What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t appear 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 gutter
This formula tells your gutter installer where to place the downspout so that heavier 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 lower.
Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle 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 your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent at all, it can create problems that might be expensive and difficult to fix.
When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can make water back up in your gutter channels. Water is a common problem around the house, as it can result in all of the issues below:
- Water inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When it backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
- Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging task, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people feel ill.
- The weight of standing water inside your rain gutters can cause them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also damage landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To make sure your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a some of the things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting worn out.
You should still 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 both feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Rain water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is a problem. If possible, examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining 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 local handyman or a gutter specialist from Lakeville Gutter Service 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 rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess granules in the first couple of years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you might notice some of these particles making their way out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you see 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing in the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.
To stop the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s one more indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can create many problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.
No matter if your gutters were damaged or they were installed incorrectly in the first place, 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 Lakeville
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Lakeville Gutter Service recommends.
To restore gutter pitch, Lakeville Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it totally down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Lakeville
If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Lakeville Gutter Service may recommend that you replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time 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 should set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use our tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation is done correctly.