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Dissecting the different gutter parts that make up your rain gutter system is pretty straightforward… if you’re a gutter guru!
However, we understand that an informed homeowner is the best kind of homeowner, that is why today we will break down the anatomy of your rain gutter system and all the different gutter parts!
In this article, we will share with you the following:
- Types of gutters,
- Different gutter parts
- Possible gutter solutions if a gutter part is in distress!
First, let’s start with the types of gutters!
Types of Gutters:
Most Popular: Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are the most common gutters and the preferred choice of both installers and homeowners. As the name states, seamless gutters come in one piece and are custom-made on site to fit each area of your home.
This does not mean you only have one gutter, but instead, each run of horizontal gutter trough is custom-measured and made for that specific area.
The pro behind seamless gutters is that in addition to looking better, the perform much better because they have no areas of possible leaking within the middle of the run.
Types of seamless gutter materials include:
- Aluminum – most popular, least expensive
- Copper gutters
- Galvanized steel gutters
- Stainless steel gutters
Least Popular: Sectional Gutters
The other type of gutters are sectional gutters and like the name states, they come in sections. These are gutters typically found at your local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes and are often made of vinyl.
Vinyl is the cheapest in price, but also in quality. You can read our review of vinyl vs. aluminum gutters here. Sectional gutters are easy for the DIY gang, but they’re not ideal for performance and often lead to many issues.
Different Gutter Parts:
Downspout
A downspout is a fully enclosed vertical pipe that runs along the vertical edges of your home and meets the end of a gutter section. The role of a downspout is to channel the water collected by your gutters and dispose of it on the ground level, away from your home’s foundation.
The downspout strap secures the downspout to the side of your home. This is also called a “Pipe Cleat.” Pipe cleats are fasteners that attach your downspout to the side of your house. The bent metal fits snug around your downspout and is fastened with screws to your siding/brick on each side of your downspout.
Elbow
The last part of your gutter system from top to bottom is the “Elbow,” which is the bent metal (typically aluminum) attached to the end of your downspout.
Your elbow connects to the vertical downspout and channels water away from your home’s foundation onto a splash block.
End Cap
Your seamless gutter runs are shaped like a trough that come in 5″ and 6″ sizes. However, at the end of a run, where the water exits using the downspout, there are end caps made of metal to seal the gutter run. These end caps are also caulked with gutter caulk.
Fascia Boards
While your fascia boards are not part of the gutter parts per se, they are a vital component to your home’s rain gutter system. Fascia boards are the boards at the edge of your roof and they’re also where your gutters are mounted.
Keeping your fascia boards in tip-top shape is vital because a wood fascia board that has rotted over the years cannot have new gutters placed on it. Gutters that are installed correctly and maintained correctly are also vital to preserving your fascia boards.
Fascia boards can be wrapped in aluminum to help prevent wood rot!
Note: Did you know new fascia boards and gutters that are a different color can add curb appeal when you go to sell your home? Trends are showing dark and light contrasts are the in thing!
Ferrule
They are no longer recommended or commonly used, but the ferrule is the small piece of cylindrical-shaped metal that a gutter spike goes through. The old-fashioned way of using a gutter spike and ferrule to mount gutters has been replaced by a more efficient and stronger process – the hidden gutter hanger.
If you see a gutter spike, which looks like a nail, sticking out of your gutter, that means your gutter spike is loosening off your fascia board.
Hidden Gutter Hanger (Screw-in)
Old school gutter spikes have been replaced with screw-in hidden hangers that clip to the front of your gutter (often K-style aluminum gutters) and then are screwed into your fascia board along the back side of your gutter runs.
The screw-in hangers are hidden as in you can’t see them from the ground and they’re much stronger because of the screw element since old gutter spikes loosen easily.
Miter
In the event you have a hip roof, a wrap around porch or a corner where two gutters meet, you will need a miter. While these used to be custom cut to fit, miters come ready-made and are installed to connect two seamless rain gutter runs and caulked to prevent leaks!
Slip Connector
A slip connector is like a small piece of gutter that is used to connect two sections of a gutter run. These are typically used with sectional gutters. On a very rare occasion, someone might use a gutter slip connector on a gutter repair.
Splash block
The last and perhaps least favorite part of your gutters (if you’re like me and constantly hit these with your lawn mower) is the splash block.
You can get the splash block for cheap at your local Home Depot or hardware store and for under $5 usually! You can purchase a decorative steel splash block, but then again now you run the risk of damaging your mower!
A splash block is VITAL because it prevents erosion, look at this photo of the ground where a splash block is missing:
Gutter Problems & Solutions
If one or more of these different gutter parts are in disarray or not functioning, you could run into some issues.
Your best bet is to make sure you do the following:
- Check your gutters annually from the ground, several times per year, ideally
- Look at your gutters and make sure they’re cleaned, especially if you live in a heavily wooded area to avoid clogging and erosion. Like your floors, your foundation is easily compromised by flooding. Gutter clogs can lead to foundational flooding.
- Consider getting gutter guards that are self-cleaning and come with a lifetime warranty like Raindrop.
- Call a gutter company if you have any questions.
To help, if you think you need a total gutter renovation, we have put together a free pricing tool here with our gutter calculator:
DIY Gutter Calculator
Figure out how much to pay for new aluminum gutters & gutter guards for your home!
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Select a Size
5" gutters come with 2"x3" downspouts, 6" gutters come with 3"x4" downspouts and drain 400% faster than 5" gutters
Choose Your Color
Please select a color that best works for your home.
Wicker
Dark Green
Dark Grey
Eggshell
White
Ivory
Light Grey
Musket Brown
Red
Cream
Clay
Brown
Bronze
Black
Estimate Footage for 5" Gutters
Please provide the estimated total footage needed for gutters on your home.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for downspouts
Lifetime No Clog Warranty
Raindrop Gutter Guards are an absolutely fantastic way to save time and extend the life of your gutters, roof, and home. By adding Raindrop Gutter Protection System to your order, we guarantee a lifetime of free flowing gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutter guards on your home.
Choose Your Color
Please select a color that best works for your home.
Wicker
Dark Green
Dark Grey
Eggshell
White
Ivory
Light Grey
Musket Brown
Red
Cream
Clay
Brown
Bronze
Black
Estimate Footage for 6" Gutters
Please provide the estimated total footage needed for gutters on your home.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for downspouts
Lifetime No Clog Warranty
Raindrop Gutter Guards are an absolutely fantastic way to save time and extend the life of your gutters, roof, and home. By adding Raindrop Gutter Protection System to your order, we guarantee a lifetime of free flowing gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutter guards on your home.
Final cost
Here is your final cost, please fill out the form below to get started!
Summary
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Final Word:
The elements that compromise your home’s stormwater management system – aka your gutters and roof – are straightforward in appearance.
While you might know more about gutters (now) than most homeowners, one thing to remember is that a minor gutter issue can potentially compromise your entire gutter system. You will often need the best company out there if you have issues with your gutters.
So while it might not seem overly vital to know everything about your home’s gutters, being mindful of problem areas, what to keep your eye out for, and knowing how to maintain your gutters is key to saving you money!
For more gutter information, be sure to check out the following: