What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are installed at a slight angle so water flows out of them rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros 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 your gutter installer where to fasten the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your home’s 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, require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, 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 your gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent, it can cause problems that can be costly and difficult to repair.
When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a common issue around the home, as it can result in all of the issues below:
- Water inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When water backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Standing rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard project, 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 gutters can cause them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To ensure your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a few things you can check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting worn out.
You should be able to notice a dip in the gutters from below, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with their feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your gutters is an issue. Try to examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This could force you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Everett Gutter Experts check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is more common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess granules in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you notice a small amount 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 the result 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 cause problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.
To eliminate the possibility of a blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If you know the gutters are clean but you are still seeing overflow, it’s one more indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can create several problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.
Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged or they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Everett
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this should be the route Everett Gutter Experts encourages.
To correct gutter pitch, Everett Gutter Experts will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it completely down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Everett
If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Everett Gutter Experts may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters have to be replaced, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use the tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation is done the right way.