Photo by Gutter Resto 

Many different components make up the effective guttering system. Opting for quality materials, professional installation, and routine maintenance enables these components to work together to keep your roof safe and prevent water damage to your home. 

When any one of these components becomes damaged or dated, many locals rely on the gutter replacement Melbourne roofers suggest when doing annual roof inspections. One of the components that is instrumental in a properly functioning guttering system is the downpipes attached to the main guttering. This post looks at the top reasons why your home should have downpipes.  

What is a Downpipe in a Guttering System? 

As the name suggests, a downpipe refers to the elbows and vertical pipes that run down the side of your house. They connect to the horizontal gutters and divert rainwater from the top of the roof to the ground. 

The primary function of a downpipe is to channel water away from a home’s walls and foundations. If your drainage system is set up correctly and has all of its parts, then the downpipe will direct water into a drain. 

Adding extra pipe extensions and elbow joints (a folded piece of pipe) allows you to direct water to a garden or rainwater collecting tank. Downpipes should always be installed at least one meter away from your home’s foundation. Australian downpipes can be made from various materials such as:

• PVC
• Stainless steel
• Colorbond steel 
• Zincalume steel

Prevent Damage to Your Home With the Right Downpipes

There are a few very good reasons why your home should always have well-functioning and clog-free downpipes as part of the guttering system. We’ve listed the most significant ones. 

1. Protect Your Home’s Foundation 

The number one reason your home should have downpipes is that it protects your home’s foundation and walls from water damage. When water is left to flow out of the gutters and fall directly on the foundation, it can cause pooling which in turn creates moisture in the foundation. Older foundations that have been exposed to years of water pooling become weak and affect the structural integrity of your house. 

2. Keeps Water Out of Your Basement

If your home has a basement then you already know how easily this space can become damp. Water that is left to pool at the base of your home can seep into the basement. This will not only cause damage to your home but also to whatever you’re keeping in the basement. Continued dampness in this space will also result in mould and bacteria growth which can quickly migrate to the rest of your home. 

3. Prevent Soil Erosion

No one likes spending a huge amount of time and money on landscaping only to watch your garden turn into a muddy mess at the first sign of rain. Downpipes allow you to direct excessive water away from heavy-soil areas, instantly reducing potential soil erosion. This not only increases soil health but also keeps your garden looking neat, even after the roughest of storms. 

4. Make Rainwater Harvesting Easier

If you are looking for a sustainable way to conserve water on your property, it may be time to invest in a rainwater harvesting system. Adding additional downpipes to your existing drainage system will enable you to direct water off the roof into the tanks. Not only does this reduce the amount of water that reaches your foundation, but it also provides you with usable water that you can safely store until it’s needed. 

Opt for the Whole Roofing Experience

When you’re having your downpipes assessed, it’s a good idea to have your whole roof inspected. Repairing or replacing other faulty components will ensure that all the other parts of your roof work together to reduce water damage around your home. 

Some of the top services your roofing team can provide you with include the following:

• Gutter cleaning, repair, and replacement (recommended for homes with gutters older than 20 years or with visible signs of damage)
• Adding PVC downpipe spreaders to further direct water from your roof and home. 
• Fitting custom flashing for gutters. 
• Customising box gutters to provide additional support for heavy rainfall areas. 
• Replacing fascia covers as these can easily become damaged and worn over time. 
• Installing and repairing quad gutters. 
• Repairing and replacing timber eaves. 
• Installing mini-line gutters. 

When you’re having your gutters replaced, it’s essential to speak to your roofer about upgrading your drainage system to better handle rainfall in your area. This is because a gutter installed 50 years ago may no longer be the most efficient solution for keeping your home dry.

Final Thoughts

Downpipes play an integral part in creating an effective drainage system. Speak to your local roofer for an assessment of how effective your downpipes are. If necessary, opt for a replacement to ensure that you minimise the risk of water damage as much as possible. When you no longer see pools of water around your home’s foundation you’ll be glad you made the investment.