What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are installed at a slight angle so that water drains out rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t appear slanted because installation companies know exactly what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.
Gutters should have a specific slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of gutter
This calculation tells your gutter installer where to attach the downspout so that heavy amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed 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 areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both 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, it can cause problems that can be expensive and difficult to fix.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical issue around the house, as it can lead to all of the following issues:
- Rain in the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult project, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and even making people sick.
- The weight of blocked water in your rain 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 materials. It can also ruin 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 check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or it is getting old.
You should 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 both feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. Try to inspect the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This could require you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Longview Gutters & Exteriors check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the rain gutters might not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is more common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess particles in the first few years.
You can climb up and look, or you may notice some of these particles making their way out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, chances are there is more that can’t make its way out.
Why is There Overflow?
Gutter overflow is typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause 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 you know the gutters are clean but you are still seeing overflow, it’s one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can cause many problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is off.
No matter if your gutters were damaged or if they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Longview
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route Longview Gutters & Exteriors recommends.
To restore gutter pitch, Longview Gutters & Exteriors will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it completely down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Longview
If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Longview Gutters & Exteriors may recommend that you 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 with new ones, 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 make sure the new installation is done the right way.