Downspouts are an extension of your home's gutter system. A home's gutter system plays an important role in keeping the roof and home's structure in good condition. When your home's structure and foundation become compromised, the issues can be extensive and costly.
Not sure how many downspouts you need? Northpoint Roofing Systems is here to help you understand the importance and placement of your downspouts.
The Components of a Gutter System
Your home's gutter system has two main components: the gutters themselves and the downspouts. Gutter systems are responsible for capturing and channeling water away from the structure of your home. To achieve that goal, gutters and downspouts have their own set of responsibilities.
The Role of Gutters
Gutters guide rainwater off the roof of your home and direct it away from your property. This protects your home's walls, roofing, and foundation from water damage. Gutters negate the possibility of soil erosion, leaky basements, and damage sustained to the home's structure.
The Purpose of Downspouts
The purpose of downspouts is to serve as the transportation method to carry rainwater away from your home's structure. The vertical shape of a downspout that curves out from the home at the bottom is there to efficiently direct the water away. Ultimately, the shape of the downspout helps prevent water damage.
How Many Downspouts Do I Need?
So how many downspouts does your home need? The answer depends on how many feet of gutter your home has. Known as the "downspout rule," there should be one downspout for every 30-40 feet of gutter length. One downspout shouldn't be responsible for draining more than 35 feet of gutters.
When trying to determine how many downspouts your home needs, these factors also need to be considered:
- Roof area. The larger the roof, the more rain the roof is going to catch. A bigger roof means a bigger gutter system, so you'll likely need more downspouts to compensate.
- Roof slope. If your roof has a higher slope, your gutters are going to have to process water quicker than usual. More downspouts will need to be installed to compensate for the quicker processing of rainwater.
- Gutter size. Gutters come in a variety of sizes. Large gutters offer ample space to process rainwater, but smaller gutters need more time. If your home has smaller gutters, more downspouts are recommended to speed up the process.
- Climate. The climate also has a huge impact on the number of downspouts your home is going to need. Climates with large and frequent heavy rainstorms inherently put more pressure on a roof. The addition of more downspouts will help alleviate that workload.
Adding Downspouts to Your Home
Many homeowners think downspouts are an eyesore. They don't have to be though. In fact, several types of downspouts can enhance the look and value of your home.
Types of Downspouts
- Rectangular Downspouts. This type of downspout drives efficiency and comes in different sizes and materials. They are rectangular in shape and are suitable for gutters of many sizes.
- Round Downspouts. Round downspouts offer a higher aesthetic appeal compared to other options but offer the same amount of functionality as the rectangular variety. Round downspouts are commonly seen with older and historical buildings.
- Custom Shapes. This type is for those looking to match their downspouts to their home's aesthetics. Custom-shaped downspouts are typically on the more expensive side and often require professional installation.
Maintaining Your Downspouts
Looking for downspouts with high efficiency and longer lifespans? This goal requires proper maintenance like regular cleaning, checking for leaks, and making sure they are attached securely to your home. Downspouts usually last as long as your gutters, which is about 20 years for aluminum. Damage and neglecting proper maintenance may require them to get replaced or in need of repairs sooner.
Some signs that your home's downspouts are experiencing problems include:
- Water pooling around the home's foundation
- Gutters overflowing during rain
- Visible damage to the downspouts
Call Northpoint Roofing Today!
Need help with your home's gutters and downspouts? Contact us today at (678) 329-9138 for fully customizable gutter services to fit your home's needs.