What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water drains out rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.
Gutters have an angled slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter
This formula tells your gutter installer where to place the downspout so that heavy amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be lower.
Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, 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 highest point, and both of the downspouts should be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that might be expensive and difficult to fix.
When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical issue around the home, as it can result in all of the following issues:
- Water inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When rain doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Standing water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of blocked water in your gutters can lead them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the siding, damaging your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also damage landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To make sure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a some of the things you can check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we said 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 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 both feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Rain water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your gutters is an issue. Try to check the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This could force you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Canton Gutters, Inc. check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the rain gutters might not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess granules in the first couple of years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you might see some of these particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you see a little 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 the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.
To eliminate 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 is still overflow, it’s another sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can create a lot of problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is off.
Regardless of whether your gutters were damaged or they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Canton
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Canton Gutters, Inc. recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, Canton Gutters, Inc. 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, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Canton
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Canton Gutters, Inc. 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 include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use our tips above to make sure the new installation is done correctly.