Is Your Rainwater Taking a Shortcut into Your Basement?

Why the \"5-Foot Rule\" for downspouts is the cheapest way to prevent a $10,000 foundation repair.

In Sheboygan, we get our fair share of heavy rain and spring snowmelt. When that water hits your roof, your gutters do a great job of collecting it—but the real danger starts when that water hits the ground.

If your downspouts are dropping water right at the base of your home, you aren’t just watering your garden; you’re putting your foundation at risk. At Cotton Home Repairs, we tell our clients that 5 feet is the magic number for a dry, stable home.

Why \"5 Feet\" is the Magic Number

When your home was built, the soil immediately surrounding your foundation was dug up and then filled back in (this is called \"backfill\"). Because this soil was once disturbed, it is much looser than the \"virgin\" soil further out in your yard.

If your downspouts dump water within 2 or 3 feet of your house:

\nThe Sponge Effect: That loose backfill soil acts like a sponge, soaking up thousands of gallons of water and holding it right against your basement walls.
\nHydrostatic Pressure: In Wisconsin, our heavy clay soil expands when wet. This creates \"hydrostatic pressure\"—thousands of pounds of force pushing against your foundation.
\nThe Result: Eventually, that pressure leads to bowed walls, horizontal cracks, and water seeping through your floor joists.

By extending your downspouts at least 5 feet away, you ensure the water reaches the denser, undisturbed soil that is sloped to carry water away from your home.

The Hidden Risks of Short Downspouts

Foundation cracks aren't the only problem. Improper drainage causes a \"domino effect\" of home issues:

\nThe Sump Pump Struggle: If your downspouts dump water next to the house, that water often just sinks down to your drain tile and goes right back to your sump pump. You’re making your pump work twice as hard to move the same water over and over.
\nIce Heaving: In a Sheboygan winter, water trapped near your foundation freezes. When water freezes, it expands with incredible force, which can heave your walkways or crack your foundation from the outside in.
\nLandscaping Erosion: Concentrated \"waterfalls\" from a short downspout will wash away mulch, kill your expensive plantings, and create muddy pits that attract mosquitoes.

The Cotton Home Repairs Gutter Checklist

Take a walk around your house during the next rainstorm. If you see any of the following, your home is at risk:

[ ] The \"Splash Block\" Trap: Are you using those little plastic or concrete trays? They usually only move water 12 inches away. That’s not enough.

[ ] The Disconnected Extension: Check the joints where the extension meets the downspout. If they aren't secured with zip screws, they often fall off during heavy winds.

[ ] The \"Uphill\" Battle: Is the ground where the water ends up higher than the ground near the house? If so, the water is just running right back toward you.

[ ] The Clog Alert: If water is \"overshooting\" the gutter or leaking from the seams, your downspout is likely clogged at the top, rendering the whole system useless.

\nPro Tip: Make sure your gutters are cleaned at least twice a year. An extended downspout does nothing if the water can't get into it!

Keep Your Foundation High and Dry

Foundation repairs are among the most expensive costs a homeowner can face. Most of the time, they could have been prevented with $50 worth of downspout extensions.

Not sure where your water is going? Schedule a Gutter & Drainage Audit with Cotton Home Repairs. We’ll help make sure your 1,000-pound hazard (water!) is staying exactly where it belongs: away from your house.

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Proper Gutter Down Spouts for a Dry Home

Extend your downspouts at least 5 feet to safeguard your foundation from water damage.

The Importance of Proper Downspout Placement

Secure Your Home's Foundation Today

Schedule a gutter inspection and ensure your downspouts are properly extended to keep your home safe.