Downspout alley

As a home inspector, the more common defects I see are downspouts that discharge too close to a house. This condition can result in moisture penetrating into the foundation which can turn otherwise firm soil into a moving mass of mud. The result is damage to the foundation because consistently wet soil does not provide a firm footing for the foundation wall.

Recently I inspected a home on a street where everyone must have gotten the message that downspouts should discharge AWAY from the foundation. It was almost comical as I drove up to my inspection only to see this unusual site. No wet basement walls welcome!