathered and has a very consistent, matt grey appearance straight out of the box.
It’s slightly more rigid in how it’s assembled and uses bonded joints with specialist adhesive rather than dry joints.
VMZINC systems rely on concealed brackets and glued gutter joints, while downpipes remain push-fit to allow for movement.
Tools and preparation (don’t skip this)
Whichever system you’re using, preparation is what separates a neat job from a frustrating one.
You’ll need:
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A good tape measure
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String line or chalk line
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Spirit level
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Drill and stainless fixings
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Tin snips and a hacksaw
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Gloves (zinc edges are sharp)
Before installing anything, make sure:
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Fascia boards are straight and solid
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Below-ground drainage is ready
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You’ve planned where outlets and downpipes will land
It’s much easier to adjust things on paper than once brackets are fixed.
The brand new Zinc Parapet hopper on a UK property.
Installing Natural Zinc Guttering (Infinity System)
This system is all about allowing movement.
Setting out the brackets
Start by fixing your fascia brackets at roughly 915mm centres, using at least three brackets per gutter length. Use a string line to set a fall — usually between 1:600 and 1:350, depending on the run length.
This gentle fall is what keeps water moving without making the gutter look crooked.
Fitting the gutter lengths
Gutter lengths are joined using a bead connector at the front roll and a rubber-sealed union connector at the rear. Importantly, you must allow for a 4mm expansion gap between lengths.
This gap is crucial. Zinc expands and contracts with temperature changes, and this is what stops joints from splitting over time.
Locking everything together
Once the union connector is in place, the clasp is pulled tight over the front roll and locked down. The fascia brackets then clip over the rear edge first, followed by the front roll.
If it feels stiff, don’t force it — gently open the bracket tab slightly instead. Zinc rewards patience.
Stop ends and outlets
Infinity zinc gives you two stop-end options:
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Push-fit stop ends (quick and clean)
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Glue-in zinc stop ends (for a more traditional finish)
Outlets can either be prefabricated or formed on site by cutting and folding tabs into the gutter. Once fitted, the inner cut edges should be tapped down to encourage smooth water flow.
Installing Quartz Zinc Guttering (VMZINC System)
Quartz zinc installs differently and feels more “engineered”.
Brackets and layout
VMZINC uses concealed brackets, typically fixed at 400mm centres. These clip directly onto the gutter sections before being fixed back to the fascia or rafters.
Always use two brackets at running outlets — this is non-negotiable and helps prevent stress around the outlet.
Cutting and preparing joints
When cutting gutter lengths, always cut from the rolled front edge first. This keeps the visible edge clean and prevents distortion.
Before joining anything, joints must be:
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Clean
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Dry
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Free from swarf
Zinc adhesive only works properly on clean surfaces.
Gluing the joints
VMZINC gutters are bonded using a one-component MS polymer adhesive. Two thin beads are applied inside the running outlet, and the gutter is slid in with a minimum 50mm overlap.
This creates a watertight, long-lasting joint that doesn’t need soldering and doesn’t require sealant maintenance later on.
Downpipes (important difference)
Unlike the gutters, VMZINC downpipes are NOT glued. They are push-fit together and fixed using self-locking brackets and V-locks.
This allows the pipework to expand and contract vertically without stressing the joints, which is especially important on taller elevations
Common mistakes to avoid (from experience)
A few things that regularly cause problems:
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Not allowing for expansion gaps in natural zinc
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Gluing VMZINC downpipes (they shouldn’t be)
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Using incorrect fixings
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Setting too steep a fall
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Cutting zinc without gloves
None of these are catastrophic — but they all shorten the lifespan of the system.
Final thoughts
Zinc guttering isn’t difficult to install, but it does demand care and understanding of the system you’re using. Natural zinc and quartz zinc look similar once installed, but they behave very differently behind the scenes.
Take your time, follow the correct method for your zinc type, and you’ll end up with a rainwater system that not only performs brilliantly but actually improves the look of the building.