Glossary of Gutter Terms
Glossary of Gutter Terms
Here are some terms you should be aware of when reading an estimate from a contractor.
Downspout
A pipe that carries rainwater from a roof gutter down to a drain or to the ground.
Drip-Edge Extension
Prevents water from washing over the fascia eventually causing it to rot. If your fascia boards have black streaks on them, that usually means that the drip-edge is failing and the contractor may suggest adding an extension for an additional charge.
Fascia Angle
If there is any fascia board that is angled to follow the roof rafters, there is usually an extra charge.
Fascia Board
The flat horizontal surface right below the edge of a roof.
Fascia Replacement
New gutters need a solid fascia surface upon which to be mounted. If rotted boards need to be replaced, there is a charge per linear feet. Fascia boards narrower than 3" in width must be built out to provide proper support for hanging your new gutters and require an additional charge per linear feet.
Gauge
The thickness or the gauge of the gutter is very important. Primary aluminum is the thickest and most consistent available. The gauges range from .019 to .032 inches. The optimal thickness is .032 inches so when buying aluminum gutters, insist on primary aluminum, which is the best.
Mitres (Corners)
When a company fabricates the corners onsite using the same material as the rest of the house, the advantage is that there is one seam instead of 3 and it's a cleaner look overall.
Run Height
The height (in stories) at which each gutter run will be located (1st story, 2nd story etc.). This is used to determine the length of downspout needed.
Run Length
A straight section of gutter mounted against the fascia board. It is measured in linear feet, which measures the same as regular feet.
Seamless Gutter Machine
The chosen gutter material is rolled through the forming machine to create a continuous piece of gutter that is custom sized to your home.
Here are some terms you should be aware of when reading an estimate from a contractor.
Downspout
A pipe that carries rainwater from a roof gutter down to a drain or to the ground.
Drip-Edge Extension
Prevents water from washing over the fascia eventually causing it to rot. If your fascia boards have black streaks on them, that usually means that the drip-edge is failing and the contractor may suggest adding an extension for an additional charge.
Fascia Angle
If there is any fascia board that is angled to follow the roof rafters, there is usually an extra charge.
Fascia Board
The flat horizontal surface right below the edge of a roof.
Fascia Replacement
New gutters need a solid fascia surface upon which to be mounted. If rotted boards need to be replaced, there is a charge per linear feet. Fascia boards narrower than 3" in width must be built out to provide proper support for hanging your new gutters and require an additional charge per linear feet.
Gauge
The thickness or the gauge of the gutter is very important. Primary aluminum is the thickest and most consistent available. The gauges range from .019 to .032 inches. The optimal thickness is .032 inches so when buying aluminum gutters, insist on primary aluminum, which is the best.
Mitres (Corners)
When a company fabricates the corners onsite using the same material as the rest of the house, the advantage is that there is one seam instead of 3 and it's a cleaner look overall.
Run Height
The height (in stories) at which each gutter run will be located (1st story, 2nd story etc.). This is used to determine the length of downspout needed.
Run Length
A straight section of gutter mounted against the fascia board. It is measured in linear feet, which measures the same as regular feet.
Seamless Gutter Machine
The chosen gutter material is rolled through the forming machine to create a continuous piece of gutter that is custom sized to your home.
