What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are installed at a slight angle so water drains out of them instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation companies know 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 horizontal gutter

This calculation tells your gutter installer right where to place the downspout so that even heavy amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be the lower end.

Long areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent at all, it can create problems that might be costly 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 house, as it can lead to all of the issues below:

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
• Standing water is one way mildew and mold can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a very hard project, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and even making people feel ill.
• The weight of pooling water in your gutters can lead them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also destroy landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To be confident 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 noticeably identify where the low point is, it is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or it is getting old.

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 their feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. If possible, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This may force you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Pristine Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any tiny granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles means the rain gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess particles in the first few years.

You can climb up and look, or you may notice some of the particles making their way out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, there is a good chance there is more that is unable to make its way out.

Why is There Overflow?

Gutter overflow is usually caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong direction, called “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To eliminate 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 one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can create many problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is not right.

No matter if your gutters were damaged during a storm or they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to avoid major home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Portage

The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Pristine Gutters encourages.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Pristine Gutters 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 proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.

Gutter Installation in Portage

If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Pristine Gutters may recommend to 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 proper pitch. You can use the tips above to ensure the new installation was done correctly.