What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water flows out of them rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but they are.
Gutters should have a specific slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installer right where to attach the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.
Long areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, which means that the center of the roofline will be the highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that can be expensive and complex to fix.
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 inside of the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When it doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath 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 grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people sick.
- The weight of blocked water inside your rain gutters can lead them to pull away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also damage surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To be confident your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a some of the things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting worn out.
You should still be able to see 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, examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This could 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 Fayetteville Gutter Service 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 gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing 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 couple of years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you might notice some of the 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 because of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To prevent the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there is still overflow, it’s another sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is distorted, it can cause several problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is wrong.
No matter if your rain gutters were damaged during a storm or they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Fayetteville
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 Fayetteville Gutter Service encourages.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Fayetteville Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it completely down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Fayetteville
If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Fayetteville Gutter Service may recommend that you replace them rather than re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters need to be replaced, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use our tips above to make sure the new installation is done the right way.