View as

8 products

Sort By

Best selling
  • Sort By

How to Choose the Right Elbows

Close-up of a white gutter system on a house with a blue sky background

Planning Your Elbow Requirements

Effective drainage routing starts with understanding your installation challenges. Rectangular Elbows work with K-Style Gutters and come in A-Style (closer to walls) or B-Style (better flow, more clearance) configurations. Round Elbows pair with Half Round Gutters and come in Smooth (modern) or Corrugated (traditional) styles for different architectural needs.

Consider your specific routing requirements. A-Style Elbows work best when water needs to be redirected gently sideways, either along the wall or for upper connections. B-Style Elbows are ideal when the downspout must be turned sharply to the left or right or expelled forcefully away from the foundation. Round Elbows maintain the curved aesthetic essential for traditional or contemporary Round Downspout systems.

A-Style vs B-Style Configurations

A-Style Elbows create a gentle, sideways turn that directs water alongside or close to walls, making them ideal for guiding Downspouts in tight spaces or maintaining proximity to the home’s exterior. This configuration may offer less water flow compared to B-Style Elbows, since its angle is less direct. In contrast, B-Style Elbows provide a sharp, 90-degree turn that positions the Downspout further away from the building’s foundation, resulting in superior water expulsion and generally less restriction to flow.

Custom Angle Solutions

Standard Elbows handle most installations, but challenging situations may require custom solutions. Our production team can create custom hit configurations to help you navigate around HVAC lines, window wells, protruding fascia, or unusual architectural obstacles. Custom-hit Elbows allow precise angle adjustments for complex routing requirements.

Custom options include adjusted angles less or more than the standard 75-90 degrees, modified offset distances, and multi-hit configurations for navigating multiple obstacles. These custom solutions ensure proper drainage routing regardless of installation challenges while maintaining secure connections and optimal water flow throughout the system.

Product Comparison

Product Size Style Colors Available Best For
2x3" A-Style Elbow 2x3" Rectangular A-Style 20+ colors 5-Inch Gutters, tight spaces
2x3" B-Style Elbow 2x3" Rectangular B-Style 20+ colors 5-Inch Gutters, optimal flow
3x4-Inch A-Style Elbow 3x4" Rectangular A-Style 20+ colors 6-Inch Gutters, close positioning
3x4-Inch B-Style Elbow 3x4" Rectangular B-Style 20+ colors 6-Inch Gutters, maximum flow
3-Inch Round Elbow 3" diameter Smooth Round White, Brown Modern Round Downspouts
4-Inch Round Elbow 4" diameter Smooth Round White, Brown Large capacity modern systems
3-Inch Corrugated Round Elbow 3" diameter Traditional Corrugated White, Brown Historic restoration, Half Round systems
4-Inch Corrugated Round Elbow 4" diameter Traditional Corrugated White, Brown Large traditional systems, premium restoration

You'll Also Need...

View All

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a general guide only and may not address your specific site conditions. If you are not experienced with this type of work, hire a qualified contractor.

How do I choose between A-Style and B-Style Elbows?

Use A-Style when space is tight and you need Downspouts close to walls. Choose B-Style when you want maximum water flow and can position Downspouts further from the building. B-Style provides superior flow but requires more clearance.

Can you make custom angle Elbows for unusual installations?

Yes, our production team can create custom hit configurations with adjusted angles, modified offsets, or multi-hit designs to navigate around obstacles like HVAC lines, window wells, or protruding architectural features.

What's the difference between Round and Corrugated Round Elbows?

Smooth Round Elbows have clean, modern appearance and are easier to clean inside. Corrugated Round Elbows have traditional ridges that add strength and provide authentic historic styling for restoration projects.

How many colors are available for rectangular Elbows?

All Rectangular Elbows (2x3" and 3x4" in both A and B styles) are available in 20+ baked-on enamel colors to match your complete Gutter system. Round Elbows are available in white and brown.

How many Elbows do I typically need for an installation?

Most installations use a two-Elbow configuration - one at the Gutter outlet to direct water toward the wall, and another to turn flow downward. Complex routing around obstacles may require additional Elbows or custom configurations.

What's the proper way to connect Elbows to Downspouts?

Crimp the upper Downspout piece to fit inside the lower connection, apply Gutter Sealant to joints, and secure with Hex Screws or Pop Rivets on both front and back for maximum holding power.

Do Round Elbows reduce water flow capacity?

Round Elbows maintain the same interior diameter as the Downspout, so they don't significantly reduce capacity. However, any direction change creates some flow resistance, so use only the number of Elbows necessary for proper routing.

Can I mix different Elbow styles in the same installation?

While possible, it's better to use consistent styles throughout an installation. Mixing A and B styles can create uneven flow characteristics, and Round Elbows require Round Downspouts throughout the system.

What size fasteners should I use to secure Elbows?

Use Hex Screws or Pop Rivets to secure Elbow joints. Install fasteners on both front and back of each connection for maximum holding power and to prevent separation under water pressure.

Are custom Elbows more expensive than standard configurations?

Custom Elbow requests typically require specialized production time slots, so they cost more than standard options. However, they're often the most cost-effective solution for challenging installations that would otherwise require multiple standard Elbows or additional routing.

More About Our Elbows

Choosing the Right Elbow Configuration

Proper Downspout routing requires understanding the different Elbow configurations available and matching them to specific installation requirements. Rectangular Elbows serve K-Style Gutter Systems with A-Style and B-Style options providing different positioning and flow characteristics. Round Elbows maintain the curved aesthetic essential for Half Round Gutter Systems while offering Smooth or Corrugated styling for different architectural applications.

The fundamental difference between A-Style and B-Style rectangular Elbows affects both installation flexibility and drainage performance. A-Style configurations position Downspouts closer to building walls through asymmetrical design, making them ideal for tight spaces but with some flow restriction. B-Style Elbows provide symmetrical flow paths that maximize drainage efficiency while positioning Downspouts further from structures for better clearance and maintenance access.

Material Quality and Color Coordination

Professional Elbow installations require materials that match the quality and appearance of complete Gutter Systems. Our .019" aluminum construction provides optimal durability for residential and commercial applications while maintaining lightweight handling characteristics. The baked-on enamel finish available in 20+ colors for rectangular Elbows ensures seamless coordination with Gutters and Downspouts throughout the installation.

Round Elbows in white and brown finishes coordinate with Round Downspout systems while maintaining the specialized color options appropriate for traditional and contemporary Round installations. The limited color selection reflects the specific applications where Round systems are typically specified, focusing on functional performance and authentic styling rather than extensive color matching.

Custom Fabrication Solutions

Standard Elbow configurations handle most residential and commercial installations, but challenging architectural situations often require custom solutions. Our fabrication capabilities include modified angles, adjusted offsets, and multi-hit configurations that navigate complex routing requirements while maintaining structural integrity and optimal water flow characteristics.

Custom Elbow fabrication addresses real-world installation challenges including HVAC equipment, architectural features, landscaping requirements, and building code compliance. These engineered solutions ensure proper drainage function regardless of site constraints while maintaining the professional appearance and long-term reliability expected from quality Gutter Systems.

Submit an RFQ or Questions

Please feel free to contact us - we promise to respond to your inquiry within the next business day. For longer requests, visit our RFQ page.