What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are installed at a slight angle so water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but they are.
Gutters have an angled slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installer right where to fasten the downspout so that even heavy amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.
Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, 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 should be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent, it can create problems that might be expensive 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 issue around the house, as it can cause all of the issues below:
- Rain in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When water backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
- Standing rain water is one way mildew and mold 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 house) and making people feel ill.
- The weight of blocked water in your rain gutters can lead them to pull away from your roof. The gutters can pull 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 be confident your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a few things you can check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably tell 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 see a dip in the gutters from below, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with their feet on the ground.
Check for Standing Water
Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is a problem. If possible, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining 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 handyman or a gutter specialist from Winston-Salem Gutters do it for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules left behind 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 materials out. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess particles in the first couple of years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you may notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters by way of 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 the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.
To eliminate the possibility of 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 there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can lead to many problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is not right.
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 siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Winston-Salem
The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this should be the route Winston-Salem Gutters encourages.
To restore gutter pitch, Winston-Salem Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it completely down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.
Gutter Installation in Winston-Salem
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Winston-Salem Gutters may recommend that you replace them instead of re-pitching them. This can be more economical in the long run and time-saving.
If your gutters need to be replaced, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use the tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation is done correctly.