Your gutters are an important part of your roof’s first line of defense against moisture damage. However, some homeowners find them too unsightly.
What are the ways you can hide unsightly downspouts, or at least draw attention away from them?
Paint Your Downspouts
The most cost-effective way to hide unsightly downspouts is to paint them. However, it isn’t as simple as it seems. For instance, if you have metal downspouts installed, you’d need to use specialized paint to reinforce metal against weathering. That’s why it’d be a good idea to consult a roofing contractor before painting your downspouts. Contractors can give recommendations about the kind of paint that’s most suited to your area’s climate. Not to mention they can give some tips on how to improve your exterior design.
Use Vines or Tall Plants to Obscure Your Downspouts
Homeowners with a green thumb or those who want their home to stand out might want to use the less conventional but equally effective method of using vines or trees to hide downspouts. If you want to use vines, these species can hide downspouts effectively: Evergreen Clematis vines, Cup-and-Saucer vines and annual sweet pea vines. You can wrap the vines around the downspouts to direct their growth along the material.
There’s also the option of using tall leafy potted plants to hide your downspouts. One advantage of using tall leafy plants instead of vines is that they’re easier to trim. Remember: Plant growth is unpredictable, which is why you’ll need to trim the vines or plants occasionally if you’re using this method.
Taking Care of Your Downspouts
Downspouts sometimes interfere with your home’s exterior design, but it’s important not to overlook their primary function, which is to divert rainwater away from your roof and toward the drains. To prevent your gutters and by extension your downspouts from getting clogged, contractors recommend installing gutter covers, which prevent leaves and other debris from entering and clogging your gutters.
Keep in mind that gutter covers can only reduce, not eliminate, your gutters’ maintenance needs. That is except for Gutter Helmet®, the best gutter covers and the only one with a Never Clean Your Gutters Again® guarantee.
Want to know more about Gutter Helmet’s features?
Infinity Home Improvement offers professional exterior services as well as Gutter Helmet gutter guards, the best gutter covers on the market. To get a free quote, call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Wyoming, Michigan, as well as the surrounding communities.
