What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are set at a slight angle so water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation pros know exactly 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 horizontal gutter
This calculation tells your gutter installation technician where to attach 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 is the side that should be lower.
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, 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 gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that might be expensive and complex to fix.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a typical issue around the home, as it can lead to all of the following issues:
- Water in the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When it doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and even making people feel ill.
- The weight of blocked water inside your rain gutters can lead them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, damaging 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 properly pitched, here are a few 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 point is, it is an indication 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 you can do on your own, with both feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is an issue. Try to check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This may force you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Cherry Hill Gutters check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess granules in the first couple of years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you may see some of the particles making their way 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 because of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for 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 the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can create several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is not right.
Regardless of whether your gutters were damaged or if they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent major home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Cherry Hill
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Cherry Hill Gutters recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, Cherry Hill 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 determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Cherry Hill
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Cherry Hill Gutters may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will 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 correct pitch. You can reference our tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation was done the right way.