Downspout Extensions & Splash blocks for Homes in Ann Arbor and Throughout Michigan

The importance of proper water management for homes in Ann Arbor and across Michigan can’t be overstated. If ignored, issues such as leaky gutters and pooling water can result in damage to many different areas of the home, including the foundation, that can be costly to repair. Atlas Home Improvement offers several water management solutions in addition to our standard gutter systems, including rain barrels and rain chains which provide comprehensive protection from water damage.

Why Proper Water Management is So Important

Many people do not realize the power of water until it’s too late. As they say “water always wins” and water will usually go where it wants to go unless it is directed elsewhere, perhaps with an underground drainage system. Many times water can cause damage to your home even after it has been safely controlled by your gutters and downspouts. In many cases, we find homes with the downspouts discharging directly next to the foundation, usually due to a downspout elbow falling off or simply because the original gutter installer didn’t know better. Water pooling next to the foundation can lead to a real problem, especially if the grade around the home is poor.

Poor Water Management can Cause Hydrostatic Pressure

Underground water creates what is known as hydrostatic pressure when it encounters a barrier such as a basement or foundation wall. During heavy rains, the water table rises toward your basement which creates more hydrostatic pressure and can exert up to 500 pounds per square inch against your home’s foundation. Over a period of time, this pressure can cause basement walls to bow or crack, leading to water in the basement, mold growth, and a variety of other problems. This has led to the lucrative industry of basement waterproofing which can run upwards of $20,000 or more to have installed. In most cases, this expense can be avoided if you catch issues in time and invest in outside water management options, including a functional and proper capacity gutter system, Gutter Helmet and an underground drainage system.

Effective Water Management Solutions

The best water management strategy involves getting water as far away from the foundation as possible. The easiest way to do this is to add downspout extensions or “kickers” by attaching flexible tubing or an extra downspout pipe to your existing downspout. At Atlas Home Improvement, our standard gutters installation includes extending the downspouts at least 4 feet from the home whenever possible, the farther the better. However, many homeowners do not want to have downspout pipe lying across the grass because it is unsightly and can get in the way of lawn mowers.

There are a couple of solutions to this problem. Some of our customers opt to have us install a hinge on the end of the downspout so they can easily move it out of the way when doing yard work and then put it back in place when they are done. We can achieve this by attaching high-performance velcro to the bottom of the downspout where it is attached to the wall.

Another solution is to install a plastic or concrete splash block at the termination of the downspout. This can give the job a more finished look and is a good way of dispersing the water and directing it away from the home. While these are all good options, underground drainage is by far the most effective solution.

If you would like a professional opinion about your home’s drainage system, contact Atlas Home Improvement for a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan.