What is Gutter Pitch?

Rain gutters are set at a slight angle so water flows out instead of remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation companies know exactly what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.

Gutters should have an angled 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 place the downspout so that even heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.

Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the situation, 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 your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that can be costly and complex to repair.

When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a common issue around the house, as it can result in all of the following issues:

• Water in the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When it doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
• Standing rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas 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 exist in your home) and making people sick.
• 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 destroy surrounding landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To be confident your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a few things you can check:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably tell where the low point is, it is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or it is getting worn out.

You should still 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 follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your gutters is a problem. Try to inspect the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This may 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 AllClean Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any tiny granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles means the gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is more common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess particles in the first few years.

You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you might notice 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 is unable to make its way out.

Why is There Overflow?

Gutter overflow is typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be because of 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 nearby landscaping.

To stop 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 are still signs of overflow, it’s one more indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can create several problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.

No matter if your rain gutters were damaged during a storm or they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to avoid significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Warren

The first option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this should be the route AllClean Gutters recommends.

To correct gutter pitch, AllClean Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it totally down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.

Gutter Installation in Warren

If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, AllClean Gutters may recommend that you replace them rather than re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time 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 correct pitch. You can reference our tips above to make sure the new installation is done correctly.