What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water drains out of them rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t appear 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 gutter
This formula tells a gutter installation technician where to place the downspout so that heavy amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.
Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the situation, the 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 need to be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent, it can create problems that might be expensive and complex to repair.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a common issue around the home, as it can result in all of the following issues:
- Water in the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When water backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
- Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a challenging project, especially when it grows 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 gutters can lead them to tear away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage 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
As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low spot is, it is an indication that your gutter is damaged or that it is getting worn out.
You should be able to notice 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 home’s gutters is an issue. If possible, inspect the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This might require you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Lacey Gutters Inc. check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess particles in the first couple of years.
You can climb up and look, or you may see some of these 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 rain water is flowing the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To eliminate the possibility of a 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 there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can create several problems for your house. All of the problems above can let you decide 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 significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Lacey
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Lacey Gutters Inc. recommends.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Lacey Gutters Inc. will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it completely down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Lacey
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Lacey Gutters Inc. may recommend to replace them instead of 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 include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can reference the tips above to ensure the new installation was done the right way.