What is the main job of a rain gutter?
AnswerTo collect roof rainwater and carry it away from the building
Gutters catch water running off the roof and channel it to downspouts, away from walls and foundations.
Home · Facts & stats
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 is the vertical pipe that carries water down from a gutter called?
AnswerA downspout
A downspout, also called a downpipe or leader, carries gutter water to the ground or a drain.
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.
Know these cold?Today's round is five questions like these, 20 seconds each. Your streak and level follow you to every arena.Play today's round