Downspout Extensions Denver, CO

Walkways, Trip Hazards, and Winter Ice

This is where many homeowners make bad choices.

When a downspout sits near a sidewalk or driveway, there are usually three options.

Option one is running the extension across the walkway. That creates a trip hazard.

Option two is stopping the extension short of the walkway. That creates a slip hazard. In winter, water freezes and turns concrete into a skating rink.

Option three is doing it the right way.

Yard Drains and Underground Drainage Systems

The better solution is to discharge water into a yard drain system.

Most yard drains use black corrugated four inch tubing. This tubing is buried below grade and slopes toward a lower point in the yard where water can safely exit.

This keeps extensions out of sight and eliminates trip hazards.

However, there is a very important rule that many contractors ignore.

Never Hard Connect a Downspout Into an Underground Drain

Just like a sump pump discharge, a downspout should never be directly connected into underground tubing.

Why?

Ice.

In winter, underground lines can freeze. When they do, water backs up. If the downspout is hard connected, that backed up water has nowhere to go except into the house.

We have seen basements flood from this exact mistake.

The Correct Way to Tie Into a Yard Drain

The right approach is to use a drain receptor.

A drain receptor looks like a direct connection, but it is not. The downspout ends about one inch above the drain opening.

Water drops into the drain, but if ice forms or the line becomes blocked, water spills out onto the surface instead of backing into the home.

That one inch gap is the difference between a dry basement and a very expensive cleanup.

This setup takes planning. It is easiest to do during new construction or before walkways are poured, but it can still be added later by an experienced gutter contractor.

What Happens When Downspouts Are Blocked

A blocked downspout can cause just as much damage as a blocked sump pump discharge.

We inspected a home where a downspout discharged directly into an underground drain that froze solid. Water backed up during a thaw cycle and leaked into the basement wall.

An infrared scan showed extensive moisture intrusion at that corner of the foundation.

All of it could have been avoided with a drain receptor instead of a hard connection.

Denver Climate Considerations

Colorado weather is not forgiving.

Snow melt during the day refreezes overnight. Spring storms dump heavy rain in short periods. Clay soils expand when wet and shrink when dry.

All of this puts pressure on foundations.

Proper downspout extensions are one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to control that water before it becomes a problem.

Common Downspout Extension Mistakes

• Ending the extension too close to the house
• Pointing water toward the foundation
• Hard connecting into underground drains
• Letting extensions clog with debris
• Ignoring grading around the discharge point

Any one of these can undo an otherwise good gutter system.

When to Call a Professional

If water pools near your foundation, if you see ice forming on walkways, or if you have basement moisture with no obvious cause, your downspouts should be checked.

A professional gutter contractor can evaluate slope, extension length, and drainage options that fit your property and Denver conditions.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

Most foundation and basement issues start outside, not inside.

Downspout extensions are not glamorous. They do not improve curb appeal. But they quietly protect everything your home sits on.

Ignoring them is like parking water against your house and hoping it behaves.

It never does.

FAQs About Downspout Extensions

How long should a downspout extension be
At least six feet from the foundation. Ten feet or more is better if space allows.

Are underground downspout drains safe
Yes, when installed correctly with a drain receptor and proper slope.

Can downspout extensions freeze in winter
Yes. That is why discharge design matters and why hard connections should be avoided.

Do I need extensions if my yard slopes away
Often yes. Soil erosion and freeze thaw cycles can still push water back toward the home.

Are flexible extensions acceptable
They can work temporarily but rigid or buried solutions last longer and clog less often.

Can extensions damage landscaping
Only if water is concentrated in one spot. Proper dispersal prevents erosion.

Should extensions be cleaned
Yes. Leaves and debris can block water flow just like gutters.

Is this a DIY project
Simple extensions can be DIY. Yard drains and receptors should be installed by a professional.

Do extensions affect foundation warranties
Improper drainage can void some warranties. Always check documentation.

How often should extensions be inspected
At least once per year and after major storms or heavy snow seasons.