Your gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home, protecting it from water damage. Issues with these components can result in a long list of problems, including roofing issues, weakened foundation and damaged exterior.
Read on to learn how to troubleshoot common downspout problems.
Clogging
There’s a huge chance that you have clogged gutters if rainwater is pouring over the edges of your gutters and not going down the downspouts. Ignoring this problem can cause water to back up onto the roof and overflow onto your exterior. You’ll also likely see water in your basement because water isn’t being deflected away from the house. Fix your clogged gutters as soon as possible to avoid costly home and roof repair bills.
Insufficient Size
Bigger downspouts are better. Larger downspouts can direct water more effectively away from your home. There should also be enough downspouts to handle the anticipated runoff amount.
Downspouts that are too small increase the likelihood of clogging from debris. They will also not direct water properly if they aren’t long enough. When your downspouts are too small, rainwater can fill your basement.
You can have downspouts with a permanently attached extension or hinge kickers to let allow you to fold up downspouts when maintaining your yard. Underground downspouts with a pop-up system in the lawn will direct water further away from your foundation without the hassle of having very long downspouts that aren’t safe and eyesores. You can also avoid soil erosion within your home with this system.
Have your gutters and downspouts inspected and cleaned at least twice a year to ensure they remain clog-free and to detect early signs of deterioration. Turn to Thompson Roofing and Construction for your home exterior needs. We are your leading siding, gutter and roofing contractor. Call us at (256) 952-3309, or fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We work with homeowners in Huntsville, AL.
