Which part of a roof overhangs the walls, where gutters are usually fitted?
AnswerThe eaves
The eaves are the lower edges of the roof that extend past the walls.
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Gutter facts & stats
8 fact-checked facts about rain gutters, each with the reason behind it. 4 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
What often happens when gutters get clogged with leaves?
AnswerWater overflows and can soak walls and foundations
Blocked gutters spill water over their edges, which can damage siding, foundations and landscaping.
Going deeper
In Canada, gutters are commonly called what?
AnswerEavestroughs
'Eavestrough' describes a trough under the eaves and is widely used in Canada.
About how many US gallons run off 1,000 square feet of roof in 1 inch of rain?
AnswerAbout 623 gallons
One inch over 1,000 sq ft is 144,000 cubic inches, and a US gallon is 231 cubic inches, giving about 623 gallons.
Gargoyles on old buildings were originally designed to do what?
AnswerSpout rainwater away from the walls
A true gargoyle is a carved waterspout; the name comes from French 'gargouille', meaning throat.
Why are gutters installed with a slight slope?
AnswerSo water flows toward the downspout
A gentle fall along the gutter lets gravity carry water to the outlet instead of pooling.
Expert level
Rain chains, used in place of downspouts, come from a tradition in which country?
AnswerJapan
Japanese kusari-doi guide rainwater down a chain of links or cups, often into a basin.
Why can water freezing in a gutter or pipe cause damage?
AnswerWater expands by about 9% when it freezes
Ice takes up about 9% more volume than liquid water, which can split pipes and bend gutters.
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