You might already know about gutters and gutter guards, but what about splash blocks? Often overlooked, these indispensable components play an essential role in a properly functioning gutter system. They contribute to proper water drainage and keep your home dry.
Instead of dealing with costly foundation damage, learn more about what splash blocks are and how they work.
What Are Splash Blocks?
Your gutter system is made up of many different parts that work together. While gutters collect and control water runoff, splash blocks direct water from your downspout as far away from the foundation of your home as possible.
Splash blocks are typically flat and rectangular, with a closed-end side placed underneath your downspout’s opening. The open-end side distributes water evenly without allowing puddles to form near your home.
Though not generally the center of attention, splash blocks are vital to keeping the integrity of your home by directing water away from your home’s foundation.
Types of Splash Blocks
Splash blocks come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. You can choose from rubber, concrete, granite, plastic, or metal. They come in industrial or decorative styles, so they can contribute to your landscape design and boost your overall curb appeal.
The width of the splash block depends on the amount of rain in your area. The more rain you get, the wider your splash block should be to accommodate the water runoff from your roof. Most splash blocks can be bought at garden supply or home improvement stores.
Why Do You Need Splash Blocks?
When water accumulates in your gutters after heavy rain, it flows into your downspouts and hits the ground, forming a puddle that forms near your home’s foundation.
Splash blocks prevent foundation damage by funneling the water away from your home and distributing it across your yard. Without them, the constant accumulation of precipitation near your foundation can lead to leaks in your basement, which cause mold, mildew, and fungus growth.
As an added benefit, splash blocks limit mud splatter on your home, as long as there is minimal space between the downspout and the splash block itself.
How Do Splash Blocks Work?
Splash blocks provide an added layer of protection against water damage, prevent costly foundation repairs, and stop soil erosion.
Splash blocks must have a slightly higher angle at the foundation end to move water away from the house. After placing your splash block under your downspout, gently push it into the ground to secure it and level the soil to create the needed angle (if your property is slightly inclined, you can avoid this step). The wide mouth will evenly disperse any rainwater in your yard, so in addition to keeping your home dry splash blocks can also irrigate your lawn.
Much like gutters, splash blocks need to be checked periodically. They can easily get knocked out of position by various lawn care tools or foot traffic, which will impact their effectiveness.
Are Splash Blocks or Downspout Extensions Better?
A downspout extension, also called a gutter extension or downspout extender, is an attachment placed directly at the end of a downspout to better direct water away from a home or building. While splash blocks alone solve many problems, they may not be enough if:
- You live in an area that gets heavy amounts of rainfall
- Your basement typically floods or stays damp
- Your contractor didn’t grade the land around your home enough
In most cases, splash blocks and downspout extensions are combined to create the most effective drainage system.
FAQ About Splash Blocks
Concrete splash blocks are ideal. They are made from durable concrete that won’t easily blow away and contributes to a functional drainage system. This variety comes in many different sizes, is maintenance-free, and lasts for years.
Plastic splash blocks offer similar protection for your home as concrete ones.
Pros of Plastic Splash Blocks
• Versatile: Plastic splash blocks are available in various shapes and sizes. You can choose from different colors that easily blend with the landscape and offer an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Economical: This variety of splash blocks is affordable. Because plastic is lighter than concrete, it costs less to ship.
• Lightweight: Plastic splash blocks are lightweight and easy to install, so expect to pay significantly less for professional installation.
Cons of Plastic Splash Blocks
• Easily moved: Plastic splash blocks are easily moved out of place by lawnmowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, or rainstorms. Regularly check the position of your splash blocks.
• Less durable: Plastic is, of course, less sturdy and durable than concrete. If touched or moved by any type of tool, it can crack, causing water to leak through the splash block and near the home’s foundation.
Splash blocks should be placed under each downspout. It’s generally recommended that you purchase splash blocks that can carry water at least 3 feet away from your home. After attaching them, level your soil and pack it, if needed. Check them from time to time and adjust their position if moved.
Ready to Hire a Gutter Pro?
Far too often, DIY jobs result in errors – and splash block installations are no exception. Instead of dealing with faulty splash blocks and leaks down the line, hire a local pro to deal with the hassle. Check out the top-rated experts available in your area and spend your free time doing something you enjoy.
Main Photo Credit: Kelly Johnson / Canva Pro / License
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