What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are installed at a slight angle so water drains out rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but we assure you 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 your gutter installer right where to place the downspout so that 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 sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts need to be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that might be expensive and complex to fix.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a common problem around the home, as it can cause all of the following issues:
- Water in the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When water backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
- Standing rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging task, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of pooling water in your gutters can cause them to tear away from your home. The gutters can pull fasteners from the siding, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage 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 check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we said before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably tell where the low spot is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting old.
You should be able to notice a dip in the gutters from below, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with both feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your home’s gutters is a problem. If possible, inspect 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 local handyman or a gutter specialist from Warner Robins Gutters check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles means the rain gutters might not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess granules in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you might notice some of these particles making their way out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you see a small amount 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 the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing in the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and 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 there are still signs of overflow, it’s another indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can create several problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is off.
No matter if your gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent expensive home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Warner Robins
The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Warner Robins Gutters encourages.
To re-establish gutter pitch, Warner Robins Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it completely down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Warner Robins
If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Warner Robins Gutters may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical in the long run 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 appropriate pitch. You can use the tips above to ensure the new installation is done correctly.