Why is it so imperative that your gutters have a downspout splash block at the end of them?
A splash block is an important but ignored component of a rain gutter system. In order to improve the efficiency of your rain gutters, rain gutter accessories count and the splash block is no different.
A splash block, which is different from a splash guard, directs the water away from your house, and therefore, saves the foundation from water damage.
In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about gutter splash blocks and why you need them for your house.
What is a Splash Block?
A splash block is a device that channels rainwater away from the foundations of a house. In a rain gutter system, everything from hangers to elbows, downspouts to splash blocks contributes to forming an effective system.
Here are some of the benefits of splash blocks:
- They keep water away from your house and protect its foundations from water intrusion.
- Splash blocks protect your walls from getting muddy stains as water comes out speedily.
- They are important for places that receive heavy rainfall, storms, and hurricanes.
- You can use splash blocks to direct water away from your new grass or garden.
- They can be a great decorative addition to your property. You will find these blocks in many designs. There are some shaped like a pond or a rocky stream. You will be amazed to see some exquisite designs with animals on them.
So what happens when you don’t have a splash block installed at the bottom of your downspout?
Glad you asked! You see my husband is a local home inspector here in Orlando, FL and he tells me all the time about these homes that don’t have the proper gutters and accessories.
He recently sent me this picture below and said, “This needs to go on your blog to show people why they need to get that splash block installed.”
How do They Work?
A splash block is (mostly) a rectangular-shaped device made of plastic or concrete.
The device has two sides. One closed-ended side comes directly under the downspouts and blocks rainwater from going that way.
The open-ended side channels the rainwater away from the foundations of your house.
What is the Proper Way to Install These?
It is very important to install splash blocks the right way. There are a few ways to do that.
First, choose a splash block that works for you. you will find two main types in the market, linear and broader base.
- Linear Base: They channel the water away from the foundation in a straight line. These types of splash blocks can work in areas that get moderate rains.
- Broader Base: They direct water away by spreading it in a larger area. These are great for places that get heavy rains and storms.
Different Types:
You will also come across a variety of gutter splash blocks in the market depending on their material.
Rubber |
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Plastic |
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Concrete |
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Once you know which type to buy, calculate the number of splash blocks that you may need. Keep in mind that you will need one for each downspout.
Installation:
To install the splash block, make sure you are doing it the right way. The closed-end will come directly under the downspout. Install them in such an angle that the water will flow away from the house. you may need to dig a little in order to get an angle that works.
According to some experts, 6 inches is the ideal angle that works for most residential buildings.
Maintaining Your Splash Blocks:
I would recommend checking the angle every few months. Different factors may cause changes in the position and angle of the splash block. For instance, heavy downpours or pressure from a heavy lawnmower can cause changes in the angle of the block. If you ignore these changes, you may not realize that the water is moving towards the house instead of going away from it.
Final Word:
Splash blocks for gutters are very useful for protecting the foundation of your house from water intrusion. You can choose designs that work best for you and install them yourself. I would recommend buying decorative splash blocks that can protect your walls from splashing and add value to your house
