Important Gutter
Terms to Know!
There are many words and phrases related to gutter systems that you likely haven’t heard in your everyday life. Some of these may be confusing, so we’ve listed some of the most important terms to know below.
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Downspouts:
This is the part of your gutters that runs vertically down the side of your house. These segments direct water from your roof to the ground or a collection vessel. -
Downspout Elbow:
This refers to the angled piece at the bottom of a downspout. It resembles the look of an elbow and directs water further away from your home’s foundation. -
End Caps:
End caps fits onto the end of each gutter to seal it off. -
Hangers:
These are strips of metal that support the bottom of the gutter and prevent it from sagging. They’re typically unnoticeable unless you’re looking for them directly. -
Mitered Corner:
This refers to the piece of gutter that fits on your roof’s corner. -
Section:
This is a unit of measurement for each piece of gutter.
Gutter Types
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K-Style Gutters
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Half-Round Gutters
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Box-Style Gutters
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Fascia Gutters
Types of Gutter Materials:
Gutters come in various materials to match your home’s appearance and budget. Read about the most popular gutter materials below.
Wood Gutters:
Wood gutters add character to any home, but we recommend them if you have a historic home. They’re an easy way to make your exterior look more luxurious. However, wood gutters require routine treatment with stains or paint each year. Their interior also requires water-resistant oil. If not maintained adequately, wood gutters rot.
Zinc Gutters:
If you want one of the most low-maintenance gutter options, pre-weathered zinc gutters are excellent. These gutters don’t rust, and they include a self-sealing patina that prevents the formation of any scratches or cracks from falling debris. This means you get good-looking gutters for a longer amount of time; zinc gutters have a lifespan of up to 80 years.
Vinyl Gutters:
Made from PVC and plastics, vinyl gutters are among the most common types of gutters. Though they’re easy to install, they aren’t very durable, lasting an average of only 10 to 20 years. Vinyl tends to deteriorate particularly quickly in wet climates.
Aluminum Gutters:
Aluminum gutters are another popular option for gutter systems. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years and work well for DIY installation. Aluminum gutters are also rust-resistant, but they’re more susceptible to cracking than other metal gutters because they’re lightweight.
Galvanized Steel Gutters:
Galvanized steel gutters are more durable than aluminum ones and require professional installation. These gutters are durable and function well even in wet climates with heavy rainfall. They have a longer average lifespan of 20 to 30 years but may rust if not correctly maintained.
