What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are set at a slight angle so that water flows out of them rather than sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but they are.
Gutters 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 right where to place the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be the lower end.
Long areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent at all, it can create problems that can be costly and difficult to repair.
When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a typical problem around the house, as it can lead to all of the issues below:
- Rain in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When it backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
- Pooling water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard project, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and even making people feel ill.
- The weight of pooling water in your rain gutters can cause them to tear away from your house. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also destroy landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To make sure your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a some of the things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
As we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low spot is, it is a sign that your gutter is damaged or it is getting worn out.
You should be able to see a dip in the gutters from the ground, 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 in your home’s gutters is a problem. If possible, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This may force 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 Lafayette Gutters Unlimited check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess particles in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may see some of these particles making their way 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 is unable to make its way out.
Why is There Overflow?
Gutter overflow is typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To stop the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If you know the gutters are clean but there is still overflow, it’s one more sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can create several problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is wrong.
No matter if your gutters were damaged or if they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Lafayette
The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this will be the route Lafayette Gutters Unlimited recommends.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Lafayette Gutters Unlimited will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it totally down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Lafayette
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Lafayette Gutters Unlimited 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 come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can reference our tips above to make sure the new installation is done the right way.