What is Gutter Pitch?
Rain gutters are set at a slight angle so that water drains out instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.
Gutters have a specific slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter
This calculation tells a gutter installer right where to attach the downspout so that even heavy amounts of rain can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your 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 home, may require a downspout on both sides. When this is the situation, the 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 middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent, it can lead to problems that can be expensive and difficult to repair.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can cause water to back up in your gutter channels. Water is a typical problem around the home, as it can lead to all of the issues below:
- Rain in the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When it backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
- 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 very hard task, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people feel ill.
- The weight of standing water inside your rain gutters can cause them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, damaging your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also destroy landscaping and windows.
Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?
To make sure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can check:
Look for Hanging Spots
Like we said before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, this is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or 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 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, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.
This might force you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Savannah Gutter Service check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any tiny granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles means the gutters might not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials out. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose a lot of excess granules in the first few years.
You can climb up a ladder and look, or you might see some of these particles flowing out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you see a small amount in these areas, chances are there is more that can’t make its way out.
Why is There Overflow?
Gutter overflow is sometimes 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 see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and 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 one more indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can lead to a lot of problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you know that your gutter pitch is off.
Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged or if they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched in order to prevent expensive home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Savannah
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Savannah Gutter Service encourages.
To restore gutter pitch, Savannah Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way 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 Savannah
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Savannah Gutter Service may recommend that you 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 correct pitch. You can use the tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation is done correctly.