As a homeowner in the Greater San Antonio area, you likely work hard to protect your property and boost your home’s curb appeal. One of the most affordable and effective ways to achieve these goals is to add extensions to your gutter’s downspouts. From protecting your home’s foundation to preventing the growth of mold and mildew, downspout extensions offer a variety of benefits to homeowners. Below is a look at the top reasons to consider extensions for your gutter’s downspouts and the secret to getting satisfying results.
Who Can Benefit From Downspout Extensions?
Virtually any homeowner in San Antonio or surrounding areas can benefit from downspout extensions. While San Antonio receives slightly less than the average amount of rainfall each year, the area averages over 4 inches of rain per month during the months of May, June, and October, which is much higher than the national average. For this reason alone, all residents in the Greater San Antonio area should consider downspout extensions.
While downspout extensions are a wise addition for most homeowners, they are especially beneficial for homes that are prone to pooling or puddling around their foundation. They are also a good idea for homes that are located at the bottoms of hills or homes that are situated on sloping pieces of property. Finally, they offer peace of mind to homeowners with basements looking for an additional means of safeguarding against flooding.
What Are The Top Five Ways Downspout Extensions Protect Your Property?
Protection and preservation are essential to maintaining your home’s value and aesthetics. Downspout extensions offer a simple, cost-effective solution to San Antonio residents seeking to improve their homes. Here is a look at the top five ways downspout extensions will help you preserve and protect your property:
1) Help prevent your home from flooding
“Flash flooding is a significant hazard in San Antonio, part of a broader region along the Interstate 35 corridor known as Flash Flood Alley, where sudden, heavy rains frequently inundate small canyons and creek beds with enough fast-moving water to wash away vehicles.” – Brendan Gibbons, Rivard Report’s Environment and Energy Reporter
When many people think of flood damage to a home, they envision a flooded basement. With this mindset, some San Antonio homeowners without basements feel that they are immune to flood damage. But the threat of flash flooding in San Antonio is so great that every homeowner can benefit from the extra protection that downspout extensions offer. By channeling water away from your home during heavy rainstorms, extensions can help prevent your home from flooding.
2) Safeguard against mold and mildew
Mold and mildew are not just unsightly – they are hazardous to your health. Unfortunately, when excessive moisture seeps into your home, mold and mildew are likely to develop. You can help safeguard against this health hazard by installing downspout extensions that will siphon water away from your home’s foundation.
3) Deter termites and other pests from invading your property
“Moisture around your foundation damages your home and leads to termites, fungus and mold. Making sure your downspouts are draining water away from your foundation is a way to avoid serious moisture damage and termite infestations.” – Glenn Workman, Pest and Moisture Specialist
San Antonio has been called one of the “most termite-infested cities in the U.S.”. With it’s humid, subtropical climate, San Antonio has become a haven to termites and other destructive pests that thrive on moisture-related foundation damage. By installing a modestly-priced gutter extension, you can help prevent thousands of dollars in potential destruction to your home.
4) Beautify the area around your home
Standing water, lingering puddles, and splashing water can detract from your home’s beauty. A gutter system that features extensions will help rainwater drain in a more efficient fashion. The results include less standing water, fewer puddles, and less mud around your home’s immediate perimeter.
5) Protect your plants and flowerbeds
“The soil can only take so much water. After it’s maxed out, the water can pool, flooding your plants and washing seeds away. Weeds can grow rampant…You may end up with stunted plants and poor production…” – Katie Woods, Farm and Dairy
Your home’s foundation isn’t the only element of your property that downspout extensions can protect. Heavy rainfall and poorly channeled water can wreak havoc on your plants and flowerbeds. By siphoning excess water away from plants around your home’s perimeter, you can help protect your garden and greenery.
What Should You Remember If You Are Considering Extensions?
Installing downspout extensions is an affordable and practical way to protect your property and enhance its appearance. However, it is important to remember that not all gutter extensions are created equal. When comparing providers, take some time to research the provider’s commitment to quality workmanship and installation. Additionally, look for the following signs that you are choosing a reputable provider:
- Experience: Choose firms with at least a decade of experience serving the needs of San Antonio residents
- Certifications: Seek out industry accreditations and certifications by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and environmental agencies
- Comprehensive Service: Look for a full-service provider who can provide gutter installation, repair, and other home improvement services
What Should You Do If You Think You May Need Downspout Extensions?
As outlined above, extensions offer a variety of benefits to property owners. If you think you may need downspout extensions, we invite you to contact us at American Hill Country Gutters (AHC Gutters). For over ten years, the AHC team has provided gutter repair and installation services to the residents of San Antonio and surrounding areas. Here are just a few reasons why we are the most trusted gutter expert in Texas:
- We are proud to have an A+ rating with the BBB
- AHC Gutters is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm
- As a full-service provider, we can also provide remodeling and painting services to clients
- We offer after-sale service that is second to none
- Five-star service that earns spectacular customer reviews
Need new gutters for your San Antonio home? American Hill Country Gutters is proud to be a leading provider of seamless gutters in San Antonio, and can install your gutters with an array of add-ons–including downspouts, leaf guard protection, and drip-edge flashing–to further protect your home.
To discover how we can help you protect and enhance your property, reach out to us for a consultation. We look forward to helping you protect your home and maximize your home’s curb appeal!
