As we enter the cooler months, inclement rainstorms and snowstorms begin to hit, and the resulting freeze and thaw cycles can cause subsequent damage to the home.
The key for keeping the home free from damaging inclement weather? It might simply come down to a home’s installed gutter system. Will having two gutter downspouts be beneficial for the overall integrity of the gutter system? Let’s explore these essential parts of a properly functioning gutter system.
The Function of a Downspout
A working gutter system is an essential aspect of keeping the home safe from water damage. One particularly essential part of the system itself: the downspout. The downspout is a crucial attachment that sluices water from the gutters away from the home or building, thus keeping a property’s foundation dry and free from water damage.
But when is it necessary for a gutter installation to include multiple downspouts?
Double the Downspouts
In general, it is recommended that two downspouts on either side of the home will help water drain correctly from the roof. There are a few additional instances when multiple downspouts are extremely beneficial on a home:
- Homes in locations that receive heavy rainfall
- Homes that have multiple stories
- Homes with larger gutter spans
- Homes with a high roof slope
For those with houses in areas that experience heavy rainfall, having at least two gutter downspouts can be helpful as many gutter systems can overflow during heavy rainfall. Two downspouts help alleviate the issue by allowing the water to drain as it should from the gutter.
Types of Downspouts
Downspouts come in a range of sizes and materials. Depending on a home’s location, a good gutter installation company will be able to determine which type is best for the home.
Some downspouts are made with aluminum or steel while others still are made with plastic. The downspout itself is either solidly made or can contain what is known as a baffle. Baffles are simply partitions which break up the steady overflow of water as it drains away from the gutter.
It should be noted that improperly installed downspouts, or having too few downspouts, can cause damage to the home and overall gutter system itself via overflowing water.
Ready to Double Up?
Downspouts essentially provide max drainage capabilities for homes experiencing heavy rain or snowfall. Whether a downspout is made with zinc, steel, or durable aluminum, the role of a downspout should not be downplayed.
These crucial parts of a gutter system are as vital to keeping a home dry as the gutters themselves. Downspouts provide a controlled environment for rainwater to move away from the home.
For homes in rainy climates, a downspout or two is a vital piece of prevention as avoiding property erosion, mold and mildew, and damage to the foundation is what downspouts do best. Paired with a good gutter cleaning a few times a year, and any home will be better protected from the effects of inclement weather year-round.
