What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are set at a slight angle so that water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros know what they’re doing, but we assure you 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 where to fasten the downspout so that even heavy amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.
Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, may require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent at all, it can create problems that can be costly and difficult to fix.
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 house, as it can lead to 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.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a challenging project, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of standing water in your gutters can cause them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. 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 few things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or it is getting worn out.
You should still be able to notice a dip in the gutters from the ground, 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 naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. If possible, inspect the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This might 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 Johns Creek Gutter Service check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any little granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles means the gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Grit or sludge in your gutters is more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess granules in the first couple of years.
You can climb up and look, or you may notice 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing in the wrong direction, called “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can damage to your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.
To prevent 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 you are still seeing overflow, it’s one more indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can result in several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is not right.
No matter if your rain gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to avoid expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Johns Creek
The first option will be repairing your existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Johns Creek Gutter Service recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, Johns Creek Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it totally down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Johns Creek
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Johns Creek Gutter Service 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 with new ones, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can use the tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation is done correctly.