Downspouts are a critical part of a roof’s drainage system, responsible for directing the rainwater collected in the gutters safely into the drainage pipes. In this blog, Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc., one of the top roofing contractors in the region, discuss how to tell if your downspouts are doing their job properly.
1. No Overflows — Regular cleaning and maintenance, along with a good gutter protection system, can help make sure that rainwater runoff flows freely within the gutter troughs. However, even if the gutters are clean, clogged downspouts would cause runoff to back up and lead to overflowing gutters. This is why you need to clean and maintain your downspouts regularly along with your gutters.
2. Dry Roof Edges — Clogged downspouts can also cause rainwater infiltration at the edges. This can result in moisture damage that can ultimately lead to the need for premature roof replacement. Trapped moisture under the roof encourages mold growth, which can trigger allergies and respiratory problems among members of your household.
3. No Pooling Water at the Foundations — Gutter systems are primarily designed to prevent rainwater from pooling near the house foundations. Since every home has unique requirements for proper drainage, proper downspout design is important. Some homes require a combination of several downspouts, extensions and accessories such as rain chains to ensure proper runoff routing.
4. Well-Maintained Landscaping — A side benefit of having good downspouts preventing damage to your landscaping. Too much water can actually drown most types of plants and can erode bare soil. The latter can be a major problem if you’ve just had your landscaping done and the plants have yet to take root. Proper drainage also helps prevent damage to plant-less installations such as Japanese rock gardens.
Are your gutters due for replacement? Do they require repairs? Talk to your leading provider of gutter and roof repair service, Vertex Roofing Contractors Inc. Give us a call at (703) 782-5531 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Ashburn and nearby areas.
