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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/home-a-bsmt-roofwater

In a 1-inch rain, about how much water falls on the roof of a 2,000 square foot house?

About 1,250 gallons.

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  1. About 125 gallons
  2. About 12,500 gallons
  3. About 1,250 gallons ✔

Why: UMN Extension says 1,250 gallons falls on a 2,000-square-foot house roof in a 1-inch rain. Without good grading, gutters and downspouts, some of it ends up in the basement.

Huh, didn't know that: UMN Extension says capillary suction can lift water 12 to 20 feet through clay soil, but less than a few inches through gravel.

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References

Answer: About 1,250 gallons. UMN Extension says 1,250 gallons falls on a 2,000-square-foot house roof in a 1-inch rain. Without good grading, gutters and downspouts, some of it ends up in the basement.

  1. UMN Extension: Moisture in basements, causes and solutions extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/home-maintenance/caring-for-a-home/moisture-in-basements-causes-and-solutions
    In a 1-inch rain, 1,250 gallons of water fall on the roof of a 2,000-square-foot house.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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