Gutters keep water away from your siding and foundation, but the downspouts are responsible for channeling it away from the house. Did you know that even a little rain can cause serious damage if your downspouts don't drain properly? It’s important to make sure that water is directed away from your house to avoid costly roofing, siding, and foundation problems. The gutter installation team at Nate's Clean and Screen Gutter Service helps Wisconsin families from Holmen to LaCrosse protect their homes against water damage and drainage issues.

Below, these experts offer three tips for improving your downspouts' performance:

• Extend Your Downspouts: If your short downspout causes water to pool near your foundation, purchasing an extender will correct the problem. Extenders attach to your downspout and are designed to channel water away from your house. They are typically made from aluminum or vinyl and can be purchased at any building supply or home improvement store.
• Install a French Drain: A French drain is a gravel-lined trench connected to a pipe that diverts groundwater away from your house. Water then flows to a more appropriate place such as a storm drain or rain barrel, keeping it away from your foundation. French drains are also a great way to prevent water from pooling in your yard or basement.
• Purchase Diverters: Downspout diverters direct water into a rain barrel where it can be used to care for your lawn and garden. Diverters are useful for houses that cannot use gutters and they work best when paired with another method, such as a French drain.

The team at Nate's Clean and Screen Gutter Service has over 20 years of experience providing expert gutter installation and maintenance services. Visit their website to learn more about how they can protect your home, then call (608) 526-4010 to schedule a free estimate.