When it comes to keeping the foundation dry and your home exterior safe from water damage a durable, well-functioning gutter system is your best defense. Gutters collect rainwater from the roof, while downspouts funnel it away from the exterior walls of your home. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the gutter system depends on the distance the downpipes deposits the runoff. If rainwater lands too close to the foundation or pools beneath the downpipes, damage to the foundation or basement flooding could occur. Here are some practical downspout extension ideas for better drainage.
Aluminum Extensions
Aluminum downspout extensions are popular for obvious reasons. Since approximately 90% of gutters and downspouts installed on North American home are made of aluminum, it’s a good choice for an extension when homeowners want to match materials. They resemble a section of downpipe, are inexpensive, easy to maintain, and can be quickly installed.
Flexible Extensions
A flexible downspout is typically made of heavy-duty plastics and attaches easily to the end of the existing downspout. Unlike aluminum extensions, which are fixed in place, flexible downspout extenders can be moved into position to provide drainage in a specific area.
Roll-Out Downspout Extenders
Known also as a roll-out drain sleeve, roll-out downspout extenders are attached to the downspout, so that when it rains, rainwater exiting the downpipe activates the extension. The pressure of the water rolls the plastic outward to allow water to escape from small holes. Roll-out drain sleeves perform well in areas with lots of rain that will guarantee that it will fully extend.
Splash Blocks
Splash blocks are a fun way to extend downspouts. They come in a wide variety ranging from the utilitarian to the highly decorative. They are generally made of concrete or plastic. Resembling a shallow trough and installed directly below the downspout, splash blocks help prevent soil erosion by reducing the effect of the water’s impact and directing it away from landscaped areas where it can do damage.
Buried Downpipes
Burying a downspout addresses several issues such as extensive pooling, tight spaces, and poor curb appeal. It involves digging a trench, sloping the lead pipe correctly, and ensuring it drains into a good location. If you DIY, this downspout extension idea is the most labour-intensive; if you plan to hire a contractor, it will be the most expensive option.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are placed beneath downspouts to collect runoff that would normally be dumped into the ground. While they technically don’t extend the downpipes, a rain barrel often is used in conjunction with some type of extension. Rain barrel are ideally suited to eco-friendly landscaping design because the saved runoff can be recycled to water the lawn, flowerbeds, and shrubs.
How Far is Far Enough?
How far should a downspout extend is often a tricky question because it depends on several factors such as location, accessibility, land slope, and landscaping. To be safe, for standard applications, select a four-foot downspout extender. When the land slopes toward the foundation rather than away, or the landscaping in the immediate area is in danger of being washed out, use longer downspout extensions.
