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Your roof relies on various components to prolong its service life and ensure its optimal performance. For instance, your gutter system plays an important role of protecting your roof from water damage. That said, as a homeowner, knowing how your gutters function will help you ensure they are working properly, especially during rainy weather.
In this post, Deschutes Roofing discusses where the rainwater from your gutters and downspouts should go.
Where Rainwater Drainage Should Go
After being collected by your gutters and downspouts, rainwater needs to be delivered or pooled in an area away from your home’s foundation and other building materials that are prone to water damage. There are various ways to deal with the runoff, and the most popular options include:
- Rain barrel – The easiest and fastest way to store rainwater runoff from your gutter system is to have a rain barrel installed underground or aboveground. This type of container can hold around 30-100 gallons, and it can be made of wood or plastic. A diverter is connected to the downspout to direct the runoff into the container.
- Drainage pit – Also known as dry well or soakaway pit, a drainage pit is usually 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep and 3 feet long. After excavating the ground, the pit is then partially filled with polished stone. A drain pipe is also installed in the lowest area to collect water from the soil and direct it into the pit. This drainage method is ideal for catching a large volume of water.
Signs of Poor Rainwater Flow
It pays to know the signs of a poorly functioning gutter system. This allows you to be proactive in maintaining your gutters at home and avoid expensive home repairs. These are the following signs that indicate poor rainwater management and the need for immediate gutter repairs:
- Dampness or stains near your home’s foundation
- Stagnant water pooling near the downspouts in your garden
- Mold growth on the walkways of your front entrance
Looking for an expert to install seamless gutters?
Deschutes Roofing is a veteran-owned company that’s dedicated to providing quality services and products. We also have expertise in asphalt, metal, flat membrane and other specialty roof installations.
For inquiries, call us at any of these numbers: (541) 241-5720 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton). You may also fill out our contact form to request an estimate.