Gutters glossary
Plain-English definitions of 0 gutters terms you will see on quotes and inspection reports.
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Find the word. Read the definition. Check the bid.
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.
Three rules for every term
- 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.
A-Z gutters dictionary
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Glossary terms for this industry are being written.
Where related figures come from
Sources last checked
- This Old House - How To Size Gutters and Downspouts · retrieved 2026-07-25
- This Old House - Seamless Gutter Cost (2026 Guide) · retrieved 2026-07-25
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