What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are set at a slight angle so that water flows out of them rather than remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation companies know 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 a gutter installer right where to fasten the downspout so that even heavy 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 lower.
Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, may require a downspout on both sides. When this is happening, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent, it can create problems that can be costly and complex to repair.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical issue around the home, as it can cause all of the issues below:
- Water inside of the gutters can cause roof damage due to 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 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 when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and even making people sick.
- The weight of standing water inside your rain gutters can cause them to pull away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin surrounding 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 check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we said above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low spot is, this is a sign that your gutter is damaged or that 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 inside of your gutters is a problem. If possible, examine 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 local handyman or a gutter specialist from Marietta Gutters & More! check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess particles in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may notice some of the particles making their way out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you notice 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 sometimes 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 surrounding landscaping.
To prevent the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but you are still seeing overflow, it’s another indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can result in several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is off.
Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged or if they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent major home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Marietta
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this should be the route Marietta Gutters & More! encourages.
To correct gutter pitch, Marietta Gutters & More! will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it all the way down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Marietta
If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Marietta Gutters & More! may recommend that you replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical in the long run and time-saving.
If your gutters need to be replaced, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use our tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation was done the right way.