How Important is Downspout Placement?

• Diana Ivers
• 3 years ago
• Categories: Downspout
• Tags: home improvement, Roofing contractor, roofing maintenance

Downspouts are designed to safely guide water from the gutters to the ground and away from a home’s foundation. A gutter system doesn’t just need downpipes; downspouts should be properly placed in order for the gutters to function optimally.

The professionals at JAM Roofing are well-versed on how to properly install gutter systems and the ideal placement for gutter downspouts. Here are some of the importance of proper downspout placement and its general guidelines.

1. It Leads Water Away From Your Home

Downspouts determine where the water from the gutters will discharge to keep your roofing and home from water damage. If your downspouts are poorly placed, that water can cause plenty of issues. It can destroy your landscaping, flood your basement and slowly erode your home’s foundation each time the rain falls. 

2. It Makes Sure the Downspout Can Handle the Load

High-volume water runoffs can overwhelm your gutters if the downspouts are not positioned correctly or if they are too small for the drainage demand. This can lead to rainwater overflowing and soaking into the fascia, soffit, siding, etc. Pooling water also causes additional strain on the gutters, which can lead to cracked, leaking gutters or gutters that pull away from the roofline. 

3. It Controls the Water Flow

A conductor head is a funnel at the top of a downspout. It is also called a rain leader or a gutter leader. The conductor head’s job is to control the flow of water coming from the gutters, particularly if several gutters intersect at a point in the system. Placing a conductor head where it is needed the most is a good idea for controlling the flow of water into the downspout or downspouts.

4. It Improves the Look of Your Home

If downspouts or accessories are not properly installed in the right places, your home’s appearance can be affected. Not only will this bother you, but it can also affect the value of your home. Hiring a professional roofing contractor can determine where downspouts should be installed and help you stay away from simply installing them and regretting the unsightly appearance down the road.

General Guidelines for Downspout Placement

• Install at least one downspout for every 40 linear feet of gutter. This distance is adequate for most homes as it can allow water to drain into a downspout even during heavy downpours without overflowing. 
• Never position a downspout where it discharges close to your home or to its foundation. In some cases, landscape or hardscape features can block the natural flow of water and force it to pool next to your house. 
• Install downspout extensions if downspouts cannot be installed where they lead water away from the house. You can also install extensions to lead water around landscaping features and into a drain or an area where water cannot cause damage.
• Use conductor heads, scupper boxes and Y-connectors when and wherever necessary. Scupper boxes are typically used when downspouts have to go through a wall. Y-connectors allow the connection of gutters to two downspouts at the same time.

Just like your home or business needs a strong and stable roof to protect it, it also needs a dependable gutter system to better protect the roof. JAM Roofing is a roofing company that takes care of the gutter needs with the same dedication and care we apply to our roofing services. 

Get a free estimate on your roofing. Give us a call today at (541) 256-3703 or fill out our online form to learn more about gutters. We serve clients in Oregon including Medford and Grants Pass.