Just one inch of rainfall on a 1000-square-foot roof can add 600 gallons that it has to collect and divert through its gutters and downspouts. To do its job, your gutter installation needs to have downspouts that are adequately spaced. Otherwise, water will infiltrate your basement, which can, in turn, cause several moisture issues such as mold.
Here are some of the guidelines for the placement of the downspouts:
Issues Caused by Improperly Spaced Downspouts
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There should be a downspout for every 40 linear feet of gutter – This is to make sure all of the water that accumulated in your gutters drains away during heavy rainfall. If your gutters don’t have enough downspouts, there’s a good chance water will overflow and seep into your home’s foundation and basement walls.
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Downspouts shouldn’t be placed near the house and its foundation or improperly pitched paving stones and walkways – Paving stones and walkways that weren’t pitched properly can cause water to back up and eventually seep into your basement.
Here’s a pro-tip: If moving downspouts to another location isn’t an option, you can install downspout extensions. As a general rule, the downspouts should move the water’s discharge point at least four feet away from your home.
Why Hiring a Qualified Gutter Contractor Is Important
You shouldn’t worry too much about downspout placement if you hired a qualified contractor to install your gutter system. But even with adequately spaced downspouts, your gutters might not be able to properly divert water if they’re clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. That’s why your gutters need to be routinely maintained. If you want to reduce your gutter’s maintenance needs, consider installing gutter guards.
Looking for gutter contractors near you?
Patriot Gutters, a company with an A-rating with the Better Business Bureau®, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including gutter repairs and installations. To request an estimate, call us at (405) 701-0909 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Moore, as well as the surrounding OK communities.