Rain gutters are not just single pieces of metal half-pipes. They are complex systems comprised of various parts that all work in tandem to keep water away from your roof and foundation. Sometimes, you might need to replace a single part of the gutter system but… what is it called exactly?
Knowing the exact gutter parts name can be a bit tricky if you’re not in the industry. Here are the types of gutters and the different parts of a gutter system you need to know about.
Table of contents
Rain Gutters
The gutters themselves are the long, rounded pieces that catch all the rainwater and debris and send it down the pipeline. Often called rain gutter or eavestrough, gutters come in many colors, shapes, materials, and styles. Additionally, gutters can be seamless or regular, meaning they can exist as singular long pieces or several short components that need connecting.
Gutter Downspouts
The gutters may collect the rain, but that water needs to go somewhere. Downspouts are the paths that extend from the upper eaves of the roof to the ground. They ensure water flows away from the property. These vertical pipes typically sit every few feet along a gutter to give plenty of opportunities for water to exit.
Gutter Elbows
The human elbow is a crucial joint in the arm. In a gutter system, it serves a similar function—connecting adjacent gutter pieces around a corner. When straight gutters must navigate odd angles or curves, elbows help manage the maneuver.
Gutter End Caps
Gutters are just long, hollow tubes, so they need stoppers at each end. End caps serve as this barrier at the sides of a gutter piece, forcing the water to go down the only available paths, which are the downspouts.
Gutter Guards
Gutters capture all kinds of items throughout the year. Twigs, foliage, dirt, and bird nests are just a few examples of what could clog your gutters and prevent water from flowing properly. To avoid this hassle, gutter guards protect the gutters like a cage.
Also called leaf relief or leaf filter gutter protection, gutter guards typically sit on top of the gutters and keep unwanted items out. While some debris inevitably flows through, most of the content in the gutters is rainwater or snow runoff when gutter guards are present, making gutter cleaning much easier.
Hidden Hangars
Gutter professionals usually perform a gutter installation with screws and bolts, but there are other options for securing these suspended metal pipes. Hidden hangars are among the easiest options since they’re quite secure and aesthetically pleasing. These pieces directly attach to the fascia in the gutter for a smooth connection.
Knowing the different components of a gutter system can help you preserve your home exterior. If you have any questions about installing gutters on your home, reach out to us at Gutter Maid today.