Downspout Elbows
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Professional Downspout Elbows: Navigate Corners & Obstacles - Direct Water Flow
Shop professional downspout elbows in A-style (front-facing) and B-style (side-turning) configurations. Multiple angles available: 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° (standard), and 90° for precise water flow control. Rectangular 2x3 and 3x4 sizes match your downspout systems. Aluminum construction in 25+ colors. Ships nationwide. Portland-area contractors choose GutterAll Damascus for complete angle inventory and same-day pickup.
A-Style & B-Style
Front-facing and side-turning options for any installation
All Angles Available
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° - complete inventory in stock
2x3 & 3x4 Sizes
Matches your downspouts perfectly for full system capacity
25+ Colors
Perfect system matching for professional installations
Professional Downspout Elbows: Essential Components for Gutter System Navigation
Downspout elbows (also called gutter elbows, downpipe elbows, or downspout turns) are critical fittings that change the direction of water flow through downspout systems, allowing navigation around architectural obstacles, turning corners, and directing water away from building foundations. Every complete gutter installation requires 2-4 elbows per downspout location—making these high-volume, essential components for both residential and commercial drainage systems.
Without properly selected and installed elbows, downspouts cannot navigate from roof eaves to ground level while clearing walls, ledges, and other obstructions common in Pacific Northwest architecture.
Understanding A-Style vs. B-Style Elbows: The Critical Difference
The single most important decision when selecting downspout elbows is choosing between A-style and B-style configurations.
A-Style Elbows: Front-Facing (Forward/Backward)
How to Identify:
When standing facing your house looking at the elbow, an A-style elbow faces directly toward you or away from you.
Visual Description:
A-style elbows are wider than they are tall. The opening is oriented so water flows perpendicular to the wall—either straight out from the wall or straight back toward the wall.
Primary Applications:
- Top of downspout: Transitions from gutter outlet to downspout running against the wall
- Bottom of downspout: Directs water straight away from foundation into grass, gravel, or splash blocks
- Wall clearance: Brings downspout from fascia board back to sit flush against exterior wall
When to Use A-Style:
- Water discharge area is directly in front of downspout (grass, mulch, gravel bed)
- Navigating from gutter outlet back to wall (eave overhang clearance)
- Standard straight-down downspout installations
- Foundation drainage that flows perpendicular to wall
Example Configuration:
Gutter outlet → A-elbow (brings downspout to wall) → Straight downspout → A-elbow (kicks water away from foundation)
B-Style Elbows: Side-Turning (Left/Right)
How to Identify:
When standing facing your house looking at the elbow, a B-style elbow turns to the left or right.
Visual Description:
B-style elbows are taller than they are wide. The opening is oriented so water flows parallel to the wall—either left or right along the building.
Primary Applications:
- Redirecting water laterally: Move water from driveway to flower bed
- Corner installations: Running downspout along building corner instead of against flat wall
- Obstacle avoidance: Navigate around utility boxes, lights, vents on wall
- Drain tile connections: Direct water sideways into underground drainage systems
When to Use B-Style:
- Water would otherwise hit driveway, walkway, or patio (redirect to landscaped area)
- Downspout routes along building corner
- Connecting to side-entry drainage systems
- Avoiding ground-level obstacles (AC units, electrical boxes)
Example Configuration:
Straight downspout → B-elbow (turns water 90° sideways) → Underground drain connection
Mixing A-Style and B-Style Elbows
You do NOT need to use the same style at top and bottom. In fact, most downspout installations use different elbow styles.
Common Professional Configuration:
- Top elbow: A-style (wall clearance)
- Bottom elbow: B-style (lateral water redirection)
This combination brings the downspout flush to the wall while directing discharge away from driveways.
Downspout Elbow Angles: Choosing the Right Degree
Elbows are available in multiple angles to accommodate different installation scenarios.
Standard Angle: 75° (Most Common)
75-degree elbows are the industry standard "sharp turn" elbow used in 80% of installations.
Applications:
- Bottom of downspouts (standard sharp kick away from foundation)
- Top of downspouts (standard sharp return to wall)
- Most residential gutter systems
- Stock item at all suppliers
Why 75° instead of 90°: The slightly gentler angle (vs. true 90°) reduces water impact stress on the elbow interior, preventing premature wear and backwash issues.
