What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water flows out rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation pros know 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 formula tells a gutter installation technician right where to fasten the downspout so that even 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 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, 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 are loose or bent at all, it can create problems that can be expensive and complex to fix.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutter channels. Water is a common problem around the home, as it can result in all of the issues below:
- Water in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
- Pooling 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 when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people feel ill.
- The weight of standing water inside your gutters can cause them to tear away from your house. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also damage landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To be confident your gutters are properly 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 see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, this is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or it is getting old.
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 their feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is a problem. Try to inspect the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This might require you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Absolute Gutters, Inc. do it for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any little granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess granules in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may notice some of these particles flowing 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong direction, called “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause damage to 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 one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can result in several problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you know that your gutter pitch is off.
Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged during a storm or they were installed poorly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent major home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Pontiac
The first 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 Absolute Gutters, Inc. recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, Absolute Gutters, Inc. will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need 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 Pontiac
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Absolute Gutters, Inc. may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical in the long run and time-saving.
If your gutters need 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 reference the tips above to ensure the new installation is done the right way.