Downspouts
Downspouts
Welcome to our page dedicated to downspouts! Downspouts are an essential component in any gutter installation, and we offer a variety of options to meet your needs. Our range of downspout products includes galvanized steel, copper, aluminum and vinyl materials. We can custom-fabricate any size or shape necessary for your project and can provide you with a fast, easy and cost-effective solution. All of our downspouts are designed to provide maximum water flow and protection from any potential damage caused by heavy rain or snowfall.
What are downspouts?
A downspout is a vertical pipe or channel that is used to carry rainwater from a rooftop or gutter to the ground or to a drainage system. They are an essential component of any gutter system, and are designed to direct water away from the foundation of your home.
How do downspouts work?
A downspout works by channeling rainwater from the gutter through a series of elbows or corners, which direct the water away from the house and into a drain or underground pipe. This helps to prevent water damage to the foundation of your home, as well as landscape erosion and other water-related issues.
What are the most common downspout sizes?
Downspouts come in a variety of sizes, with the most common sizes being 2×3 inches, 3×4 inches, and 4×5 inches. The size of the downspout is determined by the amount of water that needs to be discharged and the size of the gutter system it is connected to.
2×3 inch downspout: This is the smallest size and is typically used in residential applications where the amount of water to be discharged is minimal. This size is ideal for small to medium-sized homes with a single story or a low-sloped roof. The 2×3 inch downspout is also suitable for use in commercial buildings with a small rooftop area.
3×4 inch downspout: This is the next size up and is commonly used in residential and commercial applications where the amount of water to be discharged is moderate. This size is ideal for medium-sized homes with a single or multi-story design and for commercial buildings with a moderate rooftop area. This size of the downspout is also well suited for use in areas with moderate to heavy rainfall.
4×5 inch downspout: The largest size and is typically used in commercial and industrial applications where the amount of water to be discharged is substantial. This size is ideal for large commercial buildings with a large rooftop area, and for industrial buildings such as factories and warehouses. The 4×5 inch downspout is also suitable for use in areas with heavy rainfall and large amounts of runoff.
It’s important to note that the size of the downspout alone is not the only factor to consider when determining the appropriate size. The slope of the roof, the amount of rainfall in the area, and the amount of debris that will be present in the runoff should also be taken into account.
Types of downspouts
There are several different types of downspouts available, each with their own unique design and function. The most common types of downspouts include:
K-Style Downspouts: These are the most popular and widely used type of downspout. They have a rectangular shape and resemble the shape of a capital letter “K”. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be made from aluminum, copper, or other materials.
Half-Round Downspouts: Half-round downspouts have a semicircular shape and resemble the shape of a pipe. They are typically made from copper or aluminum and are available in a variety of sizes. Half-round downspouts are often used in traditional or historical architectural designs.
Square Downspouts: These downspouts have a square or rectangular shape and are often used in modern architectural designs. Square downspouts are easy to install and are available in a wide range of colors to match the color of the house.
Round Downspouts: Round downspouts have a circular shape and are available in a variety of sizes and are often used in industrial or commercial architectural designs. These are considered as one of the strongest and most durable types of downspouts because of their ability to withstand dents.
How many downspouts do you need?
The American Society of Civil Engineers recommends that for every 600 square feet of roof area, there should be one downspout. This means that for a 2,000 square foot roof, there should be at least 3 downspouts.
How far should downspouts drain from house?
The distance that downspouts should drain from a house depends on several factors, including the slope of the land, the type of soil, and local building codes. In general, it is recommended that downspouts drain at least 5 feet away from the foundation of the house to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation and causing damage.
When the land around a house is sloped, water can be directed away from the foundation using gravity. The downspout should be extended to a point where the water can be directed to a drainage system, such as a dry well or a French drain. The dry well or French drain should be located at least 5 feet away from the foundation to ensure that water is directed away from the house and does not accumulate near the foundation.
However, when the land around the house is flat or slopes towards the foundation, it can be more difficult to direct water away from the house. In these cases, it is recommended to install underground drainage systems such as a French drain, or to use surface drainage systems such as swales to direct water away from the foundation. The downspout should be extended to a point where the water can be directed to the drainage system and the drainage system should be located at least 5 feet away from the foundation.
It’s also important to consider the type of soil when determining the appropriate distance for downspout drainage. Clay soils can become compacted and can retain water, which can lead to water damage if not properly drained. Sandy soils, on the other hand, tend to drain water quickly and may not require as much distance from the foundation.
Local building codes also play a role in determining the appropriate distance for downspout drainage. Some codes may have specific requirements for the distance that downspouts must be located from the foundation. It is important to check with your local building department to determine the specific requirements for your area.
What is the best downspout material?
When it comes to choosing the best downspout material, there are several options available, each with their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. The most common materials used for downspouts are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and vinyl.
Aluminum: Aluminum is the most popular material for downspouts due to its lightweight, durability, and easy installation. It is also relatively low in cost and resistant to corrosion. Aluminum downspouts are available in a wide range of colors, which can match the color of the house and blend in with the architectural design. However, aluminum is prone to dents and scratches and can be easily damaged by falling branches or other debris.
Copper: Copper is a more expensive option, but it is also a durable and elegant material that can enhance the aesthetic of a building. Copper downspouts are resistant to corrosion and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is another durable option for downspouts. It is highly resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. However, it is relatively costly and can be difficult to cut and shape.
Vinyl: Vinyl is a budget-friendly option that is easy to install and available in a wide range of colors. It is also lightweight, making it easy to handle and install. However, vinyl is not as durable as other materials, and it can be easily damaged by UV rays and extreme temperatures.
PVC: Another option is the use of downspouts made of plastic, like PVC. They are also lightweight and come in a variety of colors, they are also resistant to corrosion, they are also easy to cut and shape, and they can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. They are also relatively cheap and it is a great option for residential applications.