The downspouts are an important component of your gutter system. They direct rainwater away from your property, making sure your home’s exteriors, landscaping and foundations remain dry and intact. Thus, they deserve the same attention as the gutters, especially when there’s a problem that prevents them from performing their intended function.
Expert Contracting, one of the leading gutter and roofing companies in the area, presents a quick guide on troubleshooting the most common downspout issues.
Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
The amount of rainwater that comes out of the downspout should be the same as the one coming from the gutters. There’s a big chance that there is a clog inside if there’s little to no water flowing out of the downspout’s exit point or terminus. Remove it immediately using a drain auger. Some downspouts can be disassembled by removing the segments before cleaning the insides. Ignoring the clog for a long time may lead to problems, such as overflowing gutters.
Improper Downspout Sizing
Gutter and roof replacement experts make sure that the gutter systems they install can handle rainwater well. They take several factors into account, including the roof slope and the average recorded rainfall in the area. From these, the pros determine the shape and profile of the gutters system. Poor design, unfortunately, is not uncommon. Inexperienced homeowners perform the installation themselves to save on costs while disregarding the aforementioned factors. This results in undersized downspouts, which then leads to improper drainage. Letting the pros do the work should prevent problems caused by the improper gutter and downspout sizing.
Inadequate Downspout Length
Downspouts should be long enough to direct water runoff away from your property. Ideally, they should terminate near street gutters, French drains or any sloped terrain. It should also be at least 10 feet away from the exterior walls. If they are too short, the pros can install extensions connected to underground drain pipes. This prevents rainwater from leaking in your basement and minimizes soil erosion near your home.
In addition to roof repair, replacement and maintenance, Expert Contracting’s team of professionals also has experience when it comes to gutter installations. Whether you need vinyl, copper or aluminum gutters, we can install the right system that fits your home’s requirements. Call (716) 572-7303 or fill out our contact form to request an estimate. We serve homeowners in Hamburg, NY, and the surrounding communities.