Gutter glossary

K-style — the flat-backed gutter with a decorative front profile that is standard on most modern American homes. Half-round — a semicircular gutter, common on older and higher-end architecture.

Seamless — gutter rolled on site from a single coil so each run has no mid-run joints. Sectional — pre-cut lengths joined together, which is what home centers sell. This Old House gives seamless 20-30 years and sectional 10-15.

Fascia — the horizontal board at the roof edge that the gutter hangs from. Soffit — the underside of the overhang. Drip edge — metal flashing at the roof edge that directs water into the gutter. Hangers — the brackets holding the gutter to the fascia. Pitch — the slight slope along a run that moves water to the outlet.

Downspout — the vertical pipe carrying water down; common sizes are 2x3 (about 600 square feet of roof) and 3x4 (about 1,200), per This Old House. Micro-mesh — a fine stainless screen guard. Reverse curve — a hood-style guard that uses surface tension to route water around a lip. Drainage area — the roof surface feeding a given gutter section, which is the number that determines gutter size.

How to choose

Check the profile and size on the quote

"5-inch K-style seamless aluminum" should appear in writing, not just "new gutters."

Look for downspout dimensions

2x3 versus 3x4 is a real capacity difference and a common place to be quietly downgraded.

Know what fascia work is included

Fascia repair is carpentry and is often excluded. Find the line.

Ask if drip edge is being addressed

It affects whether water reaches the gutter at all, and it interacts with guard installation.

Guard type, not brand name

Micro-mesh, screen, reverse curve, foam and brush behave very differently. Get the type.