Omar Khalid
Gutter extensions are an easy DIY project that can help direct water away from your home's foundation. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and can be purchased at most big-box stores. The installation process involves measuring the outlet at the bottom of your downspout and selecting the correct size for your extension. It is important to consider the length of the extension and its angle to ensure that the water flows away from your foundation. You may need to cut the length or adjust the angle to avoid water accumulation and potential damage to your foundation. Some extensions require additional support, such as Snap-On attachments or Zipp screws, to hold them in place securely. With proper measurement and installation, gutter extensions can effectively prevent water damage to your home's foundation.
Characteristics and Values Table for Installing Plastic Gutter Extensions
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy DIY project |
| Materials | Plastic, aluminium, corrugated pipe |
| Function | Carry water away from the foundation to prevent water damage |
| Length | Ensure downspout and elbow are not too long and extending too close to the ground |
| Angle | Ensure the angle of water flow is not backwards |
| Cutting | May need to cut the length of the downspout |
| Joint | Not sealed, so finding the correct angle is important |
| Attachments | Snap-On attachments or Zipp screws (maximum length: half an inch) |
| Assembly | Measure the outlet at the bottom of the downspout (common sizes: 2x3 or 3x4 inches) |
| Installation | Roll out during a rainstorm |
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What You'll Learn
Measure the outlet at the bottom of the downspout
To install a downspout extension, you must first measure the outlet located at the bottom of your downspout. This is an important step as it ensures that you purchase the correct size of the extension for your gutter. The outlet size is typically standard, with measurements of either two by three or three by four inches. However, you may also come across three-inch or four-inch round downspouts. Taking accurate measurements will help you select the right size from the store, ensuring a proper fit.
When measuring, it is crucial to consider the length of the downspout and its elbow. Ensure that they are not too long and extending too close to the ground. Adjust the length if necessary, being mindful that the joint between the extension and the downspout is not sealed. Finding the correct angle for the water flow is essential to prevent the extension from popping off.
The angle of the water flow is critical to the effectiveness of your gutter system. It should be directed away from the foundation to prevent water accumulation and potential damage. By measuring the outlet at the bottom of the downspout and selecting the appropriate extension, you can achieve the desired angle and distance for water dispersal.
Additionally, when measuring and installing the downspout extension, consider the surrounding landscape or ground angle. It should be pitched in a way that controls the flow of water, directing it towards a safe area where water can naturally travel away. This helps prevent water accumulation and potential foundation damage.
By carefully measuring the outlet at the bottom of the downspout and considering the length and angle of the downspout, you can ensure the proper installation of the extension. This will create an effective gutter system that directs water away from your foundation, protecting your home from potential water damage.
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Choose the correct material and length
When installing plastic gutter extensions, it is important to choose the correct material and length to ensure effective water diversion and protect your foundation from water damage. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection:
First, assess the landscape and pitch of the ground around your residence. Understanding how water naturally flows in your yard will help you determine the best length and placement for your gutter extensions. You want to ensure that water is directed away from your foundation to prevent accumulation and potential water damage.
Second, consider the size of your downspout. Downspouts typically come in standard sizes, such as two by three or three by four inches, or in round shapes with three or four-inch diameters. It is important to measure the outlet at the bottom of your downspout to purchase the correct size of the extension. A good fit will ensure proper water flow and prevent leaks or backups.
Third, decide on the material of the gutter extension. Plastic is a common and cost-effective option, but you can also find extensions made of aluminium or corrugated pipe. Consider the climate and weather conditions in your area when choosing the material. For example, in cold climates, accumulated snow melting off the roof can freeze and back up the downspouts if the ground is still frozen. Aluminium or corrugated pipe extensions might be more suitable in such cases.
Fourth, determine the appropriate length for your gutter extensions. They typically come in various lengths, so you can choose one that best suits the distance from your foundation wall to the desired discharge area. If the extension is too long and extends too close to the ground, you may need to cut it to size. Ensure that the angle of water flow is directed away from the foundation and that the joint between the extension and the downspout is secure to prevent it from popping off.
Finally, consider using additional components for a more effective gutter system. For example, a splash block can be placed under the downspout to slow down the impact of water, but it may not divert water away from the building as efficiently as other methods. Alternatively, you can bury a corrugated pipe underground to discreetly direct water away from the foundation, ensuring it empties into a dry well or an area where water can naturally travel away.
