Among the most effective ways to delay the need for a roof replacement is to ensure your gutters and downspouts are in good shape. These home exterior components are can help you avoid costly repairs for water damage. If you’ve noticed that your gutters are not draining water properly or your roof is in a bad state, it could be that you need to address a downspout issue.
Continue reading for tips on how to deal with common downspout problems.
What Are Downspouts and Why Are They Important?
Your downspouts are just as important as your gutters in your home’s defense against water damage. They are a component similar to pipes that are connected to your gutters and attached along the sides of your home. Downspouts divert water and bring them away from your property.
They prevent rainwater from getting absorbed by the soil, which can lead to soil moisture level imbalance. As a result, your home’s structural integrity will suffer, and you may have to deal with costly foundation repairs. You’ll know you are dealing with this problem if large cracks are visible in load-bearing walls and your flooring is uneven. Foundation problems may also be present if you are having trouble opening and closing some doors.
Without downspouts, moisture will likely cause trouble in your indoor and outdoor spaces. If this component is not functioning properly, your roof, siding, windows and doors may deteriorate early. Then there is also the risk for basement flooding, foundation problems, structural issues, and corrosion in your landscaping. These problems can all affect your home’s curb appeal and even lower its value. You can easily avoid these issues by calling a reliable roofing contractor if your downspouts have problems.
What Causes Downspout Issues?
Inappropriate Sizing
Your downspouts may not work efficiently if they are not the right size for your home. The bigger this home exterior component is, the better. Larger downspouts can direct water more effectively away from your house. On the other hand, if they are small, they are more likely to get clogs that could affect their efficiency.
Lack of Maintenance
You can avoid early roof replacement and expensive repairs with regular maintenance. It’s the same for your downspouts. When you don’t take proper care of your downspouts, they are more likely to clog. Dried leaves, branches, and other debris can keep your gutters and downspouts from draining water efficiently. With the lack of proper maintenance, it won’t take long for basement flooding and home exterior damage to occur.
Insufficient Length
Your downspouts will not function well if they are too short. If this is the case, rainwater can back up to your roof, drip to your siding, and even cause flooding in your basement. Experts recommend getting a permanent extension or hinge kickers for your downspouts. These attachments will let you fold them up while you are doing some yard work. They can bring water even further away from your property without having the trouble of having downspouts that are too long and compromising your home’s appeal.
You Need More Downspouts
With an insufficient number of downspouts, it would be hard for your home to handle severe rainfalls. An experienced gutter or roofing contractor can determine if you have enough downspouts and install more if necessary. At Shine Construction Inc., you can rely on our skilled team to help with all your home exterior needs. From roof repairs and siding replacement to skylight and gutter installation, we’ve got you covered.
Ice Accumulation
Damage due to ice buildup is also typical in downspouts. It occurs if there is debris clogging your gutters or anything in the system slowing water flow. This issue can also develop when heavy snowfall blocks the mouth of your downspouts. To avoid ice buildup and frozen downspouts, get regular inspections and maintenance. You may also want to consider investing in a maintenance plan so it will be easier to keep track of the condition of your gutters and downspouts.
How Do You Avoid Downspout Problems?
Schedule Regular Gutter Inspection and Maintenance
Proper care remains the best way to protect your gutters and downspouts from damage. Schedule cleaning regularly, preferably during spring and twice in the fall. After an extreme weather event hits your area, get an inspection and have them cleaned again. While being simple, accomplishing these tasks can prolong the life of your roof, gutters, and downspouts.
Invest in a High-Quality Gutter Protection System
You can make your downspouts even easier to maintain with a gutter protection system. Gutter guards or covers will keep debris from clogging your gutters and downspouts. It means that you won’t have to clean them as much anymore. A good drainage system will help you save money on home exterior and roof repair costs.
Check the Path of Water
To determine where the path of water is in your landscaping, use a hose and fill your gutters with water. You can also observe where the water goes when it is raining. Water flowing from your gutters should be directed into a dry well or storm sewer. If this is not the same, you likely need to get a longer downspout. However, if this fix does not do the trick, you may need to have the slope of your yard changed.
Have Your Downspouts Extended
Downspouts should be at least two to three feet long. However, if your yard slopes to the direction of your home’s foundation, you will need to get longer downspouts. Another option is to use a downspout extension.
Check End Caps
The ends of gutters have caps that sometimes get lost or damaged by debris from trees. During your gutter inspection, your contractor should check if these caps are still intact. Missing or damaged ones should be replaced or repaired.
When it’s time to get new gutters, you can count on Shine Construction Inc. for superior installation services. We also specialize in roof repair, deck building and snow roof removal. Give us a call at (508) 278-3300 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.
