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Roof Runoff Structures

A Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training fact sheet about using roof runoff structures to manage and channel rainwater and protect nearby surface water.

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Updated:

December 11, 2025

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Gutters and downspout on roofed heavy use area. Photo credit: Berks County Conservation District

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What are roof runoff structures?

Roof runoff structures are a system of gutters, downspouts, and outlets that act as a conservation practice to convey rainwater off a roof to a controlled location.

Do you notice any of these issues on the farm?

Muddy barnyard
Sheet erosion on slopes near roofed structures
Gully erosion
Rainwater ponding around edges of buildings

Muddy Barnyard — Having no roof runoff structures, or having undersized or clogged structures, may cause resource concerns on the farm. Photo credit: Patrick McCarthy, State Conservation Commission (SCC)

Roof runoff structures have many benefits

Keep rainwater out of animal waste handling or storage areas
Channel rainwater away from barnyard
Improve stormwater management
Protect nearby surface water

Rain Gutters on a barn and collection pipes — PVC pipes can be used as downspouts to convey large amounts of rainwater to appropriately sized outlets. Photo credit: Erin Trouba, CACAT

Other practices are associated with roof runoff structures

Roof runoff structures are often part of a comprehensive system involving several conservation practices. Some common associated practices include:

Roofs
Manure storage facilities
Underground outlets
Composting facilities
Heavy use area protections

Water being piped underground — Roof runoff systems often connect to pipes that run underground and outlet to a stabilized area. Photo credit: Erin Trouba, CACAT

Many design choices are possible

Roof runoff structures are designed based on the dimensions and other factors of the roof on which they are being installed. Assistance with design, obtaining permits, and construction is available (see links at the end of this fact sheet for more information).

What maintenance is required?

Roof runoff structures require maintenance to remove any debris that accumulates in the gutters or clogs the downspouts. Occasional inspections should also be performed to address storm damage or any structural issues.

Corner downspout — Corner of a roofed heavy use area with a gutter connecting to a downspout.
Photo credit: Berks County Conservation District

Roof gutter on a barn — Roof runoff structure on a newly built heavy use area protection.
Photo credit: Berks County Conservation District

Interested in trying roof runoff structures?

Roof runoff structures are eligible for funding through several conservation programs administered by the State Conservation Commission and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Costs are dependent on materials, labor, size, and type of structure. Additionally, several local funding sources may be available through organizations such as County Conservation Districts or local nongovernmental organizations.

For more information, reach out to staff at the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, NRCS,
or your local conservation district office.

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Practice Code: 558

Prepared by Katie DeSa and Jake Tomlinson, Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training

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