Most homeowners are aware of the importance of gutters and how they are required to guide the flow of water from your foundation, but do all homes require them? This is an explanation of what downspouts are and why they just might be the savior you need to save your home or dwelling from foundation issues and cracks! If you don’t have them, you might just be heading for trouble, according to our gutter repair company in Charleston!
What are Downspouts?
Downspouts are the extensions that attach to gutter systems that help to move water away from the foundation of your home or dwelling. When you don’t address water problems and issues, they can become extensive and expensive. Downspouts are designed to take the water from your gutter system and deposit the water away from your home. Traditionally, they are shaped like pipes that you install along the sides of buildings to redirect water.
Does Every Structure Need Downspouts?
When it comes to downspouts, not everyone needs them, but there are not many homeowners who could not benefit from them. Often, the grade of a yard has a natural slope. If the gutters deposit at the base of the house, that just means that you are angling the downspouts to deposit the water directly where you want to prevent it. Gutters need to drain correctly for them to work to protect your structure, but often they are not enough on their own to keep water erosion and pooling at bay. When water needs to drain and deposit elsewhere, a downspout is a perfect fix.
Do They Require Maintenance?
It is critical to ensure that your gutter system is operating correctly to move and guide water away from the foundation of your home. That requires a certain amount of care and maintenance. Dirt, debris, branches, and other things can get into your gutters, weigh them down and stop them from performing properly. Which is why gutter cleaning is a must. Downspouts, in the same manner, can also become caked with dirt and cease to do what they need to. When having your gutters maintained and cleaned, it is always a good idea to include your downspouts in the cleaning. After all, if your downspouts aren’t flowing freely, your gutters can’t do what they are supposed to either.
Conclusion
Gutter systems are required to ensure that your foundation is safe from soil erosion and pooling which can lead to gutter issues and the need for expensive foundation repairs. Downspouts are a part of the process and if they are tasked to likewise guide water, then ensuring they are well maintained and cleaned with your gutters is a must. If you find that your gutters aren’t cutting it, then downspouts might be the answer! Contact Carolina Gutter Co. today to schedule your appointment for gutter and downspout cleaning, gutter repairs, or a new gutter system installation!
