What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are set at a slight angle so water drains out of them instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation pros know exactly what they’re doing, but 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 place the downspout so that even heavier 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 the lower end.
Longer 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 of the downspouts should be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent, it can lead to problems that might be costly and difficult to repair.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutter channels. Water is a common issue around the house, as it can lead to all of the following issues:
- Water in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult project, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of pooling water inside your gutters can lead them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out 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 ensure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting worn out.
You should 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 gutters is an issue. Try to examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This might force you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from EZ Everett Gutters check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess particles in the first few years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you might notice some of the particles making their way out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you see a little 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 the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding 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 is still overflow, it’s one more sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can cause a lot of 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 in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Everett
The first option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route EZ Everett Gutters encourages.
To re-establish gutter pitch, EZ Everett Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it completely down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Everett
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, EZ Everett Gutters may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters need to be replaced with new ones, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can reference our tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation is done the right way.