What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water flows out of them instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation companies know exactly what they’re doing, but they are.
Gutters have a specific slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter
This formula tells a gutter installer where to fasten the downspout so that heavy amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be the lower end.
Long areas of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the center of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that might be costly and complex to fix.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a typical problem around the house, as it can result in all of the following issues:
- Rain in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people sick.
- The weight of pooling water inside your gutters can lead them to pull away from your roof. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also destroy landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To make sure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can check:
Look for Hanging Spots
As we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low spot is, this is an indication that your gutter is damaged or it is getting old.
You should be able to see a dip in the gutters from below, so this is a safe job that you can do on your own, with both feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is an issue. Try to inspect the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This may force you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Parker Gutters & More! check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles means the rain gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to lose a lot of excess particles in the first couple of years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, chances are there is more that is unable to make its way out.
Why is There Overflow?
Gutter overflow is usually caused by a blockage, but it can also be because of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.
To eliminate the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there is still overflow, it’s another sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can cause many problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you know that your gutter pitch is not right.
No matter if your rain gutters were damaged or they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid major home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Parker
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Parker Gutters & More! recommends.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Parker Gutters & More! will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Parker
If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Parker Gutters & More! may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical in the long run and time-saving.
If your gutters have to be replaced, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use our tips above to ensure the new installation is done correctly.