Downspouts need to be installed properly. They are, after all, instrumental to making sure that rainwater is properly routed towards the drain pipes instead of near your home’s foundations. Here are the signs that your downspouts are doing their job.
1. Your gutters are not overflowing – Regular gutter cleaning can help ensure free flow within the gutter troughs, but it wouldn’t be as effective if there’s something wrong with the downspouts. Leaky joints or improper alignment can defeat the gutter’s runoff capacity, which can result in rainwater backing up into the troughs and causing overflow.
2. There are no signs of water infiltration at the roof edge – One of the signs of overflowing gutters is water infiltration at the roof edge. While most roofs feature some form of protection against this, too much rainwater can overwhelm such protections. If rainwater gets through the roof edges and into the roof deck, it can lead to long-term damage to roofing structural components and insulation as well as cause mold and mildew growth.
3. Your home’s foundation is in good shape – Downspouts are primarily designed to keep rainwater away from house foundations, which should not exhibit problems like settling, sinking or cracked exterior walls. It helps to think of downspouts as part of your home’s outdoor drainage system. Each part – from gutter troughs through the downspouts and into the drains – is important to protecting the house foundations from the effects of excessive moisture.
4. Your landscaping looks good – Good downspouts can help prevent landscaping problems, such as erosion and flooding, which can result in uneven soil and may drown the plants in the yard. This is why it is important to let your gutter contractor know if you’re making changes to your yard, particularly in areas close to where the downspouts terminate. In some cases, gutter extensions or French drains may have to be built and installed to make sure unexpected water formations are prevented.
Roof Masters is a local gutter and roofing company serving customers in Rockville, MD, and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at (301) 230-7663. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.