Check Downspout Extensions
Why It Matters
Short downspouts dump water right at your foundation, causing basement flooding and erosion that undermines your home's structure.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: basic tools. Materials required: Downspout extensions.
- 2
Perform the check downspout extensions
Verify all downspouts direct water at least 4-6 feet from the foundation, adding extensions if needed.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Materials
- Downspout extensions
Community Tips
Downspout extensions should discharge water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation to prevent basement flooding and soil erosion; vinyl extensions like Amerivent's flexible downspout extensions ($12-18) can be angled or buried to direct water safely to storm drains or dry wells.
Never allow downspout extensions to terminate directly against siding, deck posts, or wooden structures, as the concentrated water flow will cause rot and structural damage within 1-2 seasons—this is the leading cause of foundation settlement claims that insurance companies deny as maintenance failures.
Roll-out gutter extensions like Flex-A-Spout ($25-40) eliminate the need for rigid downspout installations and can be stored during winter, making them a budget-friendly option for renters or temporary solutions, though permanent aluminum extensions remain more durable for homes in high-wind areas. ---