What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are installed at a slight angle so that water drains out of them rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation companies know exactly 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 a gutter installation technician right where to attach the downspout so that even heavier amounts of rain can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.
Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, which means that the center of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both of the downspouts should be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that might be expensive and complex to fix.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a typical issue around the house, as it can lead to all of the following issues:
- Rain in the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult project, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people sick.
- The weight of blocked water inside your gutters can cause them to pull away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also ruin 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 check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we said above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably tell where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting worn out.
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 naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. If possible, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This could require you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from WeClean Worcester Gutters check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough pitch, 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 lose a lot of excess particles in the first few years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you might notice some of these particles flowing out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you see a little in these areas, there is a good chance there is more that can’t 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 direction, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To prevent the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If you know the gutters are clean but there is still overflow, it’s another sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is distorted, it can result in many problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is not right.
No matter if your rain gutters were damaged or they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to avoid significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Worcester
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route WeClean Worcester Gutters recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, WeClean Worcester Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Worcester
If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, WeClean Worcester Gutters may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters have to be replaced, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use the tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation is done the right way.