Although your foundation was designed to support the entire home, it is vulnerable to water damage. The most common cause of foundation issues in homes is poor drainage. There is a simple, cost-effective fix: downspout expansions.
The design of your drainage system is crucial, regardless of whether you live in a region with heavy clay or a climate that experiences frequent spring thaws. This article explains why downspout extensions are essential for your foundation. We also discuss signs that you may require and what to anticipate during downspout extension installation.
A Problem With Water Pooling Around Your Foundation
When it rains, your roof sheds tons of water into your gutters. Water from gutters should ideally flow away far enough from the home to avoid any damage. However, if your downspouts deposit water too close to the foundation–typically within 2-3 feet–you’re inviting trouble.
A pool of water in your soil can exert hydrostatic force against the walls of your foundation. Over time, it can cause:
- Cracks in basement walls
- Mold and mildew growth
- Bowing or shifting of foundation walls
- Interior water infiltration
All these issues can compromise the structural integrity and value of your property.
What Are Downspout Extensions?
Extensions for your downspouts are simple extensions that can be added at the end. Their primary purpose is to channel rainwater farther from your home. Depending on the slope and soil condition of your yard, this can be anywhere between 6 and 10 feet.
You can find a wide variety of downspout extensions, including:
- Rigid extensions are durable and perfect for permanent solutions
- Corrugated or flexible pipes are easy to install and adjust.
- Pop-up emitters are subsurface systems that safely release water at a distance.
It depends on many factors, including your landscaping layout, soil type, and drainage needs.
Downspout Extenders Offer Many Benefits
1. Foundation Protection
Downspouts are designed to divert the water away so that it does not enter your crawl space, basement, or foundation.
2. Preventing Soil Erosion
If you pour water too close to your home, the soil will erode, causing landscaping problems. You may even expose more of your foundation.
3. Reduces Basement Humidity
When there is excessive water near your foundation, basement moisture levels will rise, leading to mold, mildew, and musty aromas.
4. Enhances Gutter System Performance
Without proper drainage, your gutters could overflow or back up, causing damage to the roof or stains on the siding. Extensions allow your gutters to do their jobs more efficiently.
Signs You Need Downspout Extensions
When unsure about whether you could benefit from a downspout extension, look for these signs.
- Standing water near your foundation or mud after rainfall
- Basement walls with water stains
- Cracking or bowing basement Walls
- Overflowing rain gutters or soil erosion at downspouts
If you have an older home or a recently modified landscape, your original drainage plan might not work anymore. This is why it is so important to reevaluate the system.
Why Professional Installers Matter?
Even though DIY downspout extensions are readily available from most home improvement retailers, planning and execution are key. Professionals assess:
- Ideal extension lengths for your property
- Surface drainage or underground drainage is better
- Problems with grading or obstructions
- Integrated with sump pump discharge line or French drains
For a drainage system that works well and does not cause new problems, you should hire professionals who have experience with the local weather and terrain.
This HomeAdvisor.com guide offers tips and tricks for both homeowners and contractors.
Maintaining Your Downspout Extensions
Downspout extensions also require regular maintenance and checks. Two times a year is recommended (typically in the springtime and fall).
- Blockages and clogs due to debris
- Cracks, leaks, or leaking in rigid extensions
- Displacement due to lawnmowers & foot traffic
- Damage from the freeze-thaw cycle in colder climates
They can be maintained and extended by clearing away any buildup and making sure the connections are secure.
Conclusion
You may overlook something so simple as an extension for your downspout, but it can have a large impact on your home’s safety and longevity. If you plan and install your downspout extensions properly, you will be able to avoid costly foundation repairs, reduce the amount of humidity in your home’s basement, and maintain landscaping.
Take action now if your existing drainage setup is causing water to pool near your house’s foundation. To begin, find local professionals to evaluate your home for you and provide the best recommendation.
