Importance of Your Downspouts – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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What Is The Importance of a Downspout?

A downspout is an integral part of a home’s gutter system as it is responsible for dispersing the water collected by the gutters away from the home’s foundation, protecting its structural integrity.

Gutters and downspouts work together to guide excess rain, snow and other accumulated water away from your home to prevent problems affecting your siding, landscape and basement.

How Do Downspouts Freeze?

Although rain and snow don’t fall directly into the downspouts, it can build up if there is debris such as leaves inside the pipe, blocking the water flow.  The elbows of your downspout are particularly susceptible to ice buildup because they can act as a collection point for still water.

The Cost of a Frozen Downspout

Frozen water in the downspout in the winter in Russia

Consistently frozen downspouts require immediate attention.  Over time, the ice can back up into your gutters, creating additional weight on your entire gutter system.  This can lead to your gutter and downspout tearing away from your roof or siding, leading to more costly and larger problems such as water leaks and improper drainage.

Maintaining your Downspouts for Winter

To ensure that your downspouts are not clogged, insert a water hose through the top to make sure that the water runs freely.  If there is a blockage, you must clear it immediately.

Once the water is running freely, make sure your downspout is fastened to the gutters and positioned to direct water at least 3 feet away from your foundation.

Consider Downspout Extensions

To further protect your home from any damage this winter, you may want to consider installing downspout extensions. This add-on to your gutter system is designed to allow water to fall to the ground in a controlled manner, away from the foundation and structure of your home.