What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water flows out of them rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros know exactly what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.
Gutters should have an angled slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installation technician where to attach the downspout so that even heavier amounts of rain 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 sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the center of the roofline will be the highest point, and both of the downspouts should be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can create problems that might be expensive and complex to fix.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a common problem around the home, as it can lead to all of the following issues:
- Rain in the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
- Pooling water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult task, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of pooling water in your rain gutters can lead them to pull away from your roof. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To be confident your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we said above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low point is, this is an indication that your gutter is damaged or that it is getting worn out.
You should still be able to notice a dip in the gutters from the ground, so this is a safe job that you can do on your own, with their feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. If possible, inspect the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This could require you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Barnstable Gutters & More! check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess granules in the first couple of years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you might see some of these particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you see a little in these areas, there is a good chance there is more that can’t make its way out.
Why is There Overflow?
Gutter overflow is sometimes caused by a blockage, but it can also be because of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To remove 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 one more indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can cause many problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is off.
No matter if your gutters were damaged during a storm or they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent major home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Barnstable
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this will be the route Barnstable Gutters & More! encourages.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Barnstable Gutters & More! will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it completely down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Barnstable
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Barnstable 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 need to be replaced with new ones, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use our tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation was done the right way.