Three Signs You Need To Replace Your Downspouts
Your downspouts are a component within your gutter system that transfer water from the gutters to the ground below, carrying it far enough away from the sides of your home to prevent leaking into your basement and foundation. Downspouts should also carry water to an area within your yard that is able to properly drain it without causing landscape damage. However, beyond their functional abilities, downspouts also represent an aesthetic element of the side of your home, since they are the most visible part of your gutter system from the ground. Understanding the signs that your downspouts have become worn and are no longer functionally effective or visually appealing can help you understand when the best time to replace them is.
Leaking
The most obvious sign that you should consider replacing your downspouts is if you notice that water is leaking along the side of your home when it rains. Leaks can be noticed in a number of ways: keeping an eye on the siding along your downspout for signs of color fading is usually the best indicator that your downspout's connection to your gutters is no longer completely sealed, but you should also look for the formation of icicles around the top of the downspout during the winter months as well.
Rusting and Flaking
Rusting and flaking paint along the length of your downspout are an easy-to-notice aesthetic eyesore that points to the fact that you should replace your downspout as soon as possible. Rust and corrosion are serious structural concerns which will eat their way through your downspout, making leaks and physical holes in your downspout more likely to develop. Flaking paint is not as serious but points to the age of your downspout, and the exposed metal underneath is susceptible to the formation of rust without the protective layer of a coat of paint.
Landscaping Erosion
Finally, another clear indicator that you may need to install a new downspout is if you notice that your landscape is suffering from excessive soil erosion and dead plants around the area where your downspout drains water. This can point to your downspout not being long enough, causing water to drain into your yard in an area that is not adequately able to drain that water into the soil. Installing a longer downspout can help protect your landscaping from this sort of damage, maintaining the appearance of your landscape design.
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