SPLASH BLOCKS VS DOWNSPOUT EXTENSIONS: A QUICK GUIDE

William

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There are two basic ways to prevent water from coming down your roof and ruining your landscaping or house foundation. You can install a splash block at the edge of your roof, which will catch water before it makes it down the outside of your home, or you can extend your downspouts with an extension tube to redirect rainwater away from areas where you don’t want it to go.

Both methods can keep your home and property protected from water damage, but there are differences in how they work that may make one method more suitable than the other in your situation.

Introduction

When it comes to directing water away from your home, you have two main options: splash blocks and downspout extensions. You might be wondering what the difference is between a splash block and a downspout extension.

Both are designed to protect your foundation from water damage, but they work in different ways.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which one is right for your home. A splash block directs water towards the ground by reflecting it off of its surface with a curved shape or angle, while downspout extensions direct water into underground pipes or gutters.

What are splash blocks?

downspout extensions

Splash blocks are small, usually concrete, blocks that sit under the end of your downspout to keep rainwater from eroding the soil around your foundation.

They come in different shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose. Splash blocks are also less expensive and easier to install, although they do require regular maintenance.

Splash blocks also require more maintenance than downspouts which is why many choose not to use them at all. The cost of installing splash blocks can range anywhere from $25-$200 depending on size and type.

How do they work?

Splash blocks are placed at the end of your downspouts to keep water away from your foundation. They work by redirecting water away from your home and onto the ground, where it can seep into the soil and be absorbed.

Downspout extensions are placed at the end of your downspouts and extend out from your home, away from the foundation. They work by redirecting water away from your home and Foundation, preventing it from seeping in and causing damage.

The main difference between splash blocks and downspout extensions is their function: one works primarily by directing water away from your home,while the other diverts it away from your Foundation and towards the ground.

Splash blocks tend to provide a higher upfront cost than downspout extensions, but they offer long-term savings due to the high durability over time.

What are downspouts extensions?

Downspouts extensions are installed at the base of your gutter system to help direct water away from your home. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose.

Some people prefer to use splash blocks, which are placed at the end of the downspout to help disperse the water. Others prefer to use downspout extensions, which are attached to the end of the downspout and extend away from the house.

Downspouts typically cost about $300-500 for installation without considering extra fees such as digging or grading. The shape and size of your building will affect pricing because these details affect the difficulty of installation.

Extensions do a better job of diverting water away from your home, but there are trade offs to consider. Extensions require professional installation and cost considerably more than splash blocks. They also take up space on your roof, which some homeowners may find undesirable.

Types of Downspout Extensions

There are two types of downspout extensions: splash blocks and downspout extenders. Splash blocks are the most common type of extension.

They are placed at the end of the downspout to prevent water from splashing onto your foundation or landscaping. Whereas Downspout extenders are placed further away from the foundation to prevent water damage.

In most cases, splash blocks are more effective than downspout extenders because they keep water closer to the house where it can be safely soaked up by the ground, but you may need an expert opinion on which one is best for your particular property.

Splash blocks are also less expensive than downspout extenders. When deciding between splash blocks and downspout extenders, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I want my home to be as watertight as possible?
  • Do I want to avoid excess water around my foundation?
  • Are there any plants or trees near my foundation that might get damaged if splash blocks were installed too close?
  • Is it easy enough for me to move the overflow pipe away from my house?

So when yes to all of these questions, then you should install a splash block, if not, install a downspout extension instead.

How do they work?

Downspout extensions are also used to keep water away from your foundation, but they are placed underground.

They are connected to your gutter system and extend out about four feet from your home. Both splash blocks and downspout extensions are effective at keeping water away from your foundation, but they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Splash blocks work by simply redirecting rainwater away from your foundation. If you don’t have any existing trees or shrubs near your house, splash blocks may be the better option for you because they don’t take up any space on the ground. 

When it comes to installation, both splash blocks and downspout extensions require a contractor because of how extensive the project is.

A splash block typically costs between $150-$200 while a downspout extension will cost anywhere between $400-$600.

One way to reduce the cost of installing either one is by looking for rebates offered by your city, state, or utility company.

The most common complaint that people have with splash blocks is that when it rains hard enough, water will back up and go over the edge and onto your porch or front lawn.

Finally, if you live in an area that gets a lot of snowfall during the wintertime, then splash blocks won’t be able to protect your foundation because it needs direct sunlight in order to dry off.

Conclusion

downspout extensions

these two methods are both very effective ways of protecting your home’s foundation; however, depending on the amount of space available and what kinds of landscaping plans you want either one could work best for you


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