Gutter Terminology 101

Downspout - A pipe for conveying rain water from a roof or gutter to the ground or to a drain. Downspout Extensions – Are just what they sound like.  They extend the downspout to drain the water farther away from your foundation. Elbow - Elbows are fittings that attach to the downspout. One end of the gutter elbow is crimped so that it can fit inside another elbow or downspout.  Elbows come in to styles A or B.  An "A" style elbow refers to an elbow that, when attached to a downspout, angles the downspout frontwards and backwards.  A "B" style elbow refers to an elbow that, when attached to a downspout, angles the downspout from right to left or from left to right (sideways). End Cap – Is a flat formed piece that is placed at the end of a gutter section. Expansion Joint – A joint in a long run of gutter designed to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. The experts at Alloy Gutter Company will determine when an expansion joint is necessary. Fascia Board – is a wooden board that covers the ends of rafters. Flashing – is a strip of metal used to stop water from penetrating the junction of a roof with another surface. Gutter – is a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater. Gutter Pitch – is to ensure that the gutters drain properly toward the downspout. Miter – is a joint made between two pieces of gutter material at an angle of 90°, such that the line of junction bisects this angle.  There are two types of miters, inside or outside. Outlet – is a cut made in a run of gutter so a downspout can fit in its place.