What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are installed at a slight angle so that water flows out of them instead of remaining stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros 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 gutter
This formula tells your gutter installer where to fasten the downspout so that heavier 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 lower.
Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on each side. When this is the situation, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that can be expensive and complex to repair.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a common problem around the home, as it can cause all of the issues below:
- Rain in 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 house.
- Pooling water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a very hard project, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and 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 tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To ensure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a some of the things you can check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low spot is, this is a sign 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 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 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 Prime Gutters Inc. do it for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any little 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 materials away. Seeing grit or sludge in 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 take a look, or you may see some of the 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 due to 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 surrounding landscaping.
To stop the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If you know the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can create several problems for your house. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.
No matter if your rain gutters were damaged or 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 Wyoming
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this should be the route Prime Gutters Inc. encourages.
To correct gutter pitch, Prime Gutters Inc. will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it totally down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Wyoming
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Prime Gutters Inc. may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters have to be replaced, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can use the tips above to ensure the new installation was done correctly.