Your gutters protect your roof from leaks by diverting rainwater to the drains. But to do their job properly, the gutter hangers (which provide support for your gutter system) and the downspouts (which divert water to the drains) should be adequately spaced.
How far apart do your gutters’ downspouts need to be? Gutter Helmet® of Minnesota, your go-to company for the best gutter systems in the local area, explains below:
There Should Be a Downspout for Every 40 Linear Feet of Gutter
As a general rule, there should be a downspout for every 40 linear feet of gutter. If your gutter system doesn’t have enough downspouts, water may overflow and spill onto the concrete pavement. And left unattended, overflowing water may eventually seep into the foundation of your home.
Important note: keep in mind that the placement of the downspouts also matters. Downspouts shouldn’t be installed near your home’s foundation or improperly pitched pavement stones and walkways. That’s because paving stones and walkways may prevent water from draining away and cause it to back up.
What if moving your downspouts to another location isn’t an option? There’s the option of installing downspout extensions, which can help divert rainwater away from the foundation of your home. However, to be effective, the downspouts should move the water’s discharge point at least four feet away from your home.
The Importance of Routine Gutter Maintenance
Even with adequately spaced downspouts, your gutters might not be able to properly divert water if they’re clogged with leaves and other types of debris. That’s why it’s important to clean your gutters routinely.
What if you just don’t have the time for chores like gutter cleaning? We recommend installing gutter guards, which can reduce your gutter’s maintenance needs by preventing leaves and other debris from entering and clogging your gutters. Keep in mind that gutter guards can only reduce, not eliminate your gutter’s maintenance needs. That is except for Gutter Helmet®, the only gutter guards on the market with a Never Clean Your Gutters Again® guarantee.
Gutter Helmet of Minnesota offers premium gutter guards and the best gutter systems in the local area. To request a free quote, call us at (866) 200-5339 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Monticello, Minnesota as well as the surrounding communities.
