The gutter and downspout are components of a gutter system. Many homeowners use the two terms interchangeably, although there’s a difference between the two objects.
You might need clarification about which item means when you face a problem with one of these items.
Whether you’re trying to install or fix your gutter system or plan to hire a professional to do the job on your behalf, it’s crucial to know the difference between a gutter and downspout.
Keep reading to understand what each item refers to and learn more about this topic.
Gutters vs. Downspouts
The difference between the gutter and the downspout might only interest you as a homeowner once you plan a home improvement project.
For example, you might plan to paint your house’s exterior and start discussing details with your painter. In this case, you should understand the difference between gutters and downspouts.
Gutters and downspouts are two components of the gutter system. This system helps channel the excess rainwater away from the roof so it doesn’t pool on top of your roof, run down the house’s walls, or create puddles around your property’s foundations.
Yet, the two terms don’t refer to the same object.
Gutters
Gutters are located at the top of your building as part of the roof’s structure. They run horizontally and parallel to the ground to help collect the excess water.
When it rains, gutters help channel the excess water away from the roof. Clogged or absent gutters mean that this water won’t be able to run down and will pool on top of the roof.
The collected water will damage the roof’s structure and lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Moreover, it will run down the house’s walls and might flood your basement.
Gutters are pitched at a quarter of an inch per ten feet of length when they’re installed to the property’s fascia.
Downspouts
Downspouts are pipes that run vertically, perpendicular to the roof. They’re connected to the gutters from the top and have an elbow at the bottom.
The end of the downspouts is bent at an angle to channel the water into a drainage system, where the elbows are installed into the porch or exterior sidings.
With proper installation, downspouts can be installed to direct water at least ten feet away from the property.
Are Gutters and Downspouts Necessary?
Gutters and downspouts protect your home from water damage’s annoying costs and dangers. This is why installing and maintaining a good gutter system is crucial to protect your investment when you buy a property.
However, in some cases, the gutter system might not be that crucial. The absence of this system might not cause any potential damage in the following cases.
- You live in an arid climate where it rarely rains, so there’s no need for a system that directs the runoff water.
- Your home has an extended roof overhang, which naturally directs the rainwater away from your property.
- Your house is located on a high hill, and the slope and elevation will direct the rainfall away from your property’s foundation.
Maintaining Gutters and Downspouts
Although gutters and downspouts are different, they belong to the same system and share one important feature. They both need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure they work well.
If there’s a problem with your gutters or downspouts, your whole system won’t be functional. As a result, runoff water won’t be able to travel down the system, and it will collect, causing severe damage to your property.
Regular gutters and downspouts maintenance guarantees that your system will always be in excellent shape. Here are some excellent maintenance tips to follow.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning your gutter system is the best way to prevent any blockages and detect any problems before they get worse.
Professionals recommend that you clean the gutters and downspouts at least twice a year. Ideally, you should clean them once in the spring and once in the late fall.
This will enable you to remove all the dirt, fallen leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other objects that might block the gutters’ openings and accumulate inside the downspouts.
Blocked objects will cause an overflow, where the water will collect on top of your roof. Moreover, they will increase the risk of the formation of frozen blockages.
Check for Leaks
The joints are the most problematic parts of your gutter system, and you should check them regularly for leaks.
Over time, joints can become loose and separate, so you should check them regularly to ensure there are no problems.
Preventative maintenance will ensure that your gutter system is functional and free of clogs.
While it’s raining, you should check the system to guarantee that the system is functioning properly.
Install Guards
Gutter guards are crucial parts of your system, although some homeowners don’t realize how important they are. These guards block all debris so it doesn’t get into your gutters and collect in the downspouts.
These guards have small openings, allowing the runoff water to pass through the system. However, they can block fallen leaves, rocks, twigs, and other objects that cause blockages in the long run.
This is why professionals recommend installing these guards if you’re installing the system for the first time or if you’re maintaining it.
Final Thoughts
Gutters and downspouts are part of the gutter system, but these two terms don’t refer to the same object.
The gutters run parallel to the ground, directing runoff water from the roof and channeling it down the downspouts. The water travels through the downspouts, where it exists through an elbow, to be further directed into a drainage system.
Functional gutters and downspouts guarantee that your property will be protected from water damage. This is why you should inspect and clean them regularly to deal with any issues before they worsen.
Despite their importance, you might not need to install gutters and downspouts if you live in an arid climate. Likewise, they might not be that crucial if your house is located on a hill or you have an extended roof overhang.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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