What is Gutter Pitch?

All gutters are set at a slight angle so water drains out of them instead of remaining stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros know exactly what they’re doing, but they are.

Gutters should 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 where to place the downspout so that even heavy amounts of rain 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 areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the rain gutters will 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 center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

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

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

• Water inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
• Pooling water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult project, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and making people sick.
• The weight of blocked water inside your gutters can cause them to pull away from your home. The gutters can pull fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. 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 mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, this is an indication that your gutter is damaged or that it is getting old.

You should 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

Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is an issue. Try to check the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.

This might 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 ACE Gutter Cleaning do it for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the rain gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess particles in the first few years.

You can climb up a ladder and look, or you may notice some of the particles making their way out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you see 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 because of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing in the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.

To prevent 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 is still overflow, it’s one more indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can create several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is wrong.

Regardless of whether your rain 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 prevent significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Tinley Park

The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route ACE Gutter Cleaning encourages.

To correct gutter pitch, ACE Gutter Cleaning will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it completely down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Tinley Park

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, ACE Gutter Cleaning may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical over time and time-saving.

If your gutters need to be replaced, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can use the tips above to make sure the new installation was done the right way.