Rainguard Self-Retracting Downspout Extensions

We get lots of questions about what type of extension works best for safely draining water away from the house. Downspouts in an awkward area like across a walkway are usually troublesome no matter what you decide to use. We often use flip up downspouts that we make or have the extension come off easily with a pin. However both of these require some anticipation of rain and you will have put the flip up down or attach the extension to prevent water from pooling around your foundation. It seems like the obvious choice to hook up an automatic device like the Rainguard downspout extension.

So I bought one of these to give it a try so I could have some real world experience with this on my own home, in Toronto.

It attaches securely to the end of the downspout or elbow easily with a zip tie provided.

Experiment with Rainguard self-retracting Downsput Extention begins

As it rolls out with the water pressure from the downspout it slowly unwinds and lets water out the little holes until it rolls out completely letting all the water out the end where there is a big opening.

Once the rain stops the spring inside the plastic hose will retract itself back into its original compact shape. We had a big rain shortly after it was installed and it worked as promised on the package and retracted almost completely to its most compact size.

Darren with poorly working Rainguard self-retracting Downspout Extension

Limitations of the Rainguard:

1. It seems that on a light rain it will not uncoil very far from its compact position which depending on your situation may not be far enough away from the basement.

2. The little drainage holes on the top of the Rainguard are located close to the start which may be too close to your home.

3. Its thin plastic and the day after I installed it I came home to see that the grass cutters have whipper snipped the side out of it. So much for the longevity factor. Its fragile construction is likely why I have yet to remember finding an operating Rainguard on someone's home.

4. A brisk wind may blow it around as it's fairly light.

Since the one I purchased got damaged so quickly I saw it in action but never had a chance to record it, I have linked to the manufacturers website where they have a video of it in action.

http://www.rainguardusa.com/

If anyone out there has some feedback on this product please comment below for the benefit of those who may be considering purchasing one.

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