What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation companies know 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 installation technician where to place the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.

Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on both sides. When this is happening, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the center of the roofline will be the highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that might be costly and difficult to fix.

When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can make water back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical problem around the house, as it can result in all of the issues below:

• Rain in the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When it 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.
• Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a very hard task, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and making people feel ill.
• The weight of blocked water in your rain gutters can lead them to pull away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin surrounding landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To make sure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a some of the things you can check:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we said above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low point is, it 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 examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow 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 local handyman or a gutter specialist from Ultra Clean 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 may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having 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 see some of the particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, chances are 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 the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing 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 nearby landscaping.

To prevent 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 indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch is distorted, it can result in many problems for your house. All of the problems above can let you know that your gutter pitch is off.

No matter if your gutters were damaged or they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to avoid significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Kannapolis

The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this should be the route Ultra Clean Gutters recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Ultra Clean Gutters 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 correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Kannapolis

If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Ultra Clean 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 with new ones, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can reference the tips above to ensure the new installation is done correctly.