Splash blocks are designed to direct water exiting from the downspout. Since they are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles, a splash block should be selected based on the specific requirements of the existing gutter system. But to prevent rainwater from the gutters being deposited too close to your home’s foundation, it must be the right kind and installed correctly.
Right Type of Splash Block
When a downspout is too close to the house, standing water can result, which over time can lead to a number of issues, all related to water damage. The right type of splash block will help safely guide water draining from the gutters further away from the foundation.
A simple splash block resembles a shallow trough or flat tray with sides that has a slight downward slope. However, if you live in an area that receives medium to heavy rainfall, you might need a more complicated splash block that will divert water, preventing soil erosion.
Splash blocks are made of various materials, including concrete, metal and plastic. Select a splash block material that is suited to the local and regional climatic conditions of where you live.
Installation Tips
Splash blocks are installed directly beneath the downpipes. There should be one splash block per downspout.
Splash blocks must be set into the ground; avoid just placing them on top of the surface underneath the downspout.
If the splash block is open at one end and closed at the other, the closed off edge should be against the exterior wall or flush with the foundation. The water needs to flow away from the house, rather than toward it.
While splash blocks typically have a built-in downward slope, you might need to adjust the angle of the downspout in relation to where the splash needs to be installed, or the angle of bother the splash block and the downspout.
Maintenance Checks
After the splash block or splash blocks have been installed, check up on them after each rainfall for five consecutive rainfalls to see if they are working properly or need some adjustments. Periodically check splash blocks for standing water, obstructions, shifting or misalignment, and soil erosion.
