What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are set at a slight angle so that water drains out rather than sitting stagnant. They don’t appear 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 gutter
This formula tells a gutter installation technician where to place the downspout so that even heavier amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be lower.
Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on each side. When this is the situation, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that might be costly and difficult to fix.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a common issue around the home, as it can result in all of the following issues:
- Water 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 house.
- Pooling water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard task, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and making people sick.
- The weight of standing water in your 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 destroy surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To ensure your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a few things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably 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 still be able to see 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
Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. Try to examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This could require you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Bossier City Gutters check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the rain gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose a lot of excess particles in the first few 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 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 water is flowing in the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.
To eliminate the possibility of a blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there is still overflow, it’s another 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 house. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.
No matter if your gutters were damaged or they were installed poorly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Bossier City
The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Bossier City Gutters recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, Bossier City 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 proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Bossier City
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Bossier City Gutters may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters need to be replaced, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use our tips above to make sure the new installation is done correctly.