Glossary of terms

Drainage

A system of gutters and drainpipes that carry water away from the foundation of a house.

Downpipe/Downspout

Pipe to carry roof water from gutters and roof catchments to drains, storage tanks, or splashblocks.

Drop Outlet

Formed piece that serves as the hole from which the water travels from the horizontal section of the gutter to the downspout.

Eaves Gutter

A roof gutter attached at an eaves overhang.

Elbow

Pre-finished angled piece for directing water flow.

End Cap

Flat formed piece that is placed at the end of a gutter section.

Expansion Joint

A joint in a long run of cladding, gutter or flashing designed to allow for thermal expansion and contraction.

Fascia

A flat board that runs horizontally along the eaves of a roof, typically capping the ends of the roof rafters to give the roof edge a more finished look and provide a base for attaching gutters.

Gutters

Horizontal channels installed at the edge of a roof to carry rainwater or melted snow away from the house.

Hanger

Flat strap that is installed under the roofing material and hold up the horizontal section of the gutter.

Inside mitre box

A corner piece of the horizontal section that is deflected in.

Leader

A pipe that carries rainwater from the gutters to the ground, sewers, or wells.

Outside mitre box

A corner piece of the horizontal section that is deflected out.

Pitch

The angle at which a horizontal section of gutter is tilted in order to force water to flow toward a downspout.

Run

Length of a horizontal section of gutter.

Splashblock

Plastic or concrete surface put under a downspout to direct water away from the house

Strap

Flat hangers that are nailed into the house to hold the downspouts in place.