Gutter Parts Diagram & Reference Guide - Damascus OR

Q: What's the difference between A elbows and B elbows?

A elbows change direction front-to-back (bringing the downspout from the gutter outlet toward the wall), while B elbows change direction side-to-side (routing the downspout along the wall). A standard downspout configuration uses 2 A elbows at the top and 1 B elbow at the bottom.

Q: What's the difference between strip miters and box miters?

Strip miters (K for inside, I for outside) are economical pieces that you cut and fit on-site. Box miters (J for inside, H for outside) are pre-fabricated premium corners that provide a cleaner, more professional appearance with better water flow and easier installation.

Q: Do I really need gutter sealant?

Yes, professional gutter sealant is CRITICAL for Damascus installations. With 51-61 inches of annual rainfall, every joint, miter, outlet, and end cap must be properly sealed to prevent leaks. Use high-quality gutter sealant at all connections for a watertight system.

Q: What are hidden hangers (L, M) vs T-straps (N)?

Hidden hangers (L with screw, M without screw) mount inside the gutter and attach to the fascia board, providing a clean appearance. T-straps (N) are used when you have angled fascia or need to mount to the roof deck. Hidden hangers with screws (L) are the most secure option for Damascus installations.

Q: What accessories are essential for installation?

Essential accessories include: professional gutter sealant (CRITICAL), gutter assembly screws, downspout assembly screws, matching spray paint for touch-ups, and gutter apron/flashing for proper water direction. Don't skip the sealant—it's the difference between a leak-free system and constant problems.

Gutter Parts Diagram & Reference Guide

Complete Letter-Coded Component Identification System - Damascus, Oregon

Call (503) 496-7017 for Expert Advice

Complete Gutter System Diagram

Every component labeled with letter codes (A-N) for easy identification and ordering

Complete gutter parts diagram showing all components labeled A through N including gutters, downspouts, elbows, outlets, corners, hangers, and end caps

Quick Reference: Letter Code System

Use these letter codes when ordering parts or discussing your project with our team

Main Gutter Sections (5" or 6" K-style)

End Cap Pairs (Left & Right)

Inside Strip Miters (Economical)

Outside Strip Miters (Economical)

Inside Box Miters (Premium)

Outside Box Miters (Premium)

Downspout Sections (2×3" or 3×4")

Outlets (Gutter-to-Downspout)

A Elbows (Front-to-Back)

B Elbows (Side-to-Side)

Downspout Support Clips

Hidden Hangers with Screw (Best)

Hidden Hangers without Screw

Roof T-Straps (Angled Fascia)

Shop Major Components

Gutters

5" and 6" K-style gutter sections. For Damascus' 51-61" rainfall, we recommend 6" gutters for superior capacity and overflow prevention.

Shop Gutters →

K I J H

Corner Miters

Inside and outside corners in strip (economical) or box (premium) styles. Box miters provide cleaner appearance and better water flow.

Shop Miters →

Downspouts

2×3" standard or 3×4" heavy-duty downspout sections. Damascus installations benefit from 3×4" for 78% more drainage capacity.

Shop Downspouts →

A B

Elbows

A elbows (front-to-back) and B elbows (side-to-side) for routing downspouts. Standard configuration uses 2 A elbows + 1 B elbow per downspout.

Shop Elbows →

Outlets

Gutter-to-downspout connection pieces. Install every 30-35 feet for optimal drainage. Critical component for proper water flow.

Shop Outlets →

L M N

Hangers & Supports

Hidden hangers (L, M) and roof T-straps (N). Damascus requires 16" spacing for heavy rainfall support. Hidden hangers with screws (L) recommended.

Shop Hangers →

1. Main Gutter Components (G)

The main gutter sections (labeled G in the diagram) are the foundation of your gutter system. These are the horizontal channels that collect rainwater from your roof and direct it toward downspouts.

Available Sizes

5-Inch K-Style Gutters (Standard)

Capacity: 1,200 square feet of roof area per downspout
Best For: Smaller homes, moderate rainfall areas, budget-conscious projects
Common Lengths: 10 feet (standard), custom lengths available
Material: .027 or .032 aluminum thickness

6-Inch K-Style Gutters (Damascus Recommended)

Capacity: 2,000+ square feet of roof area per downspout
Best For: Damascus homes (51-61" annual rainfall), larger roof areas, steep pitches
Common Lengths: 10 feet (standard), custom lengths available
Material: .032 aluminum thickness (heavier gauge for durability)
Advantage: 67% more capacity than 5-inch gutters

Damascus Recommendation

For Damascus, Oregon's heavy rainfall (51-61 inches annually), we strongly recommend 6-inch K-style gutters. The additional capacity prevents overflow during intense Pacific Northwest storms and provides long-term peace of mind.

