What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water drains out of them rather than sitting stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros know exactly 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 place 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 home, require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the center 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 gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that might be expensive and complex to fix.

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

• Rain inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When it doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard task, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and making people feel ill.
• The weight of blocked water inside your gutters can lead them to tear away from your roof. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also destroy surrounding landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To ensure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a some of the things you can check:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low point is, it 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 both 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. Try to examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining 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 WeClean Waldorf Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any tiny granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles means the gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Seeing grit or sludge in your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess granules in the first couple of years.

You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you might see some of the particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you see a little 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing in the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To prevent the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s one more indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch is distorted, it can lead to a lot of problems for your house. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is not right.

Regardless of whether your gutters were damaged or if they were installed incorrectly in the first place, they need to be re-pitched if you want to prevent major home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Waldorf

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 WeClean Waldorf Gutters recommends.

To correct gutter pitch, WeClean Waldorf Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it totally down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Waldorf

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, WeClean Waldorf Gutters may recommend that you replace them instead of re-pitching them. This can 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 appropriate pitch. You can reference the tips above to ensure the new installation was done the right way.