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Aug 7, 2025|Downspout Extensions

Why You Should Consider Downspout Extensions for Your Home

Why You Should Consider Downspout Extensions for Your Home

If you’re a homeowner in Salt Lake City, you already know how important it is to keep rainwater away from your foundation. Gutters do a great job catching rain, but sometimes the water coming out of your downspouts can still cause trouble if it’s not directed far enough away. Downspout extensions are a simple and affordable solution to protect your home from water damage, and they’re often overlooked.

At Gutters Premier, we’ve been helping families across Salt Lake City, Davis County, and Weber County with downspout repair and installation for over 15 years. Here’s why adding a downspout extension could be one of the best things you do for your home.

White PVC downspout extensions directing water from gutters in Salt Lake City, Utah

What Are Downspout Extensions?

Downspout extensions are attachments added to your existing gutter downspouts that extend the flow of water farther away from your house. Instead of letting rainwater pour out right next to your foundation, these extensions guide it safely away, preventing pooling and damage.

If you’ve ever dealt with standing water near your foundation, a downspout extension might be exactly what you need.

Why Downspout Extensions Matter

Even if your gutters are in good shape, water can still cause problems if it’s dumped too close to your home. Without an extension, rainwater can pool near your foundation and lead to:

  • Basement Flooding or Leaks – Water can seep through foundation cracks and damage your home.
  • Soil Erosion – Water washing away your landscaping and destabilizing the ground.
  • Mold and Mildew – All that moisture hanging around creates the perfect spot for mold to grow—which nobody wants, especially because it can cause health issues.
  • Foundation Problems – Constant moisture can lead to cracks or shifting foundations, which are costly to repair.
  • Other Water Damage – Think rotting wood, peeling paint, and ruined siding from all the extra dampness.

How to Know if Your Home Needs Downspout Extensions

Ask yourself these questions:

  • After it rains, do you see puddles or standing water near your foundation?
  • Have you noticed dampness, water stains, or mold in your basement or crawl space?
  • Is your soil near the house washing away or looking soggy?
  • Do your downspouts dump water onto sidewalks, driveways, or areas that cause ice patches in winter)
  • Have you recently had rain gutter downspout repair done, but the water still seems to cause problems?

If you answered yes to any of these, you likely need a downspout extension. Fixing this now can prevent serious damage later.

Types of Downspout Extensions

There are a few different options depending on your yard and needs:

  • Flexible Extensions – These are easy to install and adjust, perfect if you want to direct water around plants or tricky spots.
  • Rigid Extensions – Usually made of metal or plastic, they’re durable and can be custom-cut to the length you need.
  • Pop-Up Extensions – Installed underground, they pop up to release water during rain, then hide away to keep your yard tidy.
  • Downspout Repair Kits – If your current downspouts have leaks or damage, you’ll need downspout repair to restore their function before adding an extension.

How to Maintain Your Downspout Extensions

Installing downspout extensions is a great first step, but keeping them in good shape is just as important. Here are some easy maintenance tips to make sure your downspouts keep doing their job year-round:

  • Clear Debris Regularly – Leaves, sticks, and dirt can clog downspouts and extensions, causing water to back up and overflow. Check and clean them, especially in the fall and after storms.
  • Inspect for Damage – Look for cracks, holes, or loose connections in your downspouts and extensions. Fixing small issues early with a downspout repair kit can save you big headaches later.
  • Ensure Proper Slope – Make sure your extensions slope away from your home so water flows smoothly and doesn’t pool near your foundation.
  • Secure Loose Extensions—Wind or animals can sometimes shift flexible downspout extensions. Check that they’re properly attached and secure.
  • Check Drainage Paths – Watch where the water flows from your extensions—make sure it’s draining into safe areas, like a storm drain or a gravel bed, not your neighbor’s yard or your driveway.

Get Expert Help

If you’re in Salt Lake City and need expert downspout repair or downspout installation repair services, Gutters Premier has you covered. With over 15 years of experience protecting homes just like yours, we’ll make sure your gutters and downspouts keep water flowing away from your foundation. Don’t wait for leaks or mold to show up. Call us today and keep your home safe and dry!

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