What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water flows out of them rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation companies 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 gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installer right where to place the downspout so that heavier amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.
Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, the rain gutters will 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 the wrong way or if they are loose or bent, it can lead to problems that can be expensive and difficult to repair.
When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a common problem around the house, as it can result in all of the following issues:
- Rain inside of the gutters can cause roof damage due to 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 water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard project, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and making people sick.
- The weight of blocked water in your rain gutters can lead them to tear away from your house. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also ruin landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To make sure your gutters are correctly 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 notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low spot is, this is a sign that your gutter is damaged or 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
Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your home’s gutters is a problem. If possible, examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This may force you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Redding Gutter Service check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small 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 in your gutters is more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess granules in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you may see 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing in the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To prevent 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 there are still signs of overflow, it’s another indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can create several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is off.
No matter if your rain gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Redding
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Redding Gutter Service encourages.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Redding 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 pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Redding
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Redding Gutter Service 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 with new ones, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use the tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation was done the right way.