What is Gutter Pitch?
Gutters are set at a slight angle so that water flows out of them 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 an angled slope based on this formula:
¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of gutter
This formula tells a gutter installer right where to fasten the downspout so that heavy 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 both sides. When this is happening, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the center of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this center point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they are loose or bent, it can lead to problems that can be costly and difficult to repair.
When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a common problem around the house, as it can result in all of the following issues:
- Water in the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When it doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult task, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and making people sick.
- The weight of blocked water in your gutters can cause them to pull away from your house. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. 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 see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, this is an indication that your gutter is damaged or it is getting old.
You should still be able to notice a dip in the gutters from the ground, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with both 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 an issue. If possible, examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This may 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 Chico Gutter Service check it out for you.
Inspect for Shingle Particles
Any small granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the rain gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials out. 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 couple of years.
You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you might see some of these 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 due to incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause 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 you know the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s one more sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can cause many problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is wrong.
No matter if your gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid expensive home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Chico
The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this should be the route Chico Gutter Service recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, Chico Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it totally down. This saves 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 correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Chico
If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Chico Gutter Service may recommend that you replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will be more economical in the long run 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 reference the tips above to make sure the new installation was done the right way.