What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are installed at a slight angle so water drains out of them rather than remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t appear slanted because installation companies 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 calculation tells your gutter installation technician right where to place the downspout so that even heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your home’s 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 both sides. When this is happening, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts need to 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 might be costly and complex to fix.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, 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:
- 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.
- Standing rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult 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 sick.
- The weight of blocked water in your rain gutters can lead them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage surrounding landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To be confident your gutters are properly pitched, here are a some of the things you can do:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, it is an indication that your gutter is damaged or that it is getting worn out.
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 naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is a problem. If possible, check the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This may 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 Prime Pleasanton Gutters check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess particles in the first few years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you might notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, there is a good chance there is more that is unable to 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 water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can damage to your roof, gutters and nearby 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 is still overflow, it’s one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can result in several problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you determine 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 if you want to avoid expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Pleasanton
The first option will be repairing your existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Prime Pleasanton Gutters recommends.
To restore gutter pitch, Prime Pleasanton Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way 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 specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Pleasanton
If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Prime Pleasanton Gutters may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters have to be replaced with new ones, 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 was done the right way.