What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are installed at a slight angle so water drains out rather than remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t appear slanted because installation companies know exactly what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.
Gutters should have a specific slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of gutter
This formula tells your gutter installation technician 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 the lower end.
Long areas of gutter, like across the front of a house, may require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the center of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both of the 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 lead to problems that might be expensive and difficult to fix.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a common problem around the house, as it can result in all of the following issues:
- Rain inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of pooling water inside your gutters can cause them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull 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 ensure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low point is, this is an indication that your gutter is damaged or it is getting old.
You should be able to see a dip in the gutters from below, 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 home’s gutters is a problem. Try to inspect the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining 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 handyman or a gutter specialist from Swift Gutters Inc. check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the rain 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 particles in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you might see some of the particles flowing out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you notice 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 usually caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause damage to 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 you know 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 gets incorrect, it can create a lot of problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is wrong.
No matter if your gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Middletown
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Swift Gutters Inc. recommends.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Swift Gutters Inc. 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 determine the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Middletown
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Swift Gutters Inc. may recommend to replace them instead of 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 come compete with 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 was done the right way.