Moving Water Away from “Low Spots”
The most important rule for downspout placement in Central Michigan is to avoid dumping water into “depressions” or low spots near your foundation. If a downspout empties into a low area, the water will pool and eventually find its way into your basement.
In Mt. Pleasant, Alma, Midland, and Clare, we look for areas with a natural slope away from the house. A downspout should always be paired with an extension that carries water at least 5 to 10 feet away from the wall.
Balancing the Gutter Load
You can’t just put one downspout at the end of a 50-foot gutter run. Proper downspout placement in Central Michigan requires balancing the weight of the water. As a general rule, you need one downspout for every 20 to 30 feet of gutter. If the run is too long, the water will become too heavy and cause the gutter to sag or overflow in the middle.
By placing downspouts at both ends of a long run, you ensure the system can handle even the heaviest summer thunderstorms.
Avoiding High-Traffic Areas
Good downspout placement in Central Michigan also considers your daily life. You don’t want a downspout dumping water onto a sidewalk, driveway, or right in front of your garage door where it can create an icy slip hazard in the winter.
We look for “tucked away” locations behind corners or in garden beds where the water can be dispersed into the soil without affecting your walkways or entryways.
Protecting Your Landscaping
Water coming out of a downspout during a heavy rain has a lot of force. Improper downspout placement in Central Michigan can lead to “washouts” in your flower beds or the destruction of your favorite shrubs.
Using “splash blocks” or underground drainage pipes can help dissipate that energy and protect your expensive landscaping while still moving the water safely away from the foundation.
Call Energy Plus Home Improvements
Are your downspouts causing a mess? Energy Plus Home Improvements can redesign your drainage system to ensure your foundation stays dry and your yard looks great.
