Unless you’ve had to deal with their repair or installation before, there’s a good chance you don’t know what downspouts are, let alone what they do. Yet, that doesn’t stop them from playing an imperative role in the overall functionality of your home. To simplify, a downspout is a drainage system. A relatively simple one at that, however, complications to said system are anything but simple. The downspout consists of several different mechanisms that keep your home and building clear of damage from precipitation. They play into the overall runoff system of your home which almost always includes gutters. The downspout itself is the vertical attachment that leads to the gutter. They transport water from the gutter, down, and away from your building’s foundation.

You’re probably familiar with gutter repair, as gutters are susceptible to damage and very often need to be checked for excess debris. However, it’s not as common for the downspout to get the same attention, although the mechanism plays a key role in the overall function of the system. A downspout can mean the difference between the effective expulsion of water, and major issues down the line. As a result, it’s imperative to check on its health and ensure there are no outstanding problems. 

In order for a downspout to operate at peak functionality, it requires various fortified components. Firstly, an adequate amount of downspouts need to be installed. If the proper amount is not installed, water will pour out of your gutters with little restriction, pummeling over the roof’s edge. On the contrary, downspouts often fail because they are not distanced advantageously away from your property. Getting the water down off of the roof is as important as expelling it away from your structure. Failure to maximize either will result in problems for your downspouts. Furthermore, there is the issue of maintenance. Yes, like nearly all of our home’s functions, regular maintenance and installation at the manufacturer’s request are pivotal.