Downspouts are an obvious solution for receiving water from eavestrough systems. However, it’s surprising how many folk including building contractors don’t spare a thought for what happens next. They may add short concrete troughs beneath the down-pipes in case a building inspector calls. Although that is often a case of simply moving the problem.

The Case for Downspout Extenders in Calgary

We could probably dine out on a-five-dollar-a-call basis for the number on inquiries we get in a month on this topic. The immediate problems include moldy basements, and damp inside buildings. It does not take a rocket scientist to deduce these two root causes:

1. The roof is leaking and the cause is regular rain filtering through it.
2. The eavestrough system is depositing the water too close to the house.

We focus on the second cause of damp in this post. Although we should like to mention that we also install asphalt roofs and eavestrough systems, and fix and repair sidings too.

Downspout extenders have become quite popular in Calgary as a “solution” to damp outside and inside a building. We use quotes in that sentence, because more often than not they just move the problem. Although a salesperson may overlook that fact, because extenders may work for a short while before they fail. Here are a few reasons why we say so:

• The downspout in the image deposits the water too close to the building to be 100% sure of avoiding damp.
• There is a fairly good chance of the gently-sloping extension blocking with leaves and other wind-blown debris.
• The extension will get in the way of garden maintenance. We have known homeowners remove them as a “nuisance”.
• Downspout extensions are seldom robust. They damage quite easily, and can become an annoying maintenance chore.

Problems With Folding Downspout Extensions

Folding down-pipe extensions flip up against a wall when not in use. Most of these require a homeowner to lift and secure them when they are in the way. However, most times they forget to lower them, and end up calling Valiant Exteriors about damp in the house and basement.

Perhaps There is a Simpler Way to Achieve This

We like to keep things simple at Valiant Exteriors, and as maintenance-free as we can. We don’t believe in having gardens closer than a yard from a house, because homeowners water plants and this can lead to damp. We far prefer seeing this area paved, and sloping gently away from the building.

We also find concrete troughs a simpler solution, because they cannot block completely, are simple to clear, and we can recess them level with the path. What happens next with the water depends on the lay of the land beyond the house. Give Valiant Exteriors a call on (403) 829-1661 if you would like a solution that works, and is good for your lifestyle too.

More Information

Flat Roofs and Gutters and Drains

A Hole Through a Roof With Problems

A Downspout Discharging Into a Concrete Trough (Oatsy40 BY CC 2.0 Generic)