What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water drains out of them rather than remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t appear 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 gutter
This formula tells a gutter installation technician where to fasten the downspout so that even heavier amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.
Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on each side. When this is the situation, 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 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 can be costly and difficult to fix.
When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical issue around the house, as it can cause all of the following issues:
- Water in the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When it backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Pooling water is one way mildew and mold can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of standing water inside your gutters can cause them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also destroy surrounding 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 said before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably tell 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 notice 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
Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your home’s gutters is a problem. Try to check the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This may require 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 Classic Centreville Gutters 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 pitch, 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 lose excess granules in the first couple of years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you may notice some of the particles making their way out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you notice 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 typically 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 from the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.
To eliminate the possibility of 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 sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can create several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is not right.
Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged or if they were installed poorly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Centreville
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 should be the route Classic Centreville Gutters recommends.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Classic Centreville Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have 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, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Centreville
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Classic Centreville Gutters 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 have to be replaced with new ones, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use the tips above to ensure the new installation is done correctly.