Can The Downspouts Be Replaced?

The downspouts are an important part of your home's gutter system. Unfortunately, they are also one of the least attractive parts of it. Without the downspouts, water from the roof could pool up at your home's foundation and cause structural problems. Therefore, completely getting rid of them is not an option. There are alternatives to having traditional downspouts in place.  

Rain Chains 

One of the complaints about downspouts is that they are unattractive. With rain chains, this problem is eliminated. Rain chains are decorative shapes, such as bells and cups, that are hung from the hole that the downspouts usually are.  

As water is funneled through your gutters, it ends up trickling or streaming down the rain chains. The water can cause the cups or bells to softly ring. The sounds can be a complement to the rainfall.  

Rain chains are available in a variety of styles and materials, but copper rain chains are a popular choice. The copper is durable and can withstand the environmental elements they will be exposed to. Companies like Monarch Rain Chains have many options.  

Rain Barrels 

Another alternative to the downspouts are rain barrels. Whereas rain chains require some installation work, the rain barrels can simply be put into place and left to collect the water. There are several sizes of barrels from which to choose. The water collected can be used for various projects, including watering your lawn.  

There are a couple of drawbacks to using rain barrels though. As the water collects in the barrels, they become heavier. You will have to move the barrel to leave the water. In addition to this problem, you also have to worry about attracting mosquitoes and other pests with the standing water. You would have to remove water as soon as it is collected to avoid this.  

Drywells 

You also have the option of constructing an underground drywell that can be used to funnel the water away from your home. To install the drywell, you would need to connect a drain pipe to the gutters. The water collected by the pipe would then be whisked into the underground drywell.  

It is important to note that the drywell would need to extend out far enough that the water does not build up underground and flood the yard near your home. It should direct the water far enough away that it can still be used to keep your lawn watered, but without damaging your home's foundation. 

Your roofing contractor can help you determine the best option for replacing your downspouts. 

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