Rain is an important part of your local ecosystem, but it has to be kept away from your home to protect it from moisture damage and mold growth. A downspout is an essential component of every gutter system, gathering rainwater and channeling it away from your home. Understanding what this part of your gutter system is and how it works will help you keep it in peak condition throughout the year. Here’s what to know.

What Is a Downspout?

A downspout is a pipe connected to your gutters. It runs to the ground, directing water and debris away from your home. Downspouts are typically situated at the corners of your house, where gravity will carry water and the pipes can redirect it as far as possible from the foundation. A hole is cut into the gutter, into which the downspout is inserted and tightly sealed to prevent leaks.

The lower end of the pipe is often curved away from the building to reduce the chance of water pooling near the foundation. Water can be deflected even farther with the addition of a splash guard, and a trench may even be beneficial for homes with persistent pooling problems.

Why Are They Important?

Downspouts are key to avoiding some of the most severe problems with rainwater. If water isn’t removed from a roof, it can settle in low areas or corners, causing moisture buildup, rot, and warping. In colder weather, it can freeze, causing roofing to warp or crack.

Similar problems can be found in the lower part of a house, where even if water doesn’t leak directly into a crawl space, it can build up along concrete foundations and break through if not drained completely.

Water that pools for too long or too often in one section of your yard will gradually displace soil and kill grass and other plants. This yard erosion is common in lower or level areas near buildings. Downspouts can be extended away from your home or redirected into gravel trenches to effectively disperse rainwater and avoid this issue.

 

To make the most of your gutters and keep your downspouts in excellent condition, turn to Borden Seamless Guttering & Siding in Algood, TN. This business has performed gutter cleaning, repairs, and installation since 1976. To schedule an appointment, call (931) 528-2816, or visit them online to learn more about how they can help.