Where Do Gutters and Downspouts Send Runoff?

• Miguel Amaya
• 3 years ago
• Categories: gutters
• Tags: downspouts, gutter cleaning, gutter system

The gutters and downspouts catch and direct the rainwater coming down your roof, playing a major role in keeping your home safe and intact against water damage. You know that they’re channeling the runoff far enough to avoid doing any harm, but where exactly should it end up? The area’s premier residential gutter and roofing company, M&A Exterior Home Improvement, shares what you need to know. 

• Drainage Pit. Also known as a dry well, the drainage pit offers a simple and effective way to direct the runoff from your gutters and downspouts into your garden. Building a drainage pit involves excavating a section of the ground, installing a drain pipe at the bottom, and then filling it over partially with polished stone. This not only channels runoff safely away, but it also won’t interfere with your landscape’s appearance. If you’re looking to have a drainage pit built in your property, make sure to check with the municipality about residential stormwater management requirements.

• Rain Barrel. If it’s not possible to build a drainage pit on your property, just adding a rain barrel directly below the lip of the downspouts will do. A rain barrel allows you to collect the rainwater coming down your gutters, and you can use the saved water to keep your garden hydrated during a dry spell. Add a diverter to the downspouts so that rainwater is cleanly and smoothly directed into the rain barrel. Once you’ve collected enough water, place the rain barrel in a shady and protected location to discourage algae growth.

The effectiveness of drainage pits and rain barrels is actually influenced by the overall condition of your   gutters and downspouts. If they’re clogged or leaky, the runoff won’t even have a chance to reach the rain barrel or drainage pit. Instead, water will back up inside the system and start seeping through the fascia board, resulting in leaks. A significant amount of that backed-up water may also slip over the side of the gutters, leaving your home exterior and foundation vulnerable to damage, while also causing soil erosion in your garden. Prompt gutter repairs and maintenance from a trusted contractor like M&A Exterior Home Improvement can prevent all these.

Request a Gutter Quote Today

M&A Exterior Home Improvement specializes in residential roofing services, but we can also handle all your gutter and downspout needs. With our top-tier gutter solutions, we’ll make sure your home remains dry and safe against excess water exposure. Get in touch with us today by calling (757) 779-5244 or filling out this contact form. We proudly serve Williamsburg, VA and surrounding areas in the Norfolk region.