Ordering Calculations

Formula: Measure the total linear footage of all gutter runs on your home. This is your main gutter (G) quantity.

Example: Home with 40 feet front, 30 feet back, 25 feet each side

Total: 40 + 30 + 25 + 25 = 120 linear feet of gutter (G)

Order: 12 sections of 10-foot gutter (or custom cut to exact lengths)

2. End Treatments (E)

End caps (labeled E in the diagram) seal the ends of your gutter runs, preventing water from spilling out the sides. They come in left and right pairs to match the gutter profile.

Specifications

Type: Left and right end cap pairs
Material: Aluminum to match gutter
Installation: Crimped and sealed to gutter end
Finish: Available in all standard gutter colors

Installation Requirements

Critical: Proper Sealing Required

End caps MUST be sealed with professional gutter sealant. Damascus' heavy rainfall will find any unsealed joint. Apply sealant to the inside edge before crimping the end cap in place.

Ordering Calculations

Formula: Count the number of gutter ends (not connected to corners or downspouts). Each end needs one end cap.

Example: Typical home with 4 gutter runs

Each run has 2 ends, but corners connect runs together

Usually: 4-6 end caps total (depending on layout)

3. Corner Components (K, I, J, H)

Corner miters connect gutter sections at building corners. Understanding the difference between inside/outside and strip/box miters is essential for proper ordering.

Inside vs Outside Corners

Inside Corners: Form a valley (V pointing toward you) - Use K (strip) or J (box) miters
Outside Corners: Form a peak (V pointing away) - Use I (strip) or H (box) miters

Strip Miters vs Box Miters

Feature	Strip Miters (K, I)	Box Miters (J, H)
Cost	Economical ($8-12 each)	Premium ($25-35 each)
Installation	Field-cut and fitted on site	Pre-fabricated, ready to install
Appearance	Functional, visible seams	Clean, professional, seamless look
Water Flow	Good (requires proper sealing)	Excellent (smooth internal transitions)
Skill Required	Moderate (cutting and fitting)	Easy (drop in and seal)
Best For	Budget projects, DIY installations	Professional appearance, easier installation

Professional Recommendation

For Damascus installations, we recommend box miters (J, H) for their superior water flow and easier installation. The investment pays off in appearance and long-term performance, especially with our heavy rainfall.

Bay Window Miters (22.5°)

Special miters are available for bay windows and other non-90° corners. These typically require custom ordering and professional installation.

Ordering Calculations

Formula: Count each corner. Inside corners need K or J miters. Outside corners need I or H miters.

Example: Rectangular home with 4 corners

All 4 corners are typically outside corners (peaks)

Order: 4 I miters (strip) or 4 H miters (box)

4. Downspout System (D, F, A, B, C)

The downspout system carries water from your gutters to the ground. Understanding each component ensures proper drainage and prevents water damage.

Downspout Sections (D)

2×3 Inch Downspouts (Standard)

Capacity: Adequate for 5-inch gutters in moderate rainfall
Common Lengths: 10 feet sections
Best For: Standard installations, budget projects

3×4 Inch Downspouts (Damascus Recommended)

Capacity: 78% more than 2×3 inch downspouts
Common Lengths: 10 feet sections
Best For: 6-inch gutters, heavy rainfall areas, Damascus installations
Advantage: Prevents clogs, handles debris better, faster drainage

Damascus Recommendation

For Damascus' 51-61 inches of annual rainfall, 3×4 inch downspouts are essential. They pair perfectly with 6-inch gutters and ensure your system can handle our heaviest storms without overflow.

Outlets (F) - Gutter-to-Downspout Connection

Outlets are the critical connection between your gutter and downspout. They're installed in the gutter bottom and the downspout attaches below.

Placement: Every 30-35 feet of gutter run for optimal drainage
Sizing: Must match both gutter size (5" or 6") and downspout size (2×3" or 3×4")
Installation: Cut hole in gutter bottom, seal outlet in place
Critical: Proper sealing prevents leaks at this high-stress connection point

A Elbows - Front-to-Back Transition

A elbows (also called "A" style elbows) change the downspout direction from front-to-back. They're used to bring the downspout from the gutter outlet toward the wall.

