What are the Parts of a Gutter?

Gutters are not just single pieces of metal half-pipes or k-shaped troughs. They are complex systems comprised of various parts that all work together to keep water away from your roof and foundation. Here are the different components of a gutter system.

Gutters

The gutters are the long, rounded pieces or k-shaped troughs that catch all the rainwater and debris and send it down the line. They 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.

Downspouts

The gutters may collect the rain, but that water needs to go somewhere. Downspouts are paths extending from the roof's upper eaves to the ground. They ensure water flows away from your home and foundation. These vertical pipes typically sit every few feet along a gutter to give water opportunities to exit.

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.

End Caps

Gutters are just long, hollow tubes that need stoppers at each end. End caps serve as this barrier at the sides of a gutter piece, forcing the water down the only available paths, the downspouts.

Gutter Guards

Gutters capture all kinds of items throughout the year. Twigs, foliage, dirt, and critters are just a few examples of what could clog your gutters and prevent water from flowing correctly. To avoid this hassle, gutter guards protect the gutters like a cage. They 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.

Hidden Hangars

Gutter professionals usually perform a gutter installation with screws and bolts, but there are other options for securing them. Hidden hangars are among the most accessible options since they are secure and aesthetically pleasing. These pieces directly attach to the fascia in the gutter for a smooth connection.

Protect with LeafGuard

Knowing the different components of a gutter system can help you preserve your home's exterior. With LeafGuard^®, there are fewer parts to know since the system is a one-piece design. We know you want the best protection for your home. It's simple:

• LeafGuard is the premier product in the market today. Our gutters are 20% stronger than the industry standard, and we have received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for the last 18 years straight.
• LeafGuard's proprietary one-piece design utilizes the simple but powerful principle of liquid adhesion to draw rainwater into the gutter while leaves and other types of debris roll off. This prevents your gutters from clogging.
• We only use hidden hangers, which are stronger than the standard ones. These are also used to preserve the aesthetic of your home.
• LeafGuard backs up our limited lifetime guarantee*. If you end up having a gutter clog, we will fix it at no charge. And this guarantee is for the product's life – which is transferrable if you sell your home. This is a great selling feature for the homeowner and the homebuyer.

We are confident that you will choose LeafGuard over other solutions. Our one-piece design and fewer parts mean fewer problems with your gutter system. LeafGuard – protection from a company you can trust.

*Guaranteed to avoid clogging for as long as you own your home, or we will clean your gutters for free.