Your gutters and downspouts work in tandem to ensure that your home is protected against water exposure. They make this happen by catching runoff and channeling it where it can’t do any damage. Most of the draining performance, however, comes from the downspouts. Without them, rainwater would just back up and overflow from your gutters. You’ll want to make sure your downspouts can stay in good shape, and the first step is learning more about them. One of the area’s premier roofing companies, Expert Contracting shares some quick facts about your downspouts.
- Downspouts are customizable. They are available in round and rectangular styles, which can fit with most traditional and contemporary homes. Downspouts also come in different colors, but they will usually match the hue of the gutters to create a smoother and more seamless look. And while downspouts are not always noticeable on their own, they do contribute greatly to the overall aesthetic of your home when taken in with the rest of its exterior visual elements.
- Downspouts should be sized correctly. This way, they can effectively handle the amount of runoff coming down the roof and gutters. Downspouts that are too small won’t drain rainwater from your gutters fast enough, allowing it to back up inside the system and slip over its sides. This, in turn, exposes your home’s exterior, windows and foundation to possible water damage. To ensure this won’t happen, consult a premier gutter and roof repair company like Expert Contracting. We’ll take a close look at your gutters and downspouts to determine if they’re the right size for your home and roof. If that’s not the case, we can offer alternative sizes to better ensure superior draining performance.
- Downspouts should be the right number. One or two downspouts just won’t do. In fact, there should be a downspout installed every 20 to 25 feet of roofline–or more, depending on the size of your roof and the amount of rainfall your area gets on average.
- Downspout placement matters. For example, they should not be installed near the exterior door or window of a basement. That’s because the runoff they drain can easily pool around the area and leak into the space. Downspouts should not be placed near paving stones, as well, for the reason that these stones create a sort of ‘dam’ that traps the water close to your home’s exterior walls.
Let Us Handle Your Gutter and Downspout Needs
Aside from professional roof replacement, Expert Contracting also provides reliable gutter repair and installation services. With our top-tier solutions, we’ll make sure your home can remain safe and intact against water and moisture damage. We proudly serve the areas in and around West Seneca, NY. Call us today at (716) 572-7303 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.