Gutter Elbows Make Water Flow

Did you ever take a closer look at the gutter elbows on your house, and notice how they position the straight sections in different directions? This ensures water from the eaves flows smoothly through the downspouts, and continues on its way.

Eaves trough installers may use a combination of different contours to achieve their goal, as the pipes twist left, right, forward and backward according the style of architecture of the building. However, they avoid right angles to discourage debris blocking up.

Is Mixing and Matching Downspout Materials a Good Idea?

This is not a practical solution, because it affects the visual impact. Moreover, the various parts can’t fit together tightly so there will be leaks. Besides, any narrowing can slow the flow and cause water (and debris) to back up. These are some of several reasons why we don’t recommend mixing and matching.

Did You Know Elbows (and Downspouts) Come in Different Sizes?

That’s right. Most gutter elbows may come in ten and 12 inch lengths, but their diameters do vary. The first aluminum downspouts (and their elbows) measured two by three inches across. Although the industry later standardized on three by four inches to improve the flow.

Round aluminum down pipes either three inches or four inches diameter are a more recent innovation. It’s a question of matching their capacity to the maximum flow of water the eaves troughs deliver in typical rainstorma.

Why Are There ‘A’ and ‘B’ Type Rectangular Elbows

Symmetrical round downspouts only require one type of elbow to change direction. However, rectangular ones are not square, and hence they require two different types. We use ‘A’ style ones to move the flow away or towards a wall. While ‘B’ types apply when the flow needs to shift towards the left and the right.

We Welcome More Inquiries at Valiant Exteriors

You’ll have loads more questions to ask when considering your gutter type and installer. There’s more to installing eaves troughs and downspouts than initially comes to mind. That’s because they are a system that works together as a team.

We are always happier when we explain things fully to our clients, although my regulars often say ‘I trust you Martin, go right ahead’. Please be in touch if you require work on your roof, gutters, soffits, or siding. Call us at (403)829-1661 in Calgary during business hours, or post us a message at any time it suits.