The gutter downspouts play a vital role in keeping your home’s foundation safe and dry. Without it, water coming from the roof will pool near the foundation and eventually cause continuous water damage. When a house starts to sag or moves in place, it’s often due to long-term water pooling.
The downspouts can prove troublesome though and we’re talking more about you accidentally tripping on it when you’re working the yard. Your local roofers at Ken Morton Roofing & Siding discuss troubleshooting three of the most common downspout problems.
1.Clogged Downspouts
When the gutters start to spill water over its edge, it’s likely that the downspouts are clogged by organic material such as leaves, twigs and other debris. It may not seem dangerous at first, but clogged downspouts and spilling gutters pose a risk to your foundation and basement when it starts to rain.
Make it a habit to clean the gutters and downspouts, especially after a rainy or windy day. We recommend you also have it done during exterior projects, such as roof repairs and maintenance, as these can create significant debris that eventually find their way into the gutters and downspouts.
2.Small Downspouts
Downspouts that are too small and narrow are inefficient at dispelling and directing water away from the foundation. It also increases the risk of clogging as large debris gets stuck as the gutters try to expel it through the gutter. If your gutters continue to get clogged even with regular cleaning, you might want to consider getting a wider downspout.
3.Short Downspouts
Finally, your water pooling woes may be the result of a downspout that’s too short. An inadequate length forces the water to end up directly near the foundation and increase the long-term water damage. Fortunately, you don’t need to replace the entire gutter system since you just have to get an extension or a hinge kicker for the downspout. The latter is especially handy since you can fold it up when it’s not in use.
Ken Morton Roofing & Siding is ready to assist you with your gutter and downspout needs. We are roofing and siding contractors with years of experience and a commitment to excellent workmanship. Contact us at (856) 582-8800 or fill out our contact form to learn more. We are local roofers serving homeowners throughout Sewell, NJ.