Gutters Downspout Parts

The Gutter

• A rain gutter is a narrow channel which catches and diverts rainwater shed by the roof. It is also known as an eaves spout, eaves trough, "rainspout" or spouting. For most buildings, gutters are critical in providing immediate rain runoff from a significantly large area--the roof. Yet, depending on the building's design, they may not always be necessary. Broad roof overhangs may cast rain well away from the exterior walls, windows and foundations.

Gutter Parts

• The basic gutter pieces usually come in standard 10-feet lengths. They are made of aluminum galvanized metal or plastic. Sheet metal screws or pop rivets hold metal guttering. Spikes and ferules hold the gutter to the exterior wall of the house. The ferrule is inserted inside the gutter and the spike driven through the gutter's rim and the ferrule to hold the gutter in place. The slip connector connects two pieces of guttering: the joint being sealed with mastic or soldered to prevent leakage. A strap hanger connects to the eave of the roof to hold the gutter in place. The end piece attaches to the outside edge of the gutter to provide support for all the guttering. Finish by tapping the end cap onto the end piece.

The Downspout

• The downspout, also known as a leader or conductor, runs from the roof edge to the base of the building. It is a vertical pipe for carrying rainwater from a rain gutter to ground level. The bottom of the downspout often has an elbow that channels the water away from the building's foundation to run off into a sewer or into the ground through seepage.

Downspout Parts

• The downspout pipe is usually made of the same material as the gutter, and it also comes in 10 feet pieces. It attaches to the gutter's end piece. The clincher is a strap that holds the downspout in place. Workers nail or screw it to the exterior wall to hold the downspout securely in place. Ball strainers or strainer caps can be inserted at the end piece between the gutter and the downspout. The strainer prevents leaves and other bulky debris from clogging the downspout. As with the gutter, spikes and ferrules keep the downspout attached to the wall of the building.