Downspouts are a Critical Aspect of Drainage

If you are looking for a gutter cleaning or installation service, you’ve likely heard the word “downspout” thrown around, and you might not really know what that term means. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered!

Gutter downspouts, also known as downpipes or leaders, are an integral part of any building's drainage system. They are designed to capture rainwater that falls on the roof of a building and direct it away from the foundation, walls, and basement to prevent water damage and erosion. 

Simply put, your gutters collect water, and the downspout is where it is drained and diverted from your house.

Let’s talk about downspouts and why they are the unsung heroes of rainwater drainage.

The History of Gutter Downspouts

Gutters have been used in building construction for centuries. In ancient times, people used gutters made of clay or stone to channel rainwater away from their homes. The Romans were known for their advanced engineering techniques, and they used lead gutters to collect and redirect rainwater from their buildings. In medieval Europe, gutters made of wood or metal were used to protect the roofs and walls of buildings.



The modern gutter downspout as we know it today was developed in the 20th century. The first mass-produced gutter system was patented in 1899 by Robert W. Wood, who formed the American Sheet Metal Working Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Wood gutter system was made of galvanized steel and included a gutter and downspout that could be easily assembled and installed on a building.

The Function of Downspouts

The primary function of a gutter downspout is to collect rainwater from the roof of a building and direct it away from the foundation, walls, and basement. When it rains, water flows down the roof and into the gutter, which collects and channels the water to the downspout. The downspout then directs the water away from the building and onto the ground or into a drainage system.

Downspouts serve several essential functions in a building's drainage system. They prevent water damage to the foundation, walls, and basement of a building. Water can cause significant damage to a building's structure if it is not properly directed away from the foundation. A buildup of water near the foundation can weaken the soil and cause foundation walls to crack or bow, leading to expensive repairs.

Prevent Basement Flooding & Soil Erosion

Downspouts also prevent erosion around a building. When rainwater is not directed away from a building, it can create pools of water that erode the soil around the foundation. This erosion can lead to soil instability, which can cause the foundation to shift and settle, resulting in structural damage to the building.

Additionally, downspouts help prevent basement flooding. If rainwater is not properly directed away from a building, it can seep into the basement and cause flooding. This flooding can cause significant damage to the building's interior and can be expensive to repair.

Other Benefits of Properly Functioning Downspouts

Gutter downspouts also have several other benefits. They can help reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth in a building. When water is not properly directed away from a building, it can create conditions that are conducive to mold and mildew growth. This can lead to health problems for occupants of the building and can be costly to remediate.

They can also help reduce the risk of ice dams forming on a building's roof. Ice dams are caused by melting snow that refreezes at the roof's edge, creating a buildup of ice that can cause water to back up under the shingles and leak into the building. By directing water away from the roof, gutter downspouts can help prevent the formation of ice dams.



Your home or business isn’t safe without functioning gutters, and your gutters can’t do their job right without well-maintained downspouts. If you suspect that you might need your downspouts cleaned, repaired, or replaced, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!