Standard Configuration: 2 A elbows at the top of each downspout
Purpose: Transition from gutter outlet to wall-mounted downspout
Angle: Typically 75° for proper water flow

B Elbows - Side-to-Side Direction Change

B elbows (also called "B" style elbows) change the downspout direction side-to-side. They're used to route the downspout along the wall or around obstacles.

Standard Configuration: 1 B elbow at the bottom of each downspout
Purpose: Direct water away from foundation (minimum 6 feet)
Angle: Typically 75° for proper water flow

Understanding A vs B Elbows

A Elbows: Change direction front-to-back (perpendicular to the wall)

B Elbows: Change direction side-to-side (parallel to the wall)

Standard Setup: 2 A elbows at top + 1 B elbow at bottom = complete downspout assembly

Support Clips (C)

Downspout clips secure the downspout to the wall, preventing movement and ensuring proper alignment.

Spacing: Every 5-6 feet of downspout
Installation: Screw directly into wall or siding
Material: Aluminum or vinyl to match downspout

Ordering Calculations

Complete Downspout Assembly Formula

For Each Downspout Location:

1 Outlet (F) - gutter-to-downspout connection
2 A Elbows - top transition from gutter to wall
1 B Elbow - bottom extension away from foundation
Downspout sections (D) - measure gutter to ground height
Support clips (C) - 1 per 5-6 feet of downspout

Example: 10-foot high gutter with 2 downspout locations

Per Downspout:

1 Outlet (F)
2 A Elbows
1 B Elbow
10 feet of downspout (D) - one 10-foot section
2 Support clips (C)

Total for 2 Downspouts:

2 Outlets (F)
4 A Elbows
2 B Elbows
20 feet of downspout (D) - two 10-foot sections
4 Support clips (C)

5. Support & Mounting Hardware (L, M, N)

Proper gutter support is critical for Damascus installations. Our heavy rainfall requires stronger, more frequent support than standard installations.

Hidden Hangers with Screw (L) - Best Option

Hidden hangers with screws are the gold standard for gutter support. They mount inside the gutter and screw directly into the fascia board.

Strength: Strongest option, screw provides maximum holding power
Appearance: Completely hidden inside gutter for clean look
Installation: Requires access to fascia board
Best For: Damascus installations, heavy rainfall areas, professional appearance
Spacing: 16 inches on center for Damascus (24 inches standard areas)

Hidden Hangers without Screw (M)

Hidden hangers without screws use a nail or spike instead of a screw. Less secure than screw-type hangers.

Strength: Adequate for standard installations
Appearance: Hidden inside gutter
Installation: Faster installation than screw-type
Limitation: Can work loose over time, especially with heavy snow/ice loads
Not Recommended: For Damascus heavy rainfall installations

Roof T-Straps (N) - Angled Fascia

T-straps are used when you have angled fascia or need to mount directly to the roof deck instead of the fascia board.

Application: Angled fascia, no fascia board, roof deck mounting
Installation: Strap goes over gutter edge and under shingles
Strength: Very strong when properly installed
Appearance: Visible from ground (strap shows over gutter edge)
Best For: Situations where hidden hangers won't work

Damascus Recommendation

For Damascus installations, use hidden hangers with screws (L) spaced 16 inches on center. This provides the strength needed for our 51-61 inches of annual rainfall and prevents sagging under heavy water loads.

Ordering Calculations

Hanger Quantity Formula

Standard Areas: 1 hanger per 24 inches (2 feet)

Damascus Heavy Rainfall: 1 hanger per 16 inches (1.3 feet)

Example: 120 linear feet of gutter in Damascus

120 feet ÷ 1.3 feet per hanger = 92 hangers (L)

Or approximately: 8 hangers per 10-foot section

6. Essential Accessories

These accessories aren't labeled in the diagram, but they're critical for a professional, leak-free installation.

Professional Gutter Sealant (CRITICAL)

Most Important Accessory

Professional gutter sealant is NON-NEGOTIABLE for Damascus installations. With 51-61 inches of annual rainfall, every joint will leak without proper sealing. Apply sealant to:

All miter connections (inside and outside corners)
End caps
Outlet installations
Any gutter section joints
Downspout elbow connections

Recommended: High-quality polyurethane or silicone gutter sealant designed for aluminum gutters

Assembly Screws

Gutter Assembly Screws: Connect gutter sections, secure miters, attach end caps
Downspout Assembly Screws: Connect downspout sections and elbows
Material: Stainless steel or aluminum to prevent rust
Quantity: 2-3 screws per connection point

Matching Spray Paint

Touch-up paint in your gutter color for covering scratches, screw heads, and cut edges. Maintains appearance and prevents corrosion.

