The resulting gap between the downspout guard and the downspout itself is unattractive and may collect debris and litter from pedestrians in highly active areas. Downspout guards generally protrude out from the building wall significantly and often do not conform closely to the outer dimensions of the downspout. Cast iron downspout boots bring a streamlined and space-efficient appearance to the building exterior, often going completely unnoticed in highly visible areas such as main entrances and courtyards. When the downspout is damaged below the downspout guard, repair often involves complete removal of the guard, increasing the time and cost associated with repairing the downspout.įabricated downspout guards typically provide partial protection of the downspout and they do not assist with drainage.Īnother difference between downspout guards and downspout boots is their physical appearance. The portion of the downspout closest to ground elevation is often most in need of protection, especially in areas with high foot traffic or mobile equipment activity. Typical downspout guards allow several inches or more clearance above grade leaving the downspout or downspout adapter below exposed. Unlike downspout boots, downspout guards do not provide complete protection of the downspout. Fabricated downspout guards do not have any drainage-related function, they merely fit over the downspout as a protective element. For starters, downspout boots play the critical role of connecting the square or rectangular downspout to the round drainage pipe, providing runoff from the roof drainage system a flow-efficient transition to the underground system. There are several key differences between downspout guards and downspout boots. What is the difference between a downspout guard, or downspout protector, and a downspout boot? Damaged downspouts are not only unattractive but they have the potential to cause additional harm to the building and property. The purpose of a downspout guard, or downspout protector, is to prevent the downspout from being damaged in areas with foot traffic and/or vehicular activity. They generally feature a full-length flange or anchor tabs for securing to the building wall. This blog post relates to the type of downspout guards (also known as downspout protectors) that are secured over an exterior downspout to protect it from damage.ĭownspout guards are typically fabricated from plate steel ranging in thickness from 12ga to ¼” thick and welded or bent to conform to the shape of the downspout. Note: in some cases the term downspout guard may refer to downspout strainers that prevent leaves and debris from entering a downspout. In this blog post we will answer commonly asked questions about the difference between downspout guards and downspout boots, and the advantages of each option.ĭownspout guards (left) provide downspout protection while downspout boots (right) are a multi-functional product that play a critical role in the building drainage system. While downspout guards share a common purpose with downspout boots in that they resist impact and prevent damage to the downspout, there are various key differences between the two products. Downspout guards are an alternative to downspout boots used in protecting exterior downspouts on commercial buildings.
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