Bellingham Home Inspector (King of the House): Unchain My Gutter

While I do not see this arrangement much, the whole concept of chains for downspouts is certainly not a wise idea, at least not in the wet Pacific Northwest. It might work great somewhere where there is minimal rain, but then again, in such locations they often have no gutters to begin with. The photo below took the chain theory to a new art form. The small cable, or chain, had below it a wooden device that doubled as yard art or sculpture. It looked like something made to confound marauding squirrels. Anyway, at this particular home the inadequate downspouts had been in place too long and the out of control runoff water had taken a toll. Several areas on the siding, which were hit by water regularly, had decay. A word of advice: Even if you like the look of chains, to protect your home, use proper downspouts that contain the water until you route it away. That is far better for the well being and the longevity of your home.

Thanks for stopping by.

Steven L. Smith

www.kingofthehouse.com