What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water drains out instead of sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros know what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.

Gutters should have a specific slope based on this formula:

¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of gutter

This formula tells a gutter installation technician where to attach the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your home’s 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 house, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the situation, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the center 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 the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent, it can create problems that can be expensive and complex to repair.

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

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
• Pooling water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a very hard task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people sick.
• The weight of standing water in your gutters can lead them to tear away from your roof. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin 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 said before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low point is, this is a sign that your gutter is damaged or that it is getting old.

You should still be able to notice 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

Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. If possible, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.

This could require 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 Attleboro Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having 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 notice some of the particles making their way out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you notice a little 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 sometimes 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 see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and landscaping.

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

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch is distorted, it can lead to a lot of problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is off.

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

Gutter Repair in Attleboro

The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this will be the route Attleboro Gutters recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Attleboro 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, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Attleboro

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Attleboro Gutters may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical in the long run and time-saving.

If your gutters have to be replaced, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use the tips in this blog post to ensure the new installation was done correctly.