ABOUT u.s. RAIN GUTTERS institute
The U.S. Rain Gutter Institute provides the American homeowner with practical, useful information about residential rainware including rain gutters, downspouts and accessories, leaf protection systems and related services. We are a privately funded organization populated by volunteers hoping to help consumers understand rain gutters.

Different Types of Rain Gutters

Within our website, visitors can find a wealth of information about the various types of gutter systems, including 5” and 6” k-style and box gutters, the materials they are made from including aluminum, vinyl, copper and wood, the gauge or thickness of different gutters, the difference between sectional and seamless gutters, colors and the kinds of problems the average homeowner may face with a roof drainage system that fails.

Glossary and Photos of Rain Gutter Accessories

Also on the Institute’s website is a photo gallery of gutter elements and accessories, to help homeowners understand the different parts that a roof drainage contractor might mention or reference in an estimate. We have also provided homeowners with a glossary of commonly used terms to help them with their research.

Downspouts: A Critical Element

Gutters collect the water but downspouts or leaders are critical in dispersing it away from the house. The Institute website tells homeowners how to keep downspouts clean, what to do when they fall into disrepair and how to use them and other accessories to make sure rainwater drains properly away from the house.

Guidelines in Choosing a Roof Drainage Contractor

The website also provides homeowners who plan to replace or repair gutters with a series of simple guidelines for choosing a roof drainage contractor and what a contractor should be expected to provide in preparation for repairs or replacements. We have also provided the homeowner with a way to gauge the material needs of a typical gutter job using typical materials.

Leaf Protection Systems

The Rain Gutter Institute website also features a section on the different types of leaf protection products in the marketplace today including hoods, screens and sponge and bristle materials. The section addresses the functions of each leaf protection roof drainage system and what a homeowner should know before making a purchase.

Rain Gutter Advisors

Our Institute advisors have more than 30 years of experience working with homeowners, contractors and manufacturers in the building products industry to provide useful information about a wide variety of products and to acquaint homeowners and contractors with new products and technologies of interest to them. Our goal is to help consumers learn as much as possible about the basics of gutter systems before they make a repair or replacement decision.

Roof Drainage - Careful Planning

You may note that our information is not geared toward the do-it-yourselfer. We are of the firm belief that the repair and replacement of roof drainage systems and related materials are best left in the hands of competent and qualified gutter installment and repair professionals. First priority to homeowners should be their own safety whether they are investigating the current status of their gutter systems or moving ahead with plans to repair or replace them.

We hope you find the Institute website useful.