Flashing / Gutter Apron

Metal flashing installed under shingles and over the back edge of the gutter. Directs water into the gutter and protects fascia from water damage.

Critical For: Proper water direction, fascia protection
Installation: Slides under shingles, extends over gutter back edge
Material: Aluminum or galvanized steel

7. Gutter Protection Systems

Gutter guards reduce maintenance by preventing leaves and debris from clogging your gutters. For Damascus' heavy rainfall and abundant trees, gutter protection is highly recommended.

Available Options

EZ-Smooth Flow (Premium Steel)

Material: Perforated steel with powder-coat finish
Performance: Excellent debris blocking, handles heavy rainfall
Durability: 20+ year lifespan
Best For: Damascus installations, homes with many trees
Investment: Premium pricing, best long-term value

Screen Covers (Economical)

Material: Aluminum or plastic mesh
Performance: Good debris blocking, may need occasional cleaning
Durability: 5-10 year lifespan
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners, fewer trees
Investment: Economical option

Micro-Mesh (Best for Damascus)

Material: Stainless steel micro-mesh
Performance: Blocks even small debris, excellent water flow
Durability: 15-25 year lifespan
Best For: Damascus heavy rainfall, pine needles, small debris
Investment: Mid-to-premium pricing, excellent value

Damascus Recommendation

For Damascus installations, we recommend micro-mesh gutter guards. They handle our heavy rainfall while blocking the small debris common in Pacific Northwest forests. The investment pays for itself in reduced maintenance and prevented clogs.

8. Installation Tips for Damascus Success

Matching Components Strategy

All components must match in size and style:

Gutter Size: 5" or 6" (choose one, don't mix)
Downspout Size: 2×3" with 5" gutters, 3×4" with 6" gutters
Color: All components in same color for consistent appearance
Material: All aluminum for compatibility and longevity

Damascus-Specific Guidelines

        Heavy Rainfall Considerations
        
Gutter Size: 6-inch K-style for 67% more capacity

Downspout Size: 3×4 inch for 78% more drainage

Hanger Spacing: 16 inches on center (not 24 inches)

Downspout Frequency: Every 30-35 feet (not 40-50 feet)

Sealant: CRITICAL at every connection point

Slope: Minimum 1/4 inch per 10 feet toward downspouts

Critical Installation Requirements

Proper Slope

Gutters must slope toward downspouts for proper drainage:

Minimum: 1/4 inch drop per 10 feet of gutter
Optimal: 1/2 inch drop per 10 feet for Damascus
Check: Use level during installation to ensure consistent slope

Sealing Every Connection

Damascus' heavy rainfall will find any unsealed joint:

Apply sealant before assembling connections
Use 2-3 screws per connection for strength
Wipe excess sealant for clean appearance
Allow 24 hours cure time before testing

Proper Hanger Installation

Strong support prevents sagging and overflow:

Use hidden hangers with screws (L) for Damascus
Space 16 inches on center (measure carefully)
Screw into solid fascia board (not just siding)
Ensure each hanger is level and properly aligned

9. Complete Ordering Calculations

Use these formulas to calculate exact quantities for your project. Accurate measurements prevent over-ordering (wasted money) or under-ordering (project delays).

Step-by-Step Ordering Guide

Step 1: Main Gutters (G)

Formula: Total linear feet of all gutter runs

Tip: Measure each side of your home and add together

Step 2: End Caps (E)

Formula: Count gutter ends (not connected to corners or downspouts)

Typical: 4-6 end caps for most homes

Step 3: Corner Miters (K, I, J, H)

Formula: Count each corner

Inside corners (valleys) = K (strip) or J (box) miters
Outside corners (peaks) = I (strip) or H (box) miters

Step 4: Downspout Locations

Formula: 1 downspout per 30-35 feet of gutter

For Each Downspout:

1 Outlet (F)
2 A Elbows
1 B Elbow
Downspout sections (D) = measure gutter to ground height
Support clips (C) = 1 per 5-6 feet of downspout

Step 5: Hangers (L, M, or N)

Damascus Formula: Total gutter feet ÷ 1.3 = number of hangers

Standard Formula: Total gutter feet ÷ 2 = number of hangers

Step 6: Essential Accessories

2-3 tubes of professional gutter sealant
1 box of gutter assembly screws
1 box of downspout assembly screws
1 can of matching spray paint
Gutter apron/flashing (linear feet = gutter linear feet)

