What is Gutter Pitch?

All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water flows out of them instead of sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros 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 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 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 the case, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning 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 at all, it can create problems that can be expensive and difficult to repair.

When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a typical problem around the house, as it can cause all of the issues below:

• Rain in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
• Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult task, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and even making people feel ill.
• The weight of blocked water inside your rain gutters can cause them to tear away from your home. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, 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 check:

Look for Hanging Spots

As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low spot is, this is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or 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

Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your gutters is an issue. Try to examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.

This may 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 Lawrence Gutter Cleaning check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Grit or sludge in your gutters is more common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess particles in the first few years.

You can climb up and take a look, or you might see some of these particles flowing 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 is unable to make its way out.

Why is There Overflow?

Gutter overflow is sometimes caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.

To remove the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s one more sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch is 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 rain gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in CITY

The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Lawrence Gutter Cleaning recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Lawrence Gutter Cleaning will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in CITY

If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Lawrence Gutter Cleaning 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, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can reference our tips above to ensure the new installation is done the right way.