An imperative component of a well-working weatherproofing system is having effective gutters and downspouts, which work hand in hand to keep your home safe, structurally sound, and free from water damage. Though many know about the necessity of gutters, downspouts can be overlooked. If you’d like to learn about the ins and outs of downspouts, here are three things you’ll want to know:
What are downspouts?
Also referred to as waterspouts, drainpipes, downpipes, or drain spouts, downspouts maintain the integrity of your home’s foundation, siding, roof, and landscaping. This drainage pipe’s role is vital in ensuring that rainwater is hastily conveyed away from your home and into your sewage system.
How do you maintain your downspouts?
Downspouts should be cleaned about once or twice a year and inspected from time to time to ensure that they’re not in need of repair or replacement.
How should downspouts be installed?
Downspouts are connected to the gutters above your fascia board — the strip of wood placed between the bottom of your roof and the top of your gutters — guaranteeing that the fascia board doesn’t come into contact with falling rainwater. Typically, it’s advised that you have one downspout placed at 40-foot increments along your gutters. If your downspouts release water too close to your foundation or in a way that floods your landscaping, extensions can be added to your downspouts.
If you’re located in the Hickory, North Carolina area and want to learn more about downspout installation, repair, or maintenance, don’t hesitate to call our team of contractors at TCB Construction!