Downspouts are crucial to the performance of your gutter system. They ensure that the water runoff from your roof can be safely directed and discharged away from your home, preventing significant water damage particularly to your home’s foundation, basement and roofing.
In this post, Gutter Helmet of Eastern Shore — a trusted provider of gutter protection service — shares a few basic information about downspouts that you should know.
Downspout Choices
You can choose from different types of downspouts, with the most popular options including K-style, round and rectangular. As their names imply, round and rectangular downspouts have round and rectangular shapes, respectively. However, the most recommended type of downspout is K-style, which features an asymmetrical design with one side shaped like the letter “K.” K-style downspouts can also handle a larger volume of water, so they are generally considered the most effective type of downspouts that can prevent damage.
Downspout Drainage
Of course, having a large volume capacity and good design would be pointless if you don’t have proper downspout drainage. Drainage ensures that your downspouts can empty their contents away from your home and the water won’t seep into the ground near your home’s foundation. As a rule of thumb, water should be discharged at least six feet away from the foundation if your property is level.
Number of Downspouts
Make sure you have a sufficient number of downspouts installed on your home as well. If your downspouts are too few, water could back up, spill over your gutters and/or flood your lawn or basement. Typically, experts install one downspout every 20 to 25 feet of roof line, but they also consider the roof size and the average local rainfall to determine an appropriate number of downspouts for a particular home.
Get a Free Quote Today!
Gutter Helmet of Eastern Shore is a locally owned and operated company that specializes in gutter protection service and products. We have been operating for over 10 years, and our team can guarantee excellent workmanship that’s worth your time and money.
Call us at (866) 333-8150 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve customers in Salisbury, Maryland, and the surrounding areas.
