Glossary of Gutter Terms

When deciding on your gutters and which company to purchase from, it is always helpful to be able to understand their unique language.

The glossary of terms that follows provides some of the common terms associated with gutters that you may encounter when reviewing companies and products.

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Drainage
A system of gutters and drainpipes that carry water away from the foundation of a house.

Drop Outlet
Formed piece that serves as the hole from which the water travels from the horizontal section of the gutter to the downspout.

Elbow
Pre-finished angled piece for directing water flow.

End Cap
Flat formed piece that is placed at the end of a gutter section.

Fascia
A flat board that runs horizontally along the eaves of a roof, typically capping the ends of the roof rafters to give the roof edge a more finished look and provide a base for attaching gutters.

Gutters
Horizontal channels installed at the edge of a roof to carry rainwater or melted snow away from the house.

Hanger
Flat strap that is installed under the roofing matierial and hold up the horizontal section of the gutter.

Inside mitre box
A corner piece of the horizontal section that is deflected in.

Leader
A pipe that carries rainwater from the gutters to the ground, sewers, or wells.

Outside mitre box
A corner piece of the horizontal section that is deflected out.

Pitch
The angle at which a horizontal section of gutter is tilted in order to force water to flow toward a downspout.

Run
Length of a horizontal section of gutter.

Splashblock
Plastic or concrete surface put under a downspout to direct water away from the house

Strap
Flat hangers that are nailed into the house to hold the downspouts in place.