What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are installed at a slight angle so that water drains out rather than sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros know 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 horizontal gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installation technician where to fasten the downspout so that even 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 areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on both sides. 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 of the downspouts should 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 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 gutter channels. Water is a common problem around the house, as it can lead to all of the following issues:
- Water inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When rain doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a very hard project, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and even making people feel ill.
- The weight of standing water in your rain gutters can cause them to pull away from your home. The gutters can pull fasteners from the siding, damaging your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also damage 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 do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that 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 their feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Rain water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your gutters is a problem. Try to check the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This could 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 Bayonne Gutters & More! 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 might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is more common after having 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 and look, or you may notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, chances are 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 due to incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing in the wrong direction, 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 remove 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 you are still seeing overflow, it’s one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can cause several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is not right.
No matter if your gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Bayonne
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Bayonne Gutters & More! encourages.
To correct gutter pitch, Bayonne Gutters & More! will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way down. This saves 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 specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Bayonne
If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Bayonne Gutters & More! may recommend that you replace them instead of 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 include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can reference our tips above to ensure the new installation is done the right way.