Proper Gutter Downspout Placement

Downspouts should be properly placed in order for the gutters to function optimally.

Proper gutter downspout placement.

Measure again and deduct another 2 inches. If necessary shim out the back of the gutter with wood blocks. The high elevation of this rear two story deck coupled with a very steep slope at the end of the deck required the use of scaffolding for this gutter and downspout installation. Placing the measuring tape on the downspout make a mark with permanent marker on both ends.

As a general rule at least one downspout should be placed per every 40 linear feet of gutter. Fasten the downspout to the wall with straps at the top and bottom and at 6 foot intervals. Here are some guidelines for placement of downspouts. In sizing downspouts the following considerations apply.

Slope long gutter runs 40 feet or more down both directions from the middle and put a downspout on each end. Trace around the inside of the outlet to mark the downspout hole on the gutter. Downspouts should enable draining at a steep pitch so water travels away from the foundation rather than pooling in the surrounding area and eventually seeping into the house. Repeat this action for both sides of the downspout.

For any house it s important to remove the water that runs off the roof as quickly as possible. The downspouts can be buried or positioned to carry that water away from the house. To do this turn the gutter upside down and place the outlet on top. Gutters and downspouts are not expensive and they play a vital role in the roof doing its job.

Downspouts should be constructed with conductor. This ensures adequate drainage to prevent overflowing gutters during heavy rain. Proper placement of gutter downspouts is one of the most important components of ensuring a gutter system is effective. Downspouts of less than 7 00 sq in 4515 sq mm cross section should not be used except for small areas such as porches and canopies.

Place downspouts in inconspicuous locations if possible. The size of the downspout should be constant through out its length. Proper placement of downspouts is the key to keeping water away from the home foundation. Downspouts on gutters that drain large roof areas or if you live in an area with torrential rains.

If the downspouts do not allow water to flow out of the gutter system freely and do not channel the water away from the home then the house could be susceptible to issues such as roof rot foundation damage and landscape erosion. When downspouts are not properly positioned within a gutter system they can be the reason gutters overflow or there is standing water in the gutter channel. Place the measuring tape on the downspout again but this time deducts 2 inches away and mark the position.