How Far Apart Should Gutter Downspouts Be?

Your gutters serve as your roof’s first line of defense against moisture damage. They help prevent leaks and other forms of moisture damage by diverting rainwater away to the drains. But to do their job, their downspouts need to be adequately spaced.

How far apart do your downspouts need to be? Shine Construction Inc., your trusted roof replacement company, lists the guidelines for the placement of downspouts below:

Guidelines for the Placement of Downspouts

There should be a downspout for every 40 linear feet of gutter – If your gutters don’t have enough downspouts, water may overflow and spill onto the concrete pavement. Eventually, overflowing rainwater might even seep into your home’s foundation and basement walls.
Downspouts should not be installed near the house’s foundation or improperly pitched pavement stones and walkways – Paving stones and walkways that weren’t pitched properly can cause overflowing rainwater to back up. What if moving your downspouts to another location isn’t an option? We recommend installing downspout extensions. Keep in mind that, as a general rule, the downspouts should move the water’s discharge point at least four feet away from your home.

You shouldn’t worry too much about inadequately spaced downspouts if your gutters were installed by a professional roofing contractor.

The Importance of Routine Gutter Maintenance

Important note: Even with adequately spaced downspouts, your gutter system won’t be able to properly divert rainwater if leaves, twigs and other debris are clogging it. That’s why it’s important to routinely clean your gutters.

Looking for roofers near you? To quickly narrow down your options, limit your search to local contractors. Hiring local roofers also has other advantages. For starters, they can make better recommendations because of their familiarity with the local climate and building codes. Not to mention local roofing companies are known for their personalized service.

Shine Construction Inc., a family-run company, offers a wide range of professional exterior services, including roof repair and gutter replacement services. To request an estimate, call us at (508) 278-3300 or fill out this form.