What is Gutter Pitch?

All gutters are set at a slight angle so that water flows out rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.

Gutters have a specific slope based on this formula:

¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter

This calculation tells your gutter installation technician where to fasten the downspout so that heavy 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 lower.

Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If your gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that can be expensive and difficult to fix.

When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical issue around the house, as it can lead to all of the issues below:

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When it doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Standing water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging project, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and making people sick.
• The weight of standing water in your gutters can cause them to pull away from your roof. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, damaging 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 some of the things you can do:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we said before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low point is, it is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting old.

You should be able to see a dip in the gutters from the ground, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with their feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your gutters is an issue. If possible, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This could force you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Clean Home Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the rain gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess particles in the first few years.

You can climb up a ladder 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 small amount in these areas, chances are there is more that is unable to make its way out.

Why is There Overflow?

Gutter overflow is sometimes caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.

To stop 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 another indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can result in many problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is wrong.

No matter if your rain gutters were damaged or if 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 Hickory

The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Clean Home Gutters encourages.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Clean Home Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it completely down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Hickory

If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Clean Home Gutters may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This can 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 appropriate pitch. You can reference the tips above to make sure the new installation is done the right way.