What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water drains out rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t appear slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but they are.

Gutters should have an angled slope based on this formula:

¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter

This formula tells a gutter installation technician right where to fasten the downspout so that even heavier amounts of rain 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 sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the rain gutters will 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 have become loose or bent, it can lead to problems that can be expensive and difficult to fix.

When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a common issue around the house, as it can lead to all of the issues below:

• Rain inside of the gutters can lead to 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 leak inside your home.
• Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging task, 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 sick.
• The weight of blocked water in your gutters can cause them to tear away from your roof. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also destroy 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

As we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your 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 still be able to see 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

Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is an issue. If possible, examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This could require 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 A+ Lawrence Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Grit or sludge in your gutters is more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess granules in the first couple of years.

You can climb up and take a look, or you may see some of these particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice 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 usually caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To prevent 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 another sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch is distorted, it can result in many problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you know that your gutter pitch is not right.

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 if you want to prevent expensive home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Lawrence

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 will be the route A+ Lawrence Gutters recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, A+ Lawrence Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it all the way down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Lawrence

If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, A+ Lawrence Gutters may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time 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 correct pitch. You can use our tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation was done the right way.