Here are some gutter terms you should be aware of when discussing gutter replacement with a gutter installation contractor, or reading an estimate from a contractor.

Downspout

A pipe that carries rainwater from a roof gutter dow to a drain field or to the ground.

Rafter Tails

The tail end of your roof rafters. The provide a mounting surface for the gutters to attach to. Rafter tail ends may be capped with a fascia board.

Fascia Board

The flat horizontal board located right below the edge of the roof and is attached to the roof rafters. The provide a solid substrate for your gutters to mount to.

Drip Edge

Metal flashing that is installed at the leading edge of roof shingles. It prevents water from curling under the shingle and getting in between the gutter and facia board. If you have black streaks on your fascia boards below your gutters chances are you either have no drip edge, or it needs to be replaced.

Fascia Angle

If there is any fascia board that is angled to follow the roof rafters, the is usually an extra charge to use spacers so that the gutters will mount at the proper angle to accept water from the roof.

Fascia Replacement

New gutters need a solid fascia surface to be mounted to. If fascia boards are rotten they need to be replaced before gutters can be remounted. Cost of replacement will be materials and labor per lineal footage. Normally it is best to use pre-primed cedar or spruce for the pacific northwest to resist moisture.

Guage

The thickness or gauge of the metal used to form the gutter. Select the thickest Aluminum material available (.027″) for the Portland Oregon Market.

Corner Miters

Whenever your roofline changes directions it creates either an inside turn (inside miter) or an outside turn (outside miter) this is where the materials will interlock and seal.

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. Some companies charge more for installing on 2nd story versus the 1st story due to degree of difficulty.

Seamless Gutter Machine

A forming machine that gutter coil is fed into which forms the gutter into a continuous piece of gutter that is custom sized to fit your home.