What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are set at a slight angle so water flows out instead of remaining stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation companies know exactly what they’re doing, but we assure you 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 home’s roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be lower.
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 be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts need to be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that might be costly 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 typical problem around the home, as it can cause all of the following issues:
- Rain in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When water backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult 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 sick.
- The weight of standing water in your rain gutters can lead them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To ensure your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a some of the things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we said before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low point is, it is a sign 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 below, so this is a safe job that you can do on your 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 home’s gutters is a problem. Try to examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This could require you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Mount Prospect Gutters check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles means the gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess particles in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you may notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, there is a good chance there is more that can’t 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 rain water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To stop the possibility of a 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 indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch is distorted, it can lead to many problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.
Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged or if they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to avoid major home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Mount Prospect
The most affordable 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 Mount Prospect Guttersencourages.
To restore gutter pitch Mount Prospect Gutters 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 proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Mount Prospect
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Mount Prospect Gutters may recommend that you 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 correct pitch. You can use our tips above to ensure the new installation is done correctly.