30-Degree Elbows: Gentle Slope
Applications:
- Short distances between fascia and exterior wall (minimal offset)
- Gentle transitions where sharp turns unnecessary
- Aesthetic installations requiring subtle direction changes
- Commercial applications with specific architectural requirements
45-Degree Elbows: Half-Turn
Applications:
- Upper portions of downspouts (gentle transition from outlet)
- Increasing water velocity to prevent clogs near outlets
- Moderate angle transitions
- Architectural/decorative downspout installations
Benefit: 45° angle increases water velocity, helping debris pass through rather than accumulating at outlet connections.
60-Degree Elbows: Specialized
Applications:
- Custom architectural installations
- Specific obstacle navigation angles
- Matching existing systems with non-standard angles
90-Degree Elbows: Sharp Turns
Applications:
- Tight corners requiring maximum turn
- Depositing runoff farther from foundation
- Specific drainage system connections
Limitation: Sharp 90° angle causes water to directly impact elbow bottom, creating faster wear and potential backwash during heavy flow. Use only when 75° won't work.
Industry Note: When professionals say "90-degree elbow," they typically mean the standard 75° elbow, not a true 90°.
Sizing Guide: Matching Elbows to Downspouts
Critical Rule: Elbow size must EXACTLY match downspout size.
2x3 Elbows (Standard Residential - 85% of Installations)
Use With:
- 2x3 rectangular downspouts
- 5-inch K-style gutter systems
- Standard residential homes
- Roof areas up to 600 sq ft per downspout
Dimensions: 2 inches wide × 3 inches tall opening
3x4 Elbows (Heavy-Duty/Commercial)
Use With:
- 3x4 rectangular downspouts
- 6-inch K-style gutter systems
- Large homes, commercial buildings
- Roof areas 600-1,200 sq ft per downspout
Dimensions: 3 inches wide × 4 inches tall opening
Round Elbows (Half-Round Gutter Systems)
Standard 70° Bend (no A/B designation):
- 2-3/8" round (small half-round systems)
- 2-3/4" round (standard - pairs with 5" half-round gutters)
- 3" round (pairs with 5" half-round gutters)
- 4" round (pairs with 6" half-round gutters)
Note: Round elbows don't come in A/B styles—all are universal 70° bends.
How Many Elbows Do You Need Per Downspout?
Typical Residential Configuration (2-4 elbows per downspout):
Standard Two-Story Installation:
- Top elbow: A-style 75° (outlet to wall clearance)
- Bottom elbow: A-style 75° (wall to foundation kick-out)
- Ground extension: A or B-style (foundation to drainage area)
- Total: 2-3 elbows per downspout × 4-8 downspouts = 8-24 elbows per house
Complex Installation (obstacles present):
- Add 1-2 additional elbows for window sills, utility boxes, architectural protrusions
- Total: 3-5 elbows per downspout
Installation Best Practices
Professional Installation Method
Step-by-Step Process:
- Prepare Elbow Ends: Mark 1¼ inches at each corner of elbow opening. Use tin snips to notch-cut all four corners. Bend flaps slightly inward with hand seamer. Hammer down any cutting burrs for smooth fit.
- Attach to Downspout: Slip crimped end of elbow into (or over) downspout section. Overlap sections by 2-3 inches minimum. Align properly ensuring straight water flow path.
- Secure Connection: Drill pilot holes through both elbow and downspout. Install 2 pop rivets on each side (4 total per elbow). Alternative: Use ¼" self-tapping screws (4 per connection).
- Seal Joints (Optional but recommended): Apply silicone sealant along interior seam. Seal rivet/screw penetrations to prevent rust. Prevents debris accumulation at joints.
Tools Required:
- Tin snips or aviation shears
- Hand seamer (optional but helpful)
- Hammer
- Drill with 1/8" bit
- Pop rivet gun OR screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Pencil/marker
- Crimping tool (if sections don't have factory crimps)
Common Elbow Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using Wrong Style (A instead of B or vice versa) → Solution: Stand facing house—A comes at you, B turns left/right
- ❌ Wrong Size (using 2x3 elbows with 3x4 downspouts) → Solution: Always match elbow size to downspout size exactly
- ❌ Insufficient Fasteners (using only 1-2 screws per elbow) → Solution: Use minimum 4 fasteners per elbow connection (2 each side)
- ❌ Not Crimping Properly (forced fit without crimped ends) → Solution: Use crimping tool or buy pre-crimped elbows
- ❌ Wrong Angle (75° when 45° needed) → Solution: Measure actual angle required or custom-cut existing elbow
- ❌ Mixing Round and Rectangular → Solution: Round elbows only for round downspouts, rectangular for rectangular
Material and Color Options
Aluminum Elbows (95% of Installations)
Advantages:
- Corrosion-resistant (Pacific NW moisture)
- Lightweight (easy installation)
- Color-matched to gutter systems
- Industry standard .027 gauge
Available Colors: White, Bronze (Light/Dark), Black, Clay, Musket Brown, Chocolate Brown, Forest Green, plus 15+ specialty colors
Copper Elbows (Premium/Architectural)
Applications:
- Copper downspout systems
- Historic restorations
- High-end architectural projects
Specifications: 16-18 oz. solid copper, develops natural patina
Galvanized Steel Elbows (Commercial)
Applications:
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial applications
- Maximum durability requirements
A-Style vs. B-Style Elbows Comparison
Key Takeaway: Most downspouts use A-style at top (wall clearance) and either A-style (straight discharge) or B-style (lateral redirect) at bottom.
