Gutters are a vital component of any American home. After all, not only do they protect your home from moisture damage, but they also help improve your home’s curb appeal. What some homeowners don’t know, however, is that you can actually accessorize your gutters beyond the usual gutter caps. In fact, two of the most beneficial accessories that you can opt for are splash blocks and downspout extensions.
Here are the pros and cons of splash blocks and downspout extensions.
Splash Blocks
Splash blocks are rectangular pieces of plastic or concrete that you can place below your downspouts to catch the water and divert it away from your home. With these, you can easily prevent soil erosion and moisture damage to your foundation in the process. Another advantage of splash blocks is that, depending on your preferences, you can choose between a narrow splash block or a wider one that’s capable of handling heavy runoff to a broader area.
Despite these clear advantages, however, keep in mind that you’ll have to check on your splash blocks every now and then as they could easily be knocked out of place by foot traffic or lawn maintenance equipment.
Downspout Extensions
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on the other hand, if you’re looking for an effective way to carry runoff rainwater further away from your foundation, then downspout extensions are the way to go. Unlike splash blocks, you can opt to install them either above or below ground. When it comes to downspout extensions, experts highly recommend that you install them below ground as not only can they negatively impact your home’s curb appeal, but they can also sustain damage from lawn maintenance materials as well. By installing them underground, you can easily avoid the damage while maintaining your curb appeal and preventing moisture damage to your home’s foundation at the same time.
Want to install splash blocks or downspout extensions for your home? Simply turn to Carolina Gutter Helmet® & More, your leading experts when it comes to installing gutter caps and gutter maintenance services. Give us a call at (800) 824-3772, or fill out our contact form to get a FREE quote. We serve homeowners in Greer, SC, and other nearby areas.
