Understanding Gutter Systems and Maintenance

Adjustable Elbow: A flexible elbow that can be adjusted to different angles to fit various gutter and downspout configurations.

Aluminum Gutters: Lightweight, rust-resistant gutters made from aluminum, commonly used inresidential settings.

Apron Flashing: A type of flashing used to direct water into the gutter from the roof edge.

Arched Gutter: A curved gutter designed to fit arched rooflines or decorative structures.

Back Splash Guard: A vertical piece installed in the back of a gutter to prevent water from splashing over.

Box Gutter: A type of gutter that is built into the roof structure, typically used in commercial buildings.

Bracket: A support piece used to attach the gutter to the fasciaboard.

Catch Basin: A container at the base of a downspout designed to catch and direct water away from the foundation.

Copper Gutters: Durable and visually appealing gutters made from copper, known for their longevity and patina.

Corner Miters: Pieces that join two sections of gutter at a corner, ensuring a water tight connection.

Debris Filter: A device installed in the gutter to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging the system.

Diverter: A component that redirects the flow of water from one direction to another.

Downspout: A vertical pipe that carries water from the gutter to the ground or drainage system.

Downspout Bracket: A piece used to secure the downspout to the side of the building.

Downspout Filter: A filter installed in the downspout to trap debris before it enters the drainage system.

Downspout Strainer: A device placed at the top of the downspout to prevent debris from entering.

Drip Edge: A metal strip installed at the roof edge to direct water into the gutter.

Elbow: A bent section of downspout used to change the direction of the water flow.

End Cap: A piece used to close off the end of a gutter run.

Expansion Joint: A joint that allows for the expansion and contraction of the gutter material due to temperature changes.

Fascia Board: Theboard attached to the roof edge where gutters are mounted.

Filter: A device used to remove debris from the water before it enters the gutter or downspout.

First Flush Diverter: A device that diverts the initial flow of water away from the gutter to remove contaminants.

Flex Elbow: A flexible elbow that can be adjusted to various angles for custom downspout configurations.

French Drain: A trench filled with gravel or rock containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from an area.

Gable End: The end of a roof that forms a triangular section, often requiring special gutter configurations.

Gutter: A channel installed along the edge of a roof to collect and direct rainwater away from the building.

Gutter Apron: A type of flashing used to direct water into the gutter from the roof edge.

Gutter Cleaning Tool: A tool designed to remove debris from gutters.

Gutter Guard: A protective cover installed over the gutter to prevent debris from entering.

Gutter Hanger: A bracket used to support and attach the gutter to the fascia board.

Gutter Helmet: A type of gutter guard designed to keep debris out while allowing water to flow into the gutter.

Gutter Sealant: A waterproof sealant used to repair leaks in gutters and down spouts.

Gutter Splash Block: A block placed at the bottom of the downspout to direct water away from the foundation.

Half-Round Gutter: A type of gutter with a semi-circular cross-section, often used in historic or decorative applications.

Heat Cable: An electrically heated cable installed in gutters and downspouts to prevent icedams.

Hinged Gutter: A gutter section that can be hinged to allow for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Hopper: A funnel-shaped container at the top of a downspout that collects water from the gutter.

Ice Dam: A build-up of ice at the roof edge that prevents melting snow from draining, potentially causing water damage.

Kick-Out Flashing: Flashing installed at the base of a roof to direct water into the gutter.

Leader Head: A decorative box that collects water from the gutter and directs it into the downspout.

Leaf Guard: A cover installed over the gutter to prevent leaves from clogging the system.

Mesh Gutter Guard: A type of gutter guard made from a fine mesh that prevents debris from entering the gutter.

Miter Joint: A joint made by cutting two pieces of gutter at an angle to form a corner.

Offset Elbow: An elbow used to connect downspout sections that are offset from each other.

Overflow: When water spills over the edge of the gutter due to clogging or heavy rainfall.

Pitch: The angle or slope of the gutter, ensuring proper water flow.

Pop-Up Emitter: A device that allows water from the downspout to be dispersed at ground level.

Rain Barrel: A container used to collect and store rainwater from the gutter system for later use.

Rain Chain: A decorative alternative to downspouts, guiding water from the gutter to the ground through a series of links or cups.

Rain Diverter: A device installed on the roof to divert rainwater into the gutter.

Rain Gutter: Another term for gutter, a channel that collects and directs rainwater away from theroof.

Rainwater Harvesting: The practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use, often using a rain barrel or cistern.

Runoff: Water that flows off the roof and into the gutter system.

Scupper: An opening in the side of a building or parapet wall that allows water to drain from a flat roof.

Seamless Gutter: Gutters made from a single piece of material, custom-cut to fit the length of the roof without seams.

Splash Block: A block placed at the bottom of the downspout to direct water away from the foundation.

Spout: Another term for downspout, the vertical pipe that carries water from the gutter to the ground.

Strainer: A device placed in the gutter or downspout to catch debris and prevent clogs.

Strap: A piece used to secure the downspout to the side of the building.

Swale: A shallow, sloped channel designed to direct water away from the building.

T-Connector: A connector used to join three sections of downspout in a T-shape.

Tip-Up Diverter: A device that allows the downspout to be tipped up to divert water away from a specific area.

Transition Elbow: An elbow that connects different sizes or shapes of downspout.

Underground Drain: A pipe system that carries water from the downspout away from the building underground.

Uphill Gutter: A gutter installed on a slope, requiring careful installation to ensure proper waterflow.

Valley Splash Guard: A guard installed in roof valleys to prevent water from splashing over the edge of the gutter.

Vinyl Gutters: Gutters made from PVC, known for their durability and low maintenance.

Water Diverter: A device that directs water flow from the roof into the gutter.

Waterfall Gutter Guard: A type of gutter guard designed to allow water to cascade into the gutter while keeping debris out.

Waterlock: A device used to prevent water from backing up into the gutter system.

Wedge: A piece used to fill gaps or provide support during gutter installation.

Wide Mouth Outlet: A larger outlet used to connect the gutter to the downspout, allowing for greater water flow.

Y-Connector: A connector used to join two sections of downspout into one.

Yard Drain: A drainage system installed in the yard to collect and direct surface water away from the building.