Installing Splash Blocks

In a gutter system, the downspout is supposed to carry the water down from the roof to the ground, directing it away from the home. Unfortunately, especially in heavy rain, the downspout might not be as effective as you would like in keeping the area around your home dry. This is why you'll see many homes with splash blocks installed. Splash blocks are simple, usually concrete, tray-like pieces that will more effectively direct water away from your home.

Installing Splash Blocks

The first thing you need to do is choose what splash blocks you want. You may be surprised to hear that there are some rather chic, designer-leaning splash block options on the market. Of course, there is always the standard concrete or plastic kind. More narrow splash blocks will direct the water to one, more centralized point, which could leave a hole in the ground after many heavy rains. Splash blocks that widen at their end will direct the water over a larger surface area, thus avoiding that kind of damage.

A splash block should be placed directly under each downspout and angled away from the house. If the ground isn't angled appropriately already, dig with a shovel until you get the proper slope. Run some water through the gutters and downspout to make sure that the splash block carries it at least three feet away from the house. After you install it, keep an eye on it; over time, it can settle into the ground and lose its slope, not to mention just getting stepped on or rolled over.Splash blocks are very simple to install and your local home improvement store or a stone retailer may have some models that will add some elegance to your home as well. That's a two-for-one deal!