What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are set at a slight angle so that water drains out instead of remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros 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 horizontal gutter

This formula tells your gutter installation technician where to attach the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.

Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on both sides. When this is happening, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both of the downspouts need to 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 create problems that can be expensive and difficult to fix.

When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a typical problem around the home, as it can result in all of the issues below:

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from 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 areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult project, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and even making people sick.
• The weight of standing water inside your rain gutters can cause them to tear away from your house. The gutters can pull 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 few things you can check:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can noticeably tell where the low point is, this is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting worn out.

You should 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 both feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

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

This could require 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 Oak Lawn Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough pitch, 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 few years.

You can climb up and look, or you may see some of these particles flowing out of your gutters from 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 due to incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing in the wrong direction, called “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.

To prevent 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 are still signs of overflow, it’s another sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If 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 rain gutters were damaged or if they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched if you want to avoid significant home repairs, including siding damage, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Oak Lawn

The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route Oak Lawn Gutters recommends.

To restore gutter pitch, Oak Lawn Gutters 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 determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Oak Lawn

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

If your gutters have to be replaced with new ones, 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 correctly.