Downspout Services in Santa Fe, NM

Deteriorated Scupper Conductors

Cause: Old conductor pipes (especially galvanized steel) corrode from moisture exposure. Water leaks into adobe walls causing expensive deterioration of traditional construction.

Solution: Replace with modern aluminum or PVC conductors properly sealed and detailed. Inspect and repair any adobe wall damage from moisture infiltration before new installation.

Freeze-Separated Connections

Cause: Temperature extremes (teens to 90°F+ annual range) cause expansion-contraction stress. Standard connections separate allowing water against structures.

Solution: Reinstall with freeze-resistant materials and proper mounting. Heavy-duty brackets secured to structural members, not just stucco surfaces.

Inadequate Extensions

Cause: Short or missing extensions discharge water near adobe foundations in poor-draining clay soil. Moisture saturates adobe causing deterioration.

Solution: Install proper 6-8 foot extensions sloped away from structures. Route water to areas with adequate drainage away from adobe walls.

Undersized Scuppers

Cause: Small scuppers inadequate for roof area or monsoon intensity. Water backs up on flat roofs creating pooling and potential infiltration.

Solution: Enlarge scuppers or add additional scuppers to provide adequate capacity. May require conductor pipe upgrades to handle increased volume.

Ice Damage to Downspouts

Cause: Water freezing in downspouts during winter cycles. Ice expansion cracks or separates sections, especially at elbows.

Solution: Replace damaged sections with proper materials. Consider heat cable installation on vulnerable north-facing downspouts experiencing repeated ice damage.

Improper Mounting on Adobe

Cause: Downspouts or conductors mounted only to stucco finish, not reaching structural members. Temperature movement pulls attachments loose.

Solution: Reinstall with proper mounting reaching adobe structural elements. Use appropriate fasteners and brackets for traditional adobe construction.

What are scupper systems and when are they needed?

Scupper systems are drainage openings through parapet walls on flat-roof adobe properties, connected to conductor pipes routing water down. They're necessary for traditional Pueblo Revival and Territorial architecture where conventional downspouts would compromise the clean rooflines that define Santa Fe's character.

How many downspouts does my property need?

Conventional roofs typically need one downspout per 30-40 feet of gutter. Flat-roof adobe properties need scuppers positioned to drain roof zones—typically one per 400-600 square feet depending on monsoon intensity. We evaluate your specific roof configuration and drainage requirements.

Why are extensions so important in Santa Fe?

Santa Fe's clay soil drains poorly. Water discharged near adobe walls or foundations pools and saturates soil, causing deterioration of traditional adobe construction. Extensions routing water 6-8+ feet away prevent this moisture damage critical for adobe properties.

Will downspouts survive freeze-thaw cycles?

Properly installed downspouts with heavy-duty brackets every 4-5 feet and freeze-resistant materials survive hundreds of winter cycles. Standard mounting inadequate for Santa Fe temperature extremes (teens to 90°F+ annual range) pulls loose over time.

Can you repair old conductor pipes on adobe properties?

Yes, we repair or replace deteriorated conductor pipes on historic adobe properties. Old galvanized conductors often corrode—we replace with modern materials while maintaining architectural character. Any adobe wall damage from moisture infiltration is addressed.

Do I need underground drainage for my Santa Fe property?

Some properties benefit from underground drainage where surface extensions aren't practical or for properties with severe clay soil drainage challenges. Cost is higher ($500-1,500 per downspout) but provides permanent solution. We evaluate if this makes sense for your property and terrain.