Is a 3x4 downspout really better than a 2x3?

It carries roughly twice the water and clogs less, so on bigger roofs and long runs it is the better choice. Valera installs 3x4 and tells you at the estimate if your roof needs less. Valera tells you which at the estimate.

How far from the house should a downspout drain?

As far as you can get it, and farther on heavy clay or flat ground. The extension should slope slightly away from the house so the water keeps moving instead of pooling.

How many downspouts does my house need?

It depends on the roof, not a fixed number. A long run needs more than one outlet, and a big roof needs larger pipe. Valera looks at the roof at the estimate and tells you what it needs.

Do splash blocks work?

Only in the right spot. A splash block sends water about two feet out and works where the ground slopes away from the house. On flat ground or heavy clay, an extension or buried pipe does the job better.

Downspouts

3x4 downspouts that move the water away

A gutter only works if the downspout can empty it. We size and place downspouts so the roof drains, and we send the water away from your foundation instead of letting it sit beside the wall.

Get my free estimate or call Valera: (864) 800-9663

3x4 carries about 2x
Placed for the roof
Water sent from the wall

White downspouts running down dark siding below a row of gables

Downspouts on a row of gables

3x4 vs 2x3

Why we use 3x4 downspouts

A standard 2x3 downspout is the common default. A 3x4 has roughly twice the opening, so it carries roughly twice the water and clogs less often. On a long run or a big roof, that is the difference between draining and spilling over the edge.

A 3x4 pairs naturally with 6-inch gutters. Valera installs 3x4 and tells you at the estimate if your roof needs less.

Black gutter and downspout on a porch post under white vented vinyl soffit — Downspout down the porch post, vented soffit above

About twice the flowThe 3x4 opening is roughly double a 2x3.
Clogs lessA wider pipe lets leaves and grit pass instead of bridging.
Pairs with 6-inchBig gutters need an outlet that can keep up.
Long runsA long run needs enough outlets as well as enough pipe size.
Commercial roofsMore roof means more water. We use 3x4 on commercial jobs.

Where they go

Placement, elbows and the first few feet

Where the downspout sits matters as much as its size. We put outlets where the water naturally collects, at corners and at the low end of long runs, and we keep them clear of doors where we can.

Elbows swing the pipe off the fascia and back to the wall, then turn it out at the bottom. Without a way to carry the water off, it lands at the foundation and soaks in.

Pick the outlet spotsCorners and the low end of each run, so water has a short trip down.
Run the pipeElbows bring the downspout off the fascia and tight to the wall.
Turn it outThe bottom elbow points the water away from the house.
Extend itAn extension sends the water out from the wall. Heavy clay can need more.

Foundation and clay

Where the water goes after the downspout

Much of the Upstate sits on red clay, which drains slowly and swells when it is wet. About 50 inches of rain falls on Spartanburg County in a normal year, so water that lands at the foundation has nowhere quick to go.

A splash block pushes water only a couple of feet and works only where the ground slopes away from the house. Extensions that run out with a slope carry it farther.

ExtensionsSlope about a quarter inch per foot so the water keeps moving.
Splash blocksFine where the yard falls away from the house. Not enough on flat ground.
Clay soilRed clay holds water. Send it farther out before it soaks in.
ErosionConcentrated water cuts a trench in bare soil. We aim it where the ground can take it.

Recent jobs

From Valera's own jobs

Two-story brick house with white gutters and a white downspout beside the garage — White gutters and downspouts on a brick home

White aluminum fascia wrap and downspout at the corner of a two-story house — Fascia wrap and downspout at a corner

Curved black gutter and dark soffit following a round stone tower — A curved gutter on a round stone tower

See all of Valera's job photos

Homes, builds and buildings

Who we install for

Crew in a boom lift installing gutters on a new four-story apartment building

Builders

Black gutters and downspouts on a white board-and-batten home with a wood porch post

New construction

Black seamless gutter and downspout on a new home addition with light lap siding

Remodels and additions

White gutters around a brick bay window above a deck

Homeowners

Four-story brick apartment complex with gutters and downspouts along every roofline

Commercial

Questions

Quick answers

Is a 3x4 downspout really better than a 2x3?: It carries roughly twice the water and clogs less, so on bigger roofs and long runs it is the better choice. Valera installs 3x4 and tells you at the estimate if your roof needs less. Valera tells you which at the estimate.
How far from the house should a downspout drain?: As far as you can get it, and farther on heavy clay or flat ground. The extension should slope slightly away from the house so the water keeps moving instead of pooling.
How many downspouts does my house need?: It depends on the roof, not a fixed number. A long run needs more than one outlet, and a big roof needs larger pipe. Valera looks at the roof at the estimate and tells you what it needs.
Do splash blocks work?: Only in the right spot. A splash block sends water about two feet out and works where the ground slopes away from the house. On flat ground or heavy clay, an extension or buried pipe does the job better.

Get your downspouts sized for the roof

Call Valera at (864) 800-9663 or send the form. The estimate is free.

Get my free estimate (864) 800-9663