Downspout Extensions & Splash blocks for Homes in Ann Arbor and Throughout Michigan

Trenching For Underground Gutters Ann Arbor MI

Hydrostatic pressure can exert up to 500lbs. per square inch against your basement walls

The importance of proper water management for homes in Ann Arbor and across Michigan can’t be overstated. If ignored, issues such as leaky gutters and pooling water can result in damage to many different areas of the home, including the foundation, that can be costly to repair. Atlas Home Improvement offers several water management solutions in addition to our standard gutter systems, including rain barrels and rain chains which provide comprehensive protection from water damage.

Why Proper Water Management is So Important

Many people do not realize the power of water until it’s too late. As they say “water always wins” and water will usually go where it wants to go unless it is directed elsewhere, perhaps with an underground drainage system. Many times water can cause damage to your home even after it has been safely controlled by your gutters and downspouts. In many cases, we find homes with the downspouts discharging directly next to the foundation, usually due to a downspout elbow falling off or simply because the original gutter installer didn’t know better. Water pooling next to the foundation can lead to a real problem, especially if the grade around the home is poor.

Trenching For Underground Gutters Ann Arbor MI

During a heavy rain, a misplaced downspout can deliver a significant amount of water next to the foundation

Poor Water Management can Cause Hydrostatic Pressure

Underground water creates what is known as hydrostatic pressure when it encounters a barrier such as a basement or foundation wall. During heavy rains, the water table rises toward your basement which creates more hydrostatic pressure and can exert up to 500 pounds per square inch against your home’s foundation. Over a period of time, this pressure can cause basement walls to bow or crack, leading to water in the basement, mold growth, and a variety of other problems. This has led to the lucrative industry of basement waterproofing which can run upwards of $20,000 or more to have installed. In most cases, this expense can be avoided if you catch issues in time and invest in outside water management options, including a functional and proper capacity gutter system, Gutter Helmet and an underground drainage system.

Effective Water Management Solutions

The best water management strategy involves getting water as far away from the foundation as possible. The easiest way to do this is to add downspout extensions or “kickers” by attaching flexible tubing or an extra downspout pipe to your existing downspout. At Atlas Home Improvement, our standard gutters installation includes extending the downspouts at least 4 feet from the home whenever possible, the farther the better. However, many homeowners do not want to have downspout pipe lying across the grass because it is unsightly and can get in the way of lawn mowers.

There are a couple of solutions to this problem. Some of our customers opt to have us install a hinge on the end of the downspout so they can easily move it out of the way when doing yard work and then put it back in place when they are done. We can achieve this by attaching high-performance velcro to the bottom of the downspout where it is attached to the wall.

Underground Drainage Pipe Ann Arbor MI

Downspout extensions are an easy way to control waterflow

Underground Drainage Systems Ann Arbor MI

Plastic or concrete splash blocks can be used to direct rainwater

 

Another solution is to install a plastic or concrete splash block at the termination of the downspout. This can give the job a more finished look and is a good way of dispersing the water and directing it away from the home. While these are all good options, underground drainage is by far the most effective solution.

If you would like a professional opinion about your home’s drainage system, contact Atlas Home Improvement for a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve homeowners in Ann Arbor and throughout Michigan.

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Labor Discount Terms: New orders only. Offer not valid on previous sales or estimates and cannot be combined with other offers. TV Valued up to $599. Expires on 3/31/24. CBL: 2102182001. Financing Terms: Subject to credit approval with minimum purchase made at initial appointment. Atlas Home Improvement is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Atlas Home Improvement, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Interest is billed during the promotional period but is waived if paid in full within the promotional period. 0% APR if Equal payments are made over 36 months. Offers expires on 3/31/24. Consult with our design team for more details.

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"WOW! Our gutters look great! Josh And Kamrin arrived right on time and got quickly to work. They were very friendly and didn't mind our 6 year old grandson asking questions. I would recommend Atlas to our friends."

– Kathy S.

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"I have been impressed with Atlas home improvement they do things the way I would. Kelly was our installer and was unbelievably hard-working very conscientious and even went the extra mile and called in a grizzly Veteran plumber when presented with a problem. We have used Atlas before and will again soon!"

– Tony M.

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"Just a quick note to thank Atlas Home Improvement for the new Gutter Helmet install we received today . From the sales representative Hunter who answered all our question about the product and the company itself to the office personnel that scheduled and kept us informed about the date and times the install crew would arrive (Brook). Kevin and Rick did a great job installing and cleaning up afterwards . Thank you Rick for calling us the morning of install just to verify that indeed you would be arriving shortly . Undoubtably one of the best companies I have dealt with . Atlas made it so very easy to keep myself Safe and my home secure from gutter water damage ."

– Harold B.

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"This was our second experience with Atlas. The shower in our last home was truly a primary selling feature. We returned to Atlas because of the quality of the job and the professionalism of the install. We were happy to see the same installers we had at our other house three years ago arrive here today. Chad and Bill did an excellent job. We received the same professionalism and quality we expected. They arrived with all the materials they would need, no hidden surprises, quality materials. They truly live up to everything they promise!"

– Rob R.

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"Chris and Brandon did a great job on my Kitchen, I love how it looks! Chris had to come back to fix some things and he fixed all of it."

– Linda B.

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"Recently, Atlas Home Improvement finished the second phase of my bathroom remodel. Matt and Chad were here every morning on time, stated in their morning phone call. They were friendly, efficient, knew their job and the job site was always in order and clean. They even went out of their way to make sure I was aware of all aspects of the job. They were GREAT!!! This is a great company!!! Very clean and considerate while putting in my new shower. Time the sales consultant was wonderful and really listened to what I want and was never pushy or tried to sell me something I didn't want. David did a wonderful job installing my shower. Great product they sell. I recommend this company highly!"

– Donna P.

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"Dave put in a stair lift for me and I was very, very pleased with the whole experience. He assessed the situation with an eye on my safety and recommended changing the side of the staircase the lift was to be installed on. He did the installation quietly and quickly and without creating any mess. And he made sure I understood how the equipment worked and watched me test ride it. I could not have been more satisfied with the whole process. I would highly recommend Atlas to any senior looking to modify their home so that they can age in place."

– Dorrie R.

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"We were experiencing temperature problems with our brand new walk-in tub, in that the temperature would not get very hot. After a call to Atlas we were scheduled by the office staff for an appointment within 2 days, which we very much appreciated. Dave arrived on time and immediately diagnosed the problem - and he quickly fixed it. Dave was very professional, pleasant, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our problem has now been fixed! Thank you Atlas for having such a great installation, office, and repair staff."

– Norv S.

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"We had our shower completely re-done by Dave. It was a custom job that involved replacing a sub floor and some plumbing issues. They were friendly, hard workers, our shower turned out perfect! I strongly recommend Atlas Home Improvement they stand by their work!"

– Sherry G.

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"Our dealings with Atlas Home Improvement have been nothing but a delight. We had booked them through Home Depot Home Services which had a salesman come out and was easy to deal with and took his time to explain all of the steps to the process. Atlas delivered the exact way they had promised we were in the loop knowing when our materials were ordered when they came in and to finally setting up the appointment. The workmanship was 5 star excellent and we could not have been happier with our new shower enclosure it really made a difference!"

– Sharron R.

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