Downspouts in Monroe MI Transport Water Away From the Foundation of a Home

by | Jan 14, 2014 | Home Improvement, Repair & Services

A home with a roofing system needs to have durable Downspouts in Monroe MI that are functional and long-lasting. Downspouts Monroe MI are also referred to as roof drain pipes, waterspouts, and down-pipes. These practical devices aid in diverting water from the foundation of a home but also assist in keeping water off a rooftop. Water can affect the foundation of a home primarily in three ways: erosion, hydrostatic pressure, and expanding soils. The base of a home needs to sit on regolith that is dry. Over-saturation of the ground can cause the foundation of a home to shift, causing property damage and deterioration to the integrity of a home.

Like gutters, downspouts are built from many different parts. The waterspout will transport the water from the gutter to the ground. This water is usually emptied into a drainage pipe or splash block where it’s directed away from the foundation of a home. A downspout is vertical and is attached to the gutter system by covering the outlet in the end piece of the gutter. Sometimes, mastic or caulk will be used to snugly secure a gutter piece to a downspout. A downspout can be square or round and is manufactured from plastic, aluminum, or galvanized steel.

A conductor pipe band, or clincher, is used to hold a downspout in place so it does not fall over. This piece of material wraps around the downspout and is attached to the outside of a home with nails or screws. Often, a ball strainer is put into a downspout to keep debris from clogging this pipe. This addition to the downspout resembles two colanders that are secured together to form a ball. Other gutter covers can be used to prevent the hindrance of water drainage in the downspout.

When there is a need to change the direction of a downspout, square elbows can be used. An elbow is a curved fitting that attaches to a downspout. To properly join this attachment to a downspout, the utilization of a sealant is necessary. A downspout traditionally comes in 10 inch sections that can be modified to fit different homes. To keep downspouts working right, it’s necessary to perform maintenance by inspecting them on a regular basis.

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