Roof Gutter Downspouts: How Many Does a Home Need?
The size of the roof matters when it comes to gutter downspouts.
Roof gutter downspouts transport water from the gutters away from the building’s foundation. They must be carefully positioned to allow rainwater and melting snow to drain safely to the ground. Without proper downspout placement, gutters could overflow, and the homeowner could have serious roofing or foundation issues.
So how many gutter downspouts does a home need?
Roof’s size
The size of the roof matters when it comes to gutter downspouts.
The larger the surface, the more water runs down to the gutters every time it rains or snow melts. And when more water hits the gutters, more downspouts are needed to help it drain away.
Roof’s slope
The roof’s slope must also be factored into the decision on gutter downspout placement. With a steep rooftop pitch, water flows much more quickly down the surface and into the gutters. As a result, a gutter system without an adequate number of downspouts won’t be able to deal with a significant amount of water in a short period of time.
Gutter’s size
Gutters are available in a variety of widths. Narrow gutters can’t channel much water, so extra downspouts are often necessary for proper drainage. Gutter systems with wider gutters can hold more water and may not require as many downspouts.
Where is the property located?
Some areas of the country see more precipitation each year than others. Heavy amounts of rain and snow put extra pressure on gutters. So if the home is in an area with lots of wet weather, it may need more gutter downspouts.
Ensure there are enough downspouts
As a rule of thumb, most gutters need a downspout every 30 to 40 feet for adequate water drainage. But since every home is different, using this blanket formula may not be the wisest choice.
The only way to ensure a gutter system is designed and installed correctly is to consult a reliable, professional roofing contractor.
Irish Roofing Company provides Scottsdale with roof inspection, installation, sealing and repair. We offer shingle services, tile roof services, flat roof services, roof cleaning, roof inspection, roof installation, leak repair, roof recovering, roof repair, roof sealing, skylight installation and replacement, and wood shake services for commercial and residential customers.
