Downspouts obviously take the water that collects in your eavestroughs and diverts it to just a few locations and keeps water away from the foundation of the home. Sometimes they become detached from the house due to storms and ice. Other times the seam on the back of them can open up allowing water to leak out and get into the brick. Over time this can erode the brick leading to costly masonry repair. Downspouts can be colour matched and replaced with straps that securely fasten them to the wall.
Downspouts can obviously be added as well, where needed.