Especially in rainy climates like Vancouver gutters have to handle a lot of water. When installing a new gutter system or replacing the old, don’t forget about the downpipe. It directs the water collected in the gutters away from the roof and drains it onto the ground. Choosing the right place for your downpipe is critical – too close to the basement or if a person has to walk around it to get to your front door – an improperly placed downpipe could create problems.
To decide where to put a downpipe, the property must be inspected. You might need two or more downpipes. To avoid potential drainage issues that might cause flooding or structural damage to your home, consider the following factors when selecting a location for the downpipe.
Slant: If the ground slants towards the house, the water will drain back toward the structure. To avoid having water pool too close to your home, consider using a longer extension pipe.
Neighbours: Ensure that the water exiting your downpipes will not drain onto your neighbour’s property.
Position: Downpipes should be positioned so that they don’t interfere with traffic flow. Also, a downpipe should never be allowed to drain onto a pathway or driveway; if the water pools or freezes, it can create a tripping hazard.
Flower Beds: When the downpipe drains into a flowerbed, make sure that the size of the bed will be able to absorb the water without pooling or overflowing the boundaries.
Square Footage: Knowing the square footage of the roof will help determine if one or more downpipes are needed to make your gutter system function optimally.
Proper Pitch/Slope: Gutters placed in a way that works with the slope of the roof will optimize their functionality. A gutter system should be pitched downwards rather than up or flat, allowing water to run freely through the gutters and downpipe.
Esthetics: Downpipes don’t have to stick out or look unsightly – they can be placed around corners or cleverly blended into the overall appearance of your home.
Fixing an improperly placed downpipe can be difficult or costly. Often it will involve repositioning or even replacing a section of gutter to correct the problem. Keeping these factors in mind should help you determine the best location for any downpipes your gutter system might need.
