Adventures with Downspouts
Only after buying the Cross House did I become aware of the VITAL importance of good gutters and downspouts on a big old house.
When I purchased the house it had but a single remaining downspout. Most of the gutters were filled with debris so water was just cascading over and, ominously, behind the gutters.
As the years have passed, and as I ever more become intimately acquainted with the house, I have recognized the value of gutters and downspouts. For, almost all the damage I have encountered is the result of lack of one or of both.
Today, I am fixated on gutters and downspouts.
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I never thought I’d think of down spouts as sexy – but that final image has me thinking that way.
You are a little strange.
But I like that in a man.
Are you planning to cut off the crimped end where the water comes out? I think that a plain end would be more in keeping with the house.
Oh, that chandelier lurking glorious through the window!
Do you want to bend the downspout towards the house like the old one?
(I will never understand why it seemes not usual to let the downspouts end in the public sewage system to prevent damp in the cellar and foundation. I looked up the climate diagramm, you have a lot of rain.)
Greetings from Germany.
(Besides: Our Thanksgiving was on October 1st!)
Hi Ross. Long time reader here, I love what you have done for the house and enjoy reading about it. Try here. They have 2 inch round downspouts. Might be worth a try.
When I was a Board member of our local chapter of ReBuilding Together, it was my responsibility to inspect applicant houses to determine the scope of work. Almost every house had a shockingly severe amount of water damage, either from roof leaks, supply-line drips, or missing/faulty gutters and downspouts.
Our old house had inadequate replacement gutters and downspouts when we took possession, huge roof areas draining into a standard K-style gutter with undersized downspouts. Now, we have 6″ half-round gutters and corresponding 6″ downspouts … this makes me think, are 3″ downspouts adequate to drain your gutters and prevent overflow?
It is unfortunate how often gutters and downspouts are neglected and cause major and entirely unnecessary damage. Good to see you are on the right side of things 🙂
Your small downspouts are going to be more prone to clogs and blockages from leaves and other debris. Probably a good idea to set yourself a reminder for periodic inspection and cleaning to keep things flowing freely.
Ross, Are you looking for more 3 inch down spouts/guttering? I saw some today listed in my local Facebook marketplace (Fort Wayne, IN) I would be happy to go get it for you for a summer special delivery.