Everything You Need to Know About Downspout Reducers

When you are not an expert in all things gutter and roof-related, it can be a little frustrating when all these unfamiliar terms are thrown at you when you are trying to buy and install a new gutter system. If you have heard the term, downspout reducer, but have no idea if you really need to buy one or not, here is everything you need to know about downspout reducers:

Downspout reducers play an important role. Not every rain gutter system is built the same though so sometimes you need additional components to modify the system, whether it is because the pipe you need to attach it to is smaller or if you are trying to add a system like The SpoutOff to make gutter maintenance easier.

For example: When your system needs a 2 x 3 downspout or a 3 x4 downspout needs to be reduced into a smaller pipe or through a deck, all you need to do is add the Reducer 2 x 3. Keep in mind that the 3 x 4 downspout will have to be crimped to install into top of Reducer.

Why is a Perfect Fit Necessary?

While you might be tempted to forgo the downspout reducer, thinking a little gaping won’t make a big difference, it is a decision that could cost you more down the line. Because in that gap water can leak through causing damage. And if the leaking continues over a long period of time, the damage can be substantial costing you a lot more money than the purchase of a downspout reducer.

The SpoutOff System

Another product that can make maintaining your gutter system easier is The SpoutOff. It is especially helpful if you have small rain gutter outlets because TheSpoutoff outlets are designed with a larger opening allowing for water to still run down even if other parts of the gutter are clogged. Another great plus is that these outlets are easy to keep clean through the removable downspout that allows you to check on the outlets without having to climb a ladder. With TheSpoutOff, a fear of heights or balance concerns will no longer keep you from properly taking care of your home and it is a lot cheaper than hiring a professional cleaner to come regularly to clear out all the debris.

The SpoutOff can be retrofitted to your current gutter system or it can be added to a new one, depending upon your needs. The instructions are relatively easy to follow so it is something you can easily install yourself, but any local gutter company can do it for you as well.
Once The SpoutOff is installed, you won’t need to buy any special tools to use to clean the gutters. A once dreaded chore can become so easy. If the weather is calling for a bad storm and you are worried about your gutters now it will be so easy to check on them. It will only take a few minutes and you can do it safely from the ground.

Here are some other fast facts about The SpoutOff:

• As long as The SpoutOff outlets are free from debris, your gutter system will work properly even if other parts of the system are clogged.
• The SpoutOff comes with a large outlet and removable downspout clip that can either be installed with new gutters or retrofitted to the gutter system you already have.
• The SpoutOff can be installed onto 5 inch and 6 inch K-Style gutters with either 2 inch x 3 inch or 3 inch x 4 inch downspouts, but 3 x 4 downspouts are recommended.
• The SpoutOff components are designed to work with most downspout configurations including A Elbow, B Elbow and Underground Pipes.
• You can even install it into an underground pipe.
• The SpoutOff components are powder coated aluminum so you can easily paint them or have a professional painting company do it for you.
• You can still use covers and shields on your gutters even with The SpoutOff.

The Quality of Your Gutter System Counts Too

Besides The SpoutOff, the type of gutters you have installed matters too. If they are not durable enough or not installed properly, the whole system will be more prone to damage and leaks. Vinyl and aluminum are the most popular types of gutters people have installed on their roofs. They are easy to install and rust-proof.
Whether you are installing the gutter system yourself or having someone do it for you, remember to avoid these mistakes:

• Avoid choosing the wrong size gutter. Because your gutters need to be able to be large enough to drain away all the rain from your home, finding the right size is crucial. If you go too small, the gutters will only get overloaded in heavy downfalls leading to a lot of water damage to your home.
• Avoid hanging the gutter hangers too far apart. The gutter hangers are the way you mount the gutter system to your home so they need to be spaced properly. If you leave too much space between the hangers, the rain gutters will actually sage causing the water to pool instead of flowing through. If this keeps happening and you have a lot of water pooling in different sections of the gutter system, the extra pressure is going to make the system separate from your home. The rule of thumb is to place the gutter hangers about every three feet or so, unless where you live there is a lot of snow and ice, then every 2 feet is better.
• Don’t ignore the pitch of the rain gutters. The angle at which your rain gutters are hung is an important detail when it comes to a successful installation. Both too much of an angle and not enough of an angle can affect the speed at which the water flows through the system. In this case, moderation is best. Experts recommend that you allow for a ¼ inch slope towards the downspouts for every 10 feet of gutter. The most important thing to remember is that the gutters should never be level.
• Don’t forget the downspouts. How you place the downspouts and how many of them you install is also important. Not having enough downspouts will lead to standing water and overloading of the system during heavy rains. And when they are not placed properly you open yourself to erosion around the area, structural damage and even insect infestation, all of which can end up being pricey to fix.

Want to learn more about how TheSpoutOff can make your seasonal outdoor chores a lot easier? Contact TheSpoutOff today to learn how it can take the hassle out of cleaning your gutters and the importance of downspout reducers.