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Ensure the angle of water flow is correct
When installing plastic gutter extensions, it is important to ensure that the angle of water flow is correct to avoid water accumulation and damage to your property's foundation. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
Firstly, evaluate the landscape or ground around your residence. The pitch or angle of the ground plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of water. Ensure that the gutter extension carries water to a safe area where it can naturally travel away from your foundation. Avoid terminating the downspout directly at the foundation, as it can lead to water accumulation and potential damage, even with the use of a splash block.
Secondly, consider the length of the downspout and its elbow. Ensure that they are not too long or extending too close to the ground, as this can cause the water to flow backwards. If necessary, cut the length of the downspout to achieve the correct angle. The joint between the extension and the downspout is typically not sealed, so finding the right angle will help prevent it from popping off.
Additionally, you can purchase Snap-On attachments or Zipp screws to secure the extension in place. When using Zipp screws, ensure that their length does not exceed half an inch, especially if you do not have gutter guards. Longer screws can catch small twigs, leaves, and debris, leading to blockages in the downspout.
By following these instructions, you can ensure that the angle of water flow is correct and prevent potential water damage to your property's foundation.
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Use Snap-On attachments or Zipp screws to hold the extension in place
When installing a plastic gutter extension, you can use Snap-On attachments or Zipp screws to hold the extension in place securely. These attachments are especially useful if you want to ensure that the joint between the extension and the downspout is secure and doesn't come apart.
The first step is to measure the outlet at the bottom of your downspout. This will usually be either a two-by-three or a three-by-four-inch opening. With this measurement, you can choose the appropriate Snap-On attachment or Zipp screw size. The Zipp screws should be a maximum of half an inch in length to avoid catching twigs, leaves, and debris, which can cause blockages.
You can then proceed to attach the extension. You have the option to remove the bottom elbow and connect the extension directly, or you can connect the extension to the end of the elbow, ensuring that the water flow goes inside the extension to prevent leaks.
If you choose to use Zipp screws, simply screw the downspout elbow to the outlet tube protruding from the gutter. If you prefer Snap-On attachments, you can snap the pieces together securely. Either method will ensure your gutter extension is firmly in place and functioning properly.
By following these steps and using Snap-On attachments or Zipp screws, you can confidently install a plastic gutter extension, ensuring it remains securely attached and effectively channels rainwater away from your home.
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Bury the downspout under the walkway
Burying a downspout under a walkway or sidewalk is a good option if your downspout is currently shooting water onto a paved surface and causing staining, increased mould and mildew growth, ice formation, or pooling water that can crack the pavement. However, it is labour-intensive and can be challenging, especially if the sidewalk is already in place.
If you are able to plan ahead, the labour will be much easier if you can carve out drainage paths before paving the area. When prepping the spot for a downspout under a future sidewalk, ensure that the ground is graded properly. If the sidewalk is already in place, you will need to dig a tunnel that channels the water beneath the soil.
To begin, mark any underground utility lines in your yard before digging. Grade the trench so that it slopes away from the downspout to keep the water moving—there should be a 1/4-inch drop in the slope of the trench for every foot of drainage tubing. Take the shortest route to avoid standing water in the drain and avoid creating dips in the drainage tube, which can cause pooling.
Start the tunnel using a narrow piece of PVC and widen it by inserting a wider segment. Place a corrugated drainage tube or solid pipe through the tunnel, making sure it is long enough to stretch from the downspout to the exit trench. Add crushed gravel beneath and around the tube to increase drainage capacity. When filling in the dirt, start at the centre of the tunnel and work your way out.
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Frequently asked questions
Gutter extensions are pieces of material that carry water from the downspout to a safe area away from the structure. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and come in various lengths.
First, measure the outlet at the bottom of your downspout. Then, purchase a plastic gutter extension kit that fits this size. Ensure the downspout and its elbow are not too long and adjust the length if necessary. Find the correct angle for the water flow to avoid the joint between the extension and the downspout popping off. You can use Snap-On attachments or Zipp screws (no longer than half an inch) to hold the extension in place.
Yes, you can install a gutter extension by digging a hole and using PVC pipe to direct the water into a dry well. Alternatively, you can bury corrugated pipe underground to direct water to your yard, using solid tile for the first section and then switching to perforated tile.
