Meticulous homeowners will put their nose to the grindstone when it comes to protecting their residential property and boosting its curbside appeal. One of the most affordable and effective ways to accomplish these goals is to add extensions to your gutter downspouts. Here, a premier gutter installation contractor takes a closer look at the reasons to consider downspout extensions for your home.
A downspout extension is an additional accessory to your gutter system that is installed at the end of the downspout. It is designed to allow rainwater or snowmelt to fall to a drain in the ground in a controlled manner, then divert it away from the foundation of your home.
Generally, there are three types of downspout extensions:
Virtually any residential owner should consider adding extensions to their downspouts, especially those who live in areas that are prone to pooling or puddling around the foundation of their homes. Downspout extensions are also a great addition to homes that are situated on a sloped land or at the bottom of hills. Even homeowners who are simply looking to safeguard their basements against flooding and other water damage can benefit greatly from adding these extensions to their homes.
Downspout extensions offer a simple and effective solution to residential owners seeking to improve the look and functionality of their beloved homes. Here is a look at some of the most pressing reasons to install extensions to your gutter system:
As a rule of thumb, extensions should be attached to existing downspouts and routed away from your home. Experts generally recommend that downspouts drain at least 10 feet away from the foundation. If possible, the natural grading of the yard should be incorporated to exponentially improve the flow of drainage and move the water farther from your home. Once the downspout extensions are in place, they can be buried underneath the ground – at least five to six inches below the surface is enough. Depending on your residence and its grading, you may want a little over 10 feet of extensions.
While adding extensions to your gutter system can be tackled as a DIY task in spring or fall, it is best to bring on a skilled contractor to make sure every moving part is up to standard. Apart from that, the contractor will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to determine what other issues you may have. If no outstanding problems are found, then great. But if the contractor does spot signs of damage – such as sagging, cracking, leaks, rust and fading paint – then they will be able to address them before things spiral out of control. A good contractor will help decide what actions you need to take and when you should take them.
Installing downspout extensions is a practical way to ensure roof runoff does not wash away your home’s foundation. You need to keep in mind, however, that not all extensions are created equal. Furthermore, when comparing installers, take some time to research the installer’s commitment to quality workmanship and professional service. Here are telltale signs that you are selecting the right gutter contractor to install your downspout extensions:
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