What is Gutter Pitch?

Rain gutters are set at a slight angle so that water flows out of them rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t appear slanted because installation pros know what they’re doing, but they are.

Gutters 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 where to attach the downspout so that 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 home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the situation, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this middle point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent, it can create problems that might be costly and difficult to fix.

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

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
• Standing rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging 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 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, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin 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 said before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably tell where the low point is, this is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting old.

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

Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is a problem. If possible, check 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 Arlington Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any tiny granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles means 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 more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess particles in the first few years.

You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may see some of these particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you see a small amount 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can damage to your roof, gutters and landscaping.

To stop the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If you know the gutters are clean but you are still seeing overflow, it’s another sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can create many problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is off.

No matter if your gutters were damaged or they were installed poorly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Arlington

The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this should be the route Arlington Gutters encourages.

To correct gutter pitch, Arlington Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it completely down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Arlington

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Arlington 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 include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use the tips above to make sure the new installation was done the right way.