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K-Guard Kansas City Blog

What are Splash Blocks and Why Does Your Home Need Them?

Splash blocks are simple devices that sit at the base of your downspouts to aid in precipitation distribution, eliminating water pooling around your home’s foundation.

Precipitation distribution

During an average rainstorm, your gutters collect a large amount of precipitation. As the channels fill, the water flows into the downspouts. Once it hits the ground there’s really nowhere for it to go other than a large puddle unless you have a splash block.

Splash blocks can be made of rubber, concrete, granite, or plastic.  Most have a narrow input point – where the water from the gutter’s downspouts lands – and a distribution point that widens at its base. 

In addition to the shape, splash blocks have a slight angle that’s higher at the top. Combined with the widening channel, this gives the water impetus to flow out rather than collect in the block. In turn, it is distributed evenly on your property.  If your yard or driveway has a slight grade, the water continues to the curb or helps to naturally irrigate your lawn.

Home protection

The most important thing splash blocks do is protect your home from water damage, just as the K-Guard Leaf-Free Gutter System does at the roof line.

Without a block at the base of each downspout the water simply pools near your home’s foundation. Even if there’s a slight downgrade into your hardscape or landscape, precipitation will still gather rather than distribute into your yard.

Overall, the same damage can occur to your home as a clogged gutter would cause. Except, in this situation, it could be widespread with leaks in more than one section of your basement. If not quickly addressed, drywall damage and fungus could occur.

Buying splash blocks

Splash blocks can be purchased at most garden supply and big box stores.  Take a count of your downspouts before you go as you’ll need a splash block for each one.

Splash block setup

Place the block directly under the downspout with a minimum of space between the bottom of the downspout and the splash block in order to minimize backsplash onto the home’s foundation.

While the blocks come with a built-in angle, you may want to build a natural ramp where it can be placed. This allows for quicker distribution of the water as it reaches the block. And it slows down erosion of the area where the splash block sits.

Don’t wait to place blocks

Even if your gutters are working, don’t believe your foundation or yard can be maintained properly without splash blocks. Functioning gutters will mean quick delivery of precipitation through the downspout and this means rapid development of puddles that can damage your home.

Place splash blocks as quickly as possible underneath the downspouts. Furthermore, if your blocks are damaged, replace them today. It will keep your home secure from water damage.

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