What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water flows out of them rather than sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros 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 gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installer where to fasten the downspout so that even heavy amounts of rain 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.
Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the situation, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the center of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent, it can lead to problems that might be expensive and complex to fix.
When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a common issue around the house, as it can cause all of the following issues:
- Water in the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Standing water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult task, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of pooling water inside your rain gutters can cause them to pull away from your home. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also destroy surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To be confident 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 visibly identify where the low point is, this is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting worn out.
You should be able to notice 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 inside of your gutters is an issue. Try to check 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 local handyman or a gutter specialist from Longmont Gutters Unlimited check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles means the rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Grit or sludge in your gutters is more common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess particles in the first couple of years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you might see some of the particles flowing out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you see 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 typically 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 from the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.
To remove the possibility of a blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If 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
When your gutter pitch is distorted, it can cause 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 in order to prevent expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Longmont
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this will be the route Longmont Gutters Unlimited encourages.
To restore gutter pitch, Longmont Gutters Unlimited 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 proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Longmont
If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Longmont Gutters Unlimited may recommend that you replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical in the long run and time-saving.
If your gutters have to be replaced, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can reference the tips above to make sure the new installation was done correctly.