The itsy bitsy spider uses them for getting around. But what is the purpose of downspouts? Are downspouts necessary? Please allow us to shower you with information about the purpose and value of downspouts.
Why Downspouts?
You may notice that many commercial properties, outbuildings, and farm structures have no downspouts. So why does your residential property need them? Downspouts move rainwater out of your gutters and away from your foundations. Downspouts keep your foundations dry and intact; without them, seepwater can erode the cast concrete or block that holds up your house.
Some folks replace downspouts with rain chains, which are lovely and seem to nearly (almost) serve the same purpose. Yet rain chains, unless they are emptying into basins or allowing water to flow into downspout extensions, will allow water to puddle directly against your home. That weakens foundations and flattens the drainage slope of landscaping.
How Many Downspouts?
Most homes use 5-inch gutters; anything larger will overpower your home’s facade. With 5-inch gutters, downspouts every 25 to 30 feet will allow for proper drainage, even in the worst storms. The maximum distance between downspouts should be 40 feet.
Seamless gutters remove one of the obstacles to smoothly flowing water, but downspouts can create additional obstacles:
- Clogs from leaf litter
- Loose connections between gutter and downspout
- Poor seaming between gutter and downspout
Rather than wonder “How many downspouts do I need on my gutter,” you may wish to ask, “Who is best qualified to install this part of my roof system?”
They are Part of Your Roof
This is true: gutters and downspouts are part of your roof system. They are the last step in ushering water off the roof, away from your attic, walls, and foundation. They need to be installed by roofers who can determine the ideal pitch (slant) of the gutter, place downspouts strategically, and ensure adequate drainage.
Not only will a roofer respect the roof, perform the installation safely, and preserve your home’s fascia (the horizontal trim behind the gutter), your roofer’s technicians can spot roofing and drainage issues fast. Removing old gutters often reveals problems:
- Rotted fascia
- Insect damage
- Water infiltration
- Soffit vent problems
Equipped with supplies, proper safety equipment and machines that produce seamless gutters in any desired length, your roofer can correct any damage before the new gutters go on. For expert gutter installation, contact us at Victors Roofing today!
