What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water drains out of them rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t appear slanted because installation companies know exactly what they’re doing, but they are.
Gutters have an angled slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installer where to place the downspout so that heavier amounts of rain can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.
Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts need to be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that can be expensive and difficult to repair.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a common issue around the house, as it can cause all of the following issues:
- 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 damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard project, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people feel ill.
- The weight of blocked water inside your gutters can cause them to tear away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage surrounding 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
Like we said above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low spot is, this is an indication that your gutter is 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
Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is an issue. Try to inspect 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 Scranton Gutter Service do it for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles means the rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Grit or sludge in your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess granules in the first few years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you may see some of these particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you see a small amount in these areas, chances are there is more that can’t make its way out.
Why is There Overflow?
Gutter overflow is usually caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong direction, 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 stop the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If 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
When your gutter pitch is distorted, it can lead to many problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is not right.
Regardless of whether your gutters were damaged during a storm or they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Scranton
The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route Scranton Gutter Service recommends.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Scranton Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it totally down. This saves 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 specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Scranton
If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Scranton Gutter Service may recommend that you replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical over time 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 should set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can reference our tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation is done the right way.