Gutter systems, no matter which system you choose, have relatively the same basic parts: the actual gutter, slip connector, downspout, end cap, etc. Each part plays an integral role in draining stormwater and meltwater away from your home.
One of the most important parts to a gutter system is the downspout. Do you know exactly how they work and what role they play in your gutter system? Do you know how to properly clean and maintain them so they effectively drain water away from your home?
Welcome to Downspouts 101! Keep reading to learn all about downspouts and how they work as well as a maintenance free solution that will keep them clog free for a lifetime.
What is a Downspout?
A Downspout is the part of a gutter system that is attached to the top of the gutter and sits vertically on the sides of homes. Gutter systems have approximately one downspout placed every 40 feet, so there are typically several found around the exterior of a home.
Downspouts are available in different materials with aluminum and vinyl being the most common. They come in a variety of sizes and range anywhere from 2 inches to 5 inches and all the way up to 8 inches.
How Do Downspouts Work?
While there are several types of gutter systems, downspouts work the same for all. They collect and point storm and meltwater several inches away from the home, designed to keep water away from the home’s foundation.
With traditional gutter systems, the downspout is connected to the gutter through an end cap and fascia bracket. The bottom of a downspout has an elbow which is where the downspout changes direction and bends at an angle to keep water away from a home’s foundation.
Because downspouts are connected to the gutter itself, they can become clogged if they’re not cleaned and properly maintained. Whether your home is surrounded by trees or not, debris always finds its way into gutters and causes a nuisance for homeowners.
Debris like leaves, pine needles, silt and mud, and nests can form inside gutters and can cause extensive damage to your home if the debris is left alone to accumulate. If you don’t frequently clean out your gutters or downspouts, then stormwater and meltwater can’t properly drain away from the home which leads to problems like water damage in your roof and your home’s interior.
How Do I Maintain & Clean My Downspouts?
In order for your downspouts to properly drain stormwater and meltwater away from your home you’ll need to clean it at least twice per year – you’ll need to clean them more often if you have a lot of trees on your property. We see some pretty severe weather conditions here in the Colorado region including snow, rain and damaging winds which can cause all sorts of debris to become lodged inside of your gutters or downspouts.
Maintaining and cleaning downspouts is relatively easy and starts with cleaning your gutters. To start, make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands from any sharp debris or nests you may encounter. In addition to gloves you’ll need a ladder, scoop, bucket, hose, and a plumber’s snake.
Once you’re removed all of the debris from the gutters, flush out the gutters with water to remove any build up of dirt or rocks. To clean the downspout, place a foot or two of a plumber’s snake into the corners where the gutters meet the downspout. You’ll be able to remove any leaves and debris that had become lodged inside of the downspout. Be sure to follow up with flushing the downspout out with a garden hose to further remove any dirt and debris.
If you’re tired of cleaning your gutters and downspouts and are looking for a maintenance free solution, look no further than K-Guard Rocky Mountains’ Leaf Free Gutter System. Our leaf free gutter systems are durable and are built to last a lifetime.
Why Choose K-Guard?
K-Guard is the only gutter system that has 45 degree by 45 degree inside corners that allows water to flow from the gutters to the downspouts and eliminates “chokepoints”. Our K-Guard Gutter Systems are backed by a lifetime clog-free warranty to keep all types of debris out under any extreme weather condition.
We use only the most durable and corrosion-free aluminum for our K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter Systems. Our larger sized 3×4 downspouts allow for stormwater and meltwater to be pushed even further away from your home than traditional gutter systems.
If you’d like to make the switch from traditional gutters to K-Guard, call (303) 476-4323 or send us a message to schedule an estimate. We’ll take a look at your home or business and will provide you with a timely and FREE estimate.
We look forward to helping you eliminate the need to maintain and clean your gutter system!
