Downspout Installation & Repair in Slidell, LA
Move water away from your foundation with correctly sized, placed, and maintained downspouts. Slidell Gutters & Patios diagnoses clogs, adds capacity, repositions outlets, installs extensions/underground drains, and fixes storm damage—serving Slidell and all of St. Tammany Parish. Call 985-308-3069 or request a free estimate
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Free Estimates
Why Downspouts Matter
Downspouts are the exit path for your roof runoff. If they’re undersized, poorly placed, or clogged, water overflows at gutters, dumps next to the house, and can cause soil erosion, slab/foundation issues, fascia rot, and landscape washouts. In South Louisiana’s heavy rain, correct downspout capacity and layout are just as critical as the gutters themselves. Pairing the right outlets with seamless installation and routine cleaning keeps water moving where it belongs—away from your home.
What We Do (Services Included)
- Clog clearing & outlet resets (elbows, shoes, leaf strainers)
- Capacity upgrades (add outlets; switch to 3×4 or round)
- Repositioning for better flow and splash control
- Extensions (surface or buried) to discharge water safely
- Repairs & replacements (dents, crushes, storm damage)
- Tie-ins to pop-up emitters, catch basins, or daylight
- Erosion fixes around discharge points (splash blocks, riprap)
Sizing & Capacity: 2×3 vs 3×4 (and More)
- 2×3: common on smaller/older homes; adequate for modest roof areas.
- 3×4: higher throughput—ideal for steep, large roofs and intense storms.
- Round / oversized: used for premium looks or very large volumes.
We evaluate roof area, slope, and rainfall to match the downspout to the load. If gutters still overflow after cleaning, you may need more outlets or larger size.
See also: Gutter Installation/Seamless
Placement, Count & Layout
Proper layout prevents bottlenecks. We:
- Add outlets at long runs/valleys and split flow at corners.
- Avoid dead ends; maintain positive pitch toward outlets.
- Place discharges where water won’t return to the slab or beds.
Balance the system across elevations to keep flow consistent.
If your layout is starved for outlets, we may recommend additional downspouts or mid-run drops.
Helpful link:
Gutter Repairs
Extensions, Splash Control & Underground Drains
Keep discharge 6–10 ft from the foundation with:
- Rigid or flexible extensions (paintable, low-profile)
- Splash blocks or river rock to break energy and stop erosion
- Buried lines to pop-up emitters or daylight where grading allows
- Catch basins in problem areas to intercept surface flow
We’ll recommend the safest option for your yard and discuss utilities/locates if burying.
Next step: Free Estimate
Materials & Styles
Aluminum (painted): lightweight, corrosion-resistant, many colors
Copper: premium, long life, distinctive patina
Steel (select use): impact-resistant for high-traffic areas
Profile options include
rectangular (2×3, 3×4) and
round with various shoes and decorative bands to match your
seamless gutters.
Our Process & Timeline
- Inspection & Plan — measure roof areas, check gutter pitch, identify clogs and undersized runs, map discharge points.
- Implement — clear clogs, resize/relocate outlets, add downspouts, install extensions or drains, seal and secure.
- Water-Test & Cleanup — verify full flow at each outlet, confirm no backsplash or pooling, tidy the site.
Most downspout projects finish same day; larger layouts or buried drains may take 1–2 days.
Pricing & Value
Pricing varies by quantity, size (2×3 vs 3×4), height/access, extensions or buried lines, and any gutter/fascia repairs. You’ll get a clear, written quote with options. Upgrading outlets often solves overflow without replacing the whole system—saving money and protecting your foundation.
Maintenance & Prevention
- Seasonal cleaning keeps outlets and elbows clear.
- Install leaf guards to block debris at the source.
- Use strain ers at valleys and scuppers where clogging is common.
- Check extensions after storms so they stay positioned.
Our Service Area Locations across Slidell and St Tammany
FAQs: Downspouts (People Also Ask)
How many downspouts do I need per gutter run?
It depends on roof area and pitch. Long runs usually need multiple outlets or a center drop to split flow. We size/count outlets during the inspection.
Should downspouts be buried?
Burying looks clean and moves water farther away. Where grading and utilities allow, we can route to pop-up emitters or daylight. We’ll discuss pros/cons on-site.
What’s better—2×3 or 3×4 downspouts?
3×4 handles more water and is better for large/steep roofs or heavy rain. 2×3 can work on smaller sections. We’ll match size to your roof and rainfall.
How far should a downspout discharge from the house?
Aim for 6–10 feet away (or to daylight) to protect your slab and soil. Extensions or buried lines make this easy.
Can clogged downspouts damage my foundation?
Yes—overflow concentrates water near the slab, causing erosion and settlement. Keeping outlets clear and sized correctly is essential.
Do you match colors and styles?
Yes—we color match to your seamless gutters and offer rectangular or round profiles for a cohesive look.