Complete System Example

Home Specifications:

40 feet front, 30 feet back, 25 feet each side = 120 linear feet total
4 outside corners (typical rectangular home)
10-foot gutter height
Damascus location (heavy rainfall)

Complete Parts List:

Main System:

120 linear feet of 6-inch K-style gutter (G) - twelve 10-foot sections
4 end caps (E) - left and right pairs
4 outside box miters (H) - premium corners for professional appearance

Downspout System (4 locations):

4 outlets (F) - 3×4 inch size
8 A elbows - 3×4 inch size (2 per downspout)
4 B elbows - 3×4 inch size (1 per downspout)
40 linear feet of 3×4 inch downspout (D) - four 10-foot sections
8 support clips (C) - 2 per downspout

Support System:

92 hidden hangers with screws (L) - 16-inch spacing for Damascus

Accessories:

3 tubes professional gutter sealant
1 box gutter assembly screws (100 count)
1 box downspout assembly screws (50 count)
1 can matching spray paint
120 linear feet gutter apron/flashing

Optional but Recommended:

120 linear feet micro-mesh gutter guards (Damascus recommendation)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between A elbows and B elbows?

A elbows change direction front-to-back (bringing the downspout from the gutter outlet toward the wall), while B elbows change direction side-to-side (routing the downspout along the wall). A standard downspout configuration uses 2 A elbows at the top and 1 B elbow at the bottom to direct water away from your foundation.

What's the difference between strip miters and box miters?

Strip miters (K for inside, I for outside) are economical pieces that you cut and fit on-site. Box miters (J for inside, H for outside) are pre-fabricated premium corners that provide a cleaner, more professional appearance with better water flow and easier installation. For Damascus installations, we recommend box miters for their superior performance in heavy rainfall.

How many hangers do I need per foot of gutter?

Standard installation requires hangers every 24 inches (2 feet). For Damascus, Oregon's heavy rainfall (51-61 inches annually), we recommend 16-inch spacing for better support. This means approximately 1 hanger per 1.3 feet, or about 8 hangers per 10-foot section.

Should I use 2×3 or 3×4 downspouts in Damascus?

For Damascus, Oregon's 51-61 inches of annual rainfall, we strongly recommend 3×4 inch downspouts. They provide 78% more capacity than 2×3 inch downspouts, preventing overflow during heavy Pacific Northwest storms and ensuring proper drainage. The additional investment is minimal compared to the performance benefit.

Do I really need gutter sealant?

Yes, professional gutter sealant is CRITICAL for Damascus installations. With 51-61 inches of annual rainfall, every joint, miter, outlet, and end cap must be properly sealed to prevent leaks. Use high-quality polyurethane or silicone gutter sealant designed for aluminum gutters at all connections for a watertight system.

What are outlets (F) and how many do I need?

Outlets (F) are the connection pieces between your gutter and downspout. They're installed in the gutter bottom, and the downspout attaches below. You need one outlet for every downspout location. For optimal drainage in Damascus, install outlets every 30-35 feet of gutter run, which typically means 1-2 downspouts per side of your home.

Can I mix 5-inch and 6-inch gutters?

While technically possible, it's not recommended. Mixing sizes creates aesthetic inconsistency and complicates parts ordering. For Damascus homes, we recommend 6-inch K-style gutters throughout for consistent appearance and superior capacity to handle heavy rainfall. The 67% additional capacity is worth the investment.

What are hidden hangers (L, M) vs T-straps (N)?

Hidden hangers (L with screw, M without screw) mount inside the gutter and attach to the fascia board, providing a clean appearance. T-straps (N) are used when you have angled fascia or need to mount to the roof deck. Hidden hangers with screws (L) are the most secure option for Damascus installations, providing maximum strength for heavy rainfall loads.

How do I know if I need inside or outside corner miters?

Stand at the corner and look at the gutter. If the corner forms a valley (like a V pointing toward you), it's an inside corner needing K (strip) or J (box) miters. If it forms a peak (like a V pointing away), it's an outside corner needing I (strip) or H (box) miters. Most rectangular homes have 4 outside corners.

What accessories are essential for installation?

Essential accessories include: professional gutter sealant (CRITICAL - don't skip this), gutter assembly screws, downspout assembly screws, matching spray paint for touch-ups, and gutter apron/flashing for proper water direction. The sealant is the difference between a leak-free system and constant problems, especially in Damascus' heavy rainfall.