Understanding How Your Downspouts Work

Your gutter system exists to redirect stormwater away from your house to prevent excessive damage to the foundation, roof, and landscaping of your home. 

It is important to have a properly functioning system, but a lot of homeowners do not understand the importance of downspouts. Downspouts are vertical attachments to the gutters themselves, and they transport water from the gutters, down and away from your homes’ foundation. 

Below is some information that describes what your gutters and downspouts do to protect your home, and why it is vital to have a well-working gutter system.

What is a Gutter?

Before we get to the importance your downspouts serve, we have to first discuss how your gutters work. 

Your gutters are channels placed below your roofline, where your roof slopes down.  There are different kinds of gutters; some are made of vinyl, copper, aluminum, or stainless steel.  

​But they all function as a way to collect rainwater and pull it away from your home.  Gutter systems should have a downward pitch which encourages stormwater to flow downward through the gutters and into the downspouts. 

What is a Downspout?

A downspout is a pipe connected to your gutter that runs vertically along the side of your house.  It runs vertically along the side of your house and connects to your gutter at the top of a hole in the gutter channel. 

The other end of the downspout sits a couple inches above the ground, and this allows rainwater to flow away from your house.  Basically, the downspouts collect the excess stormwater and direct it away from the roof, foundation, and walls of your home. 

They also can protect your landscaping from damage after inclement weather.  Downspouts play a very important role in preventing water damage. 

A home without a fully functioning gutter system could suffer water damage and corrosion.  
 
How to Maintain Your Gutter System

As a homeowner, you want to make sure that your gutters run smoothly after all your gutter system is responsible for preventing water damage to the foundation, roof, and walls of your home. 

They also protect your landscaping from damage.  Having a fully functioning gutter system saves you money in the long run, so as a homeowner,  make it a priority to maintain your gutter system regularly. 

Make sure the gutters are clean and remove any debris like leaves or twigs frequently. 

Check to make sure the gutters are secure, and repair any loose or sagging gutters promptly.  If you find that some of your gutters leak, they should be sealed properly. 

You can repair a leaking joint, use silicone caulk to seal it or hire a professional to do it for you.  Maintain the downspouts by removing debris and making sure the joints fit together properly. 

Also, every now and then check to see if the downspouts are diverting the water away from your house properly.  

​A well-maintained gutter system is a key to preserving your house from water damage after a storm.  

​