In order to have an effective gutter system, you need to have well-placed downspouts. As the name suggests, downspouts are vertical pipes that carry rainwater from your gutters to the ground-level drainage system. It’s basically what keeps water from pooling around the base of your home and prevents damage to your residential siding. In order to better acquaint you with these components, here are three quick facts about downspouts that every homeowner should know.
1. Downspouts Are Highly Customizable
Downspouts have several components that you can customize. For instance, you can install a splash guard, which will drastically reduce the speed at which rainwater exits your downspout to prevent erosion. You can also opt to add gutter extensions at varying lengths to better direct water away from the base of your home.
2. You Need More Than a Few Downspouts for Best Results
Many homeowners seem to think that they can get by with just one or two downspouts. Unfortunately, this isn’t true. In general, residential roofing contractors recommend installing 1 downspout every 20 to 20 feet of roofline, but if you live in an area that sees a lot of rainfall, your roofer may suggest adding more.
3. They Prevent Basement Flooding
It is important to note that most standard home insurance policies don’t cover the cost of flood damage to your basement. This is why it is absolutely crucial to have properly installed downspouts that divert water away from your basement.
Whether you need to install brand-new gutters or are looking to partner up with a trusted commercial roofing expert, you can count on the folks over at The Badger Company to do a job well done each and every time. To schedule an appointment, please give us a call at (608) 850-6282, or fill out our contact form today.