The downspout may be the most underappreciated part of the gutter system. In fact, many homeowners aren’t fully aware of the important role downspouts play in the proper drainage of the excessive water that hits the home. The downspout pipe can be a huge factor in preventing expensive water damage repairs.

Downspouts serve a number of important purposes:
– Assists with the proper drainage of rain water
– Directs water away from the home’s foundation
– Prevents damage to the home, saving the homeowner from expensive repair costs

Installation
Downspouts are typically installed on the corners of the structure. They are best located in less traveled areas away from sidewalks and other obstructions. If the downspout is covering a larger roof area or the home is in a region that experiences a large amount of rainfall, you may want to consider using an oversized downspout size such as 3×4 in. option. They are often attached using a downspout bracket.

Downspout Sizes & Styles
When selecting the right downspouts for your needs it is important to consider how well it will work with the rest of the system. You will more than likely want the style of the downspout to match the existing gutter system. GutterSupply.com offers a number of styles and sizes to choose from including:

– Rectangular Downspouts: 2×3, 3×4, 4×5
– Plain Round Downspouts: 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″
– Round Corrugated Downspouts: 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″
– Spiral Downspouts (Thick & Thin): 4″

Downspout Materials & Decorative Options
While downspouts may seem like the most basic part of the gutter system, there are actually many stylish options homeowners can choose from. Available in a wide assortment of materials, there are downspouts to match each unique home. At GutterSupply.com, we carry over 10 different material choices. We also offer beautiful ornamental downspouts as well. These products make a statement and are available in both wide spiral and thin spiral.

When Downspouts aren’t Enough
For some homes, the downspout is simply not able to drain enough of the water away from the foundation. While it is the most efficient first step in protecting the home, it may not be the only solution needed. If water still collects in the area, additional steps may be necessary. When this is the case, the downspout will often need to be extended. Installing an additional drainage pipe is often the appropriate solution for this type of issue.

Common Clogging Issues
One major problem that downspouts can experience is clogging. They can easily fill with leaves, twigs, and other debris. These large blockages make the downspout unable to perform its main duty – draining water away from the home. To detect an obstruction in your downspout pipe try running a hose through it. If it is clogged, you can often push out the debris or use water to flush it. If necessary, you can also remove the downspout brackets and downspout itself to clean it.

GutterSupply.com has one of the largest online selections of downspouts, brackets and accessories all designed to protect the home from water damage. We carry a wide assortment of styles and sizes to fit any home’s needs in nearly a dozen finishes. Need help in selecting the right downspouts for your unique project? Contact our team of professional experts for help. They can be reached toll-free at 888-909-RAIN.