Directing water at least 4 to 6 feet away from your foundation is critical to preventing structural damage. Choose flexible corrugated extensions for complex landscaping or low-profile trays for high-traffic areas, ensuring a consistent downward slope to prevent pooling and freezing.
Protect your home's foundation by choosing the right downspout extension. Learn how to select, install, and maintain the best drainage solutions.
Downspouts should extend at least 4 to 6 feet away from your foundation. This distance ensures that rainwater is discharged into an area where the grade naturally slopes away from the home, preventing water from pooling against the foundation wall and infiltrating the basement or crawl space.
Flexible extensions are better for navigating around landscaping, bushes, and irregular terrain because they can be snaked into position. Rigid extensions are superior for straight runs where aesthetic appeal and long-term durability are the primary concerns, as they are less prone to UV damage and physical crushing.
Yes, you should secure your extension using galvanized screws or a downspout hinge to prevent it from detaching during heavy rain. Additionally, use landscape stakes or a heavy splash block to anchor the terminal end, ensuring the pipe remains in place and does not move due to water pressure.
Yes, you can bury extensions using solid PVC pipe or corrugated drain pipe designed for underground use. Avoid using standard thin-walled extensions for burial, as they will collapse under the weight of the soil. Ensure the system terminates in a pop-up emitter or a dry well to prevent backflow.