What is the purpose of downspouts on a building?

• A. To collect rainwater for reuse
• B. To carry water away from building in a way that prevents soil erosion
• C. To vent the attic
• D. To support the roof

Answer: (B)

Downspouts are part of the roof drainage system and their job is to carry rainwater away from the building. By directing runoff away from the foundation, they prevent water from saturating the soil around the base, which helps stop soil erosion and protects the foundation and interior spaces from water intrusion. Collecting rainwater for reuse would be done with additional devices like barrels; the downspout itself is about conveyance, not storage. Attic ventilation and roof support come from other components of the building system, not the downspouts. The central purpose, then, is to move water away from the structure to protect the foundation and surrounding soil.