What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are set at a slight angle so water drains out instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros know exactly what they’re doing, but they are.

Gutters should have a specific slope based on this formula:

¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of gutter

This formula tells your gutter installation technician right where to place the downspout so that heavy amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.

Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the center of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

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

When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutter channels. Water is a common issue around the home, as it can result in all of the following issues:

• Water in the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When water 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 water is one way mildew and mold can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult project, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and even making people sick.
• The weight of blocked water in your rain gutters can lead them to tear away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin surrounding landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To be confident your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can check:

Look for Hanging Spots

As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low point is, this is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or it is getting old.

You should still be able to notice 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

Rain water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of 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 aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from ACE Gutters Inc. do it for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles means the gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Grit or sludge in your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess granules in the first couple of years.

You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may see some of the 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can damage to your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To eliminate 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 sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can result in several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.

No matter if your rain gutters were damaged or if they were installed poorly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Youngstown

The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route ACE Gutters Inc. recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, ACE Gutters Inc. 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 calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Youngstown

If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, ACE Gutters Inc. may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can 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 proper pitch. You can use the tips above to ensure the new installation was done the right way.