Proper Gutter Downspout Placement

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.

Proper gutter downspout placement. Use a downspout outlet to mark the location of the downspout on the low end of 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. For any house it s important to remove the water that runs off the roof as quickly as possible. Slope long gutter runs 40 feet or more down both directions from the middle and put a downspout on each end.

Downspouts on gutters that drain large roof areas or if you live in an area with torrential rains. Place the measuring tape on the downspout again but this time deducts 2 inches away and mark the position. Downspouts should be properly placed in order for the gutters to function optimally. To do this turn the gutter upside down and place the outlet on top.

As a general rule at least one downspout should be placed per every 40 linear feet of gutter. Place downspouts in inconspicuous locations if possible. 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. Gutters and downspouts are not expensive and they play a vital role in the roof doing its job.

Trace around the inside of the outlet to mark the downspout hole on the gutter. The size of the downspout should be constant through out its length. Placing the measuring tape on the downspout make a mark with permanent marker on both ends. If necessary shim out the back of the gutter with wood blocks.

This ensures adequate drainage to prevent overflowing gutters during heavy rain. 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. Fasten the downspout to the wall with straps at the top and bottom and at 6 foot intervals. Drill a inch diameter hole through the center of the circular outline.

Repeat this action for both sides of the downspout. The downspouts can be buried or positioned to carry that water away from the house. Measure again and deduct another 2 inches. In sizing downspouts the following considerations apply.

Here are some guidelines for placement of downspouts. Proper placement of downspouts is the key to keeping water away from the home foundation. 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.