Elbow Angle Guide
*90° can cause water impact stress—use 75° when possible
How Many Elbows Per Downspout?
Average residential home: 12-20 elbows total needed for complete gutter system
Damascus and Portland-Area Contractor Benefits
Complete Angle Inventory
Our Damascus location at 18601 SE Sunnyside Rd stocks ALL elbow angles (30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°) in both A-style and B-style configurations—eliminating special-order delays.
Same-Day Pickup
Order by 2 PM for afternoon pickup. Professional contractors working on installation schedules rely on our comprehensive inventory for immediate project completion.
Bulk Contractor Pricing
Volume discounts on quantities of 25+ elbows. Multi-home projects qualify for contractor pricing programs. Call for quotes: (503) 496-7017
Technical Support
Our team provides A vs B style selection guidance, angle recommendations based on installation photos, quantity calculations (elbows per downspout), and custom fabrication coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between A-style and B-style elbows?
A-style elbows face directly toward you or away from you when looking at the house—they move water perpendicular to the wall (forward/backward). B-style elbows turn left or right when looking at the house—they move water parallel to the wall (sideways). Use A-style for standard straight discharge; use B-style to redirect water laterally (like moving water from driveway to flower bed).
Can I mix A-style and B-style elbows on the same downspout?
Yes! In fact, mixing is very common. Most professional installations use A-style at the top (bringing downspout from gutter outlet to wall) and either A-style or B-style at bottom depending on where water should discharge. There's no requirement to use matching styles.
What angle elbow should I use—75° or 90°?
Use 75° for almost all applications—it's the industry standard "sharp turn" elbow. True 90° elbows cause water to directly impact the bottom of the elbow, creating faster wear and potential backwash during heavy flow. When professionals say "90-degree elbow," they usually mean 75°. Only use true 90° when tighter radius is absolutely required.
How many elbows do I need for my house?
Count your downspouts and multiply by 2-3. Simple formula: Number of downspouts × 2.5 = elbows needed. Example: 6 downspouts × 2.5 = 15 elbows. Add 3-5 extra for complex installations with obstacles. Most homes need 12-20 elbows total.
What size elbow do I need—2x3 or 3x4?
Match your downspout size exactly. If you have 2x3 downspouts (standard with 5-inch gutters), use 2x3 elbows. If you have 3x4 downspouts (with 6-inch gutters), use 3x4 elbows. Never mix sizes—it restricts water flow.
Do elbows come pre-crimped?
Most professional elbows come with one end crimped (male end) that fits inside downspout or other elbows. The other end is female (receives other components). If not pre-crimped, you'll need a crimping tool to create proper connections.
How do I install downspout elbows?
(1) Notch-cut corners 1¼" on uncrimped end, (2) Bend flaps slightly inward, (3) Slip crimped elbow end into downspout (2-3" overlap), (4) Drill pilot holes, (5) Install 4 pop rivets or screws (2 per side), (6) Optional: seal with silicone. Full video tutorials available on our website.
Can I adjust the angle of an elbow after I buy it?
Yes! Remove factory rivets, mark new angle with speed square, cut along lines with tin snips, fold to new angle, secure with new rivets (not in old holes), and seal cuts with silicone. This allows custom angles between standard options.
What colors are available?
Aluminum elbows available in 25+ colors matching our gutter and downspout systems: White, Bronze (Light/Dark), Black, Clay, Musket Brown, Chocolate Brown, Forest Green, and specialty finishes. Bring downspout samples to Damascus for exact color matching.
Ready to Order Your Downspout Elbows?
Expert guidance available for A vs B style selection, angle recommendations, and quantity calculations
18601 SE Sunnyside Rd, Damascus, OR 97089 • Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 9AM-3PM
