A downspout's job is to get water off the roof and away from the house. Placement decides whether that water lands somewhere useful or somewhere it causes trouble.
How many
Plan on one downspout for every 30 to 40 feet of gutter, and one at each end of runs longer than that. Inside corners under valleys often need their own.
Where they land
- On ground that slopes away from the house.
- Away from walkways and driveways that ice over in winter.
- Into a splash block, extension or rock channel, never straight onto bare sand.
- Toward a planting bed that can use the water, where possible.
Stucco and slabs
Water splashing on the base of a stucco wall leaves stains, feeds efflorescence and can wick into the wall. Water soaking in beside a slab can settle it over time. Extensions that carry water four to six feet out solve most of this.
Walled yards
Many Rio Rancho backyards are enclosed by block walls with small weep openings. Make sure downspout water has a path out of the yard, or it will pond against the wall.
Questions about your home? Call (505) 431-4358 for a free estimate.
