Like knowing how to clean your gutters with gutter guards, proper downspout placement is also essential. When it rains or the snow melts, the downspouts help ensure the water is diverted into a safe distance from your home. This component is vital in keeping your home protected against water damage.
Continue reading to find out why the location of your downspouts matter.
Where Is the Ideal Place for Your Downspouts?
There should be one downspout for every 20 to 30 linear feet of gutters. The roof pitch should be considered when deciding where to place gutters and downspouts. It is to prevent water from backing up to the roof and overflowing to the rest of the house’s exterior.
Make sure not to place downspouts near basement windows or crawlspaces to minimize the likelihood of leaks and floods. Another important thing to do is to grade the soil surrounding your property, to avoid water from pooling around the foundation. Any pavers near the downspouts must be pitched away from the walls of the house to keep water from backing up.
What Happens When Your Downspouts Are Not Placed Properly?
Water will pool near your home if the downspouts fail to do its job. Your garden can suffer as water can cause plants and shrubbery to turn yellow and attractive. Another concerning thing about standing water is that it can encourage mosquito breeding. Eventually, water will leak into your basement, causing mold and cracks on the wall. When water seeps into the foundation, your home’s structural integrity will be compromised.
To ensure proper gutter and downspout installation, choose a reliable contractor like Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville. Curious about how to clean gutters with gutter guards? Contact our team today! Call us at (800) 824-3772 or fill out our online contact form to get a free quote.
