What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are set at a slight angle so that water flows out of them rather than sitting stagnant. They don’t look 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 calculation tells a gutter installer right where to fasten the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.
Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, the gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning 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 gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent, it can cause problems that might be expensive and difficult to repair.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical problem around the house, as it can cause all of the issues below:
- Rain in the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When it backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Standing water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging task, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of pooling water inside your gutters can cause them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To make sure 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 notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter is damaged or 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
Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. If possible, examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This may require you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Arlington Gutter Service do it for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles means the rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Seeing grit or sludge inside of 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 see some of the particles flowing out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you see a small amount 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 water is flowing in the wrong direction, called “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.
To remove 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 another sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can lead to many problems for your house. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is off.
Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed poorly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent major home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Arlington
The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route Arlington Gutter Service encourages.
To correct gutter pitch, Arlington Gutter Service 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 determine the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Arlington
If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Arlington Gutter Service 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 with new ones, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can reference the tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation is done correctly.