Rainfall is an important part of our ecosystem, and who doesn’t love occasionally dancing in the rain? When it comes to protecting your home and your roof, rain isn’t always your best friend.
With Metro Vancouver’s wet climate, shielding your home from moisture damage and the threat of flooding takes on an extra level of importance. That’s why downspouts or rainwater leaders are so integral. Downspout diverters are an essential component of any successful residential drainage system for Vancouver-area homes.
If you’re noticing problematic water buildups along your home’s exterior, gutters attached to your roof that are falling apart, or are looking for a way to increase the value of your home, renovating your gutters and downspouts are excellent ways to go.
Understanding exactly how downspout extensions function and what the benefits of downspouts are can help you better make decisions about pursuing major exterior renovations. Weatherguard Gutters in Metro Vancouver has decades of experience in gutter and downspout installations throughout the Lower Mainland to protect your home from water damage. We have the expertise to help homeowners make the right decision.
What is a Downspout?
Downspouts are an important tool in your home’s fight against preventing water damage. A house without gutters and downspouts is much more susceptible to moisture damage and corrosion than homes that do have such a drainage system in place.
As water accumulates on your home’s roof, either from rainfall, snowfall or condensation, it slopes down the roof into a gutter system; gutters collect and prevent water from dripping along the side of your house, where it would otherwise drench homeowners and passersby. Plus, without gutters, water would puddle around the base of your home, posing further damage threats to your basement and your home’s exterior and foundation.
Downspouts are the vertical, pipe-like devices connected to gutters, installed along the sides of buildings, which redirect water and safely lead it away from your home and towards a designated drainage area.
Benefits of Gutters and Downspouts
A drainage system on your Metro Vancouver home that involves gutters and downspouts has many benefits that help increase your roof’s lifespan, prevent water damage to your foundation and strengthen your home’s value.
Downspouts protect against a flooded basement—one of the biggest nightmares of any homeowner. By diverting water away from your foundation with downspouts, you significantly decrease your risk of suffering from a flooded basement during heavy rainfalls, thus saving you from future headaches involving insurance claims and further structural damage to your home.
Gutters and downspouts also prevent water from accumulating on your home’s rooftop, mitigating water damage to your roofing materials and saving you time and money in the long term. Little wonder then why renovated and well-maintained downspouts are a key to optimizing your home’s overall market value.
Tips for Installing and Maintaining Downspouts
The most important consideration when installing downspouts is not to skimp on quantity. Ensuring you have an adequate amount of downspouts attached to your roof’s gutter system will maximize efficiency, risk mitigation and cost-effectiveness. After all, with only one or two downspouts along your home’s exterior, water can back-up during heavy storms, creating bottlenecks and rendering the utility of your gutters and downspouts essentially useless.
You also want to make sure that your downspout bases are far enough away from your home so that they do their job properly. The ends of downspouts should be angled and positioned strategically towards drainage areas that guarantee water makes as little contact as possible with the edge of your home’s foundation.
Certain municipalities mandate the installation of a perimeter drainage system below grade that has to lead this storm water to the main storm drains managed by the city.
Lastly, diligent maintenance will help ensure that your downspouts remain functional over the years. Proper sealing and caulking, mesh filters along the tops to keep leaves and debris out of the system. Regular gutter cleaning and professional replacements in cases of serious damage will help to protect your home in the long run and prevent many future homeowner headaches.
Install Downspouts in Vancouver
Weatherguard Gutters is Metro Vancouver’s most trusted partner for installing and repairing gutters and downspouts. Our gutter professionals provide custom advice and a free consultation, customized for your home, to address the unique challenges that any homeowner might face. Contact Weatherguard Gutters today!