What is Gutter Pitch?

Rain gutters are set at a slight angle so water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but 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 installer where to fasten the downspout so that even heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be lower.

Longer sections of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on both sides. When this is happening, the gutters will be pitched from the middle, which means that the center of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both 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 lead to problems that can be expensive and complex to fix.

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

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When it backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your home.
• Standing water is one way mold and mildew can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard task, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people feel ill.
• The weight of standing water in your gutters can lead them to pull away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also destroy 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 do:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or 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 a problem. If possible, inspect the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This could require you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Downers Grove Gutters do it for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the gutters may not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing 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 and take a look, or you might see some of the particles flowing out of your gutters from 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 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 at the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.

To eliminate the possibility of a blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but you are still seeing 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 result in a lot of problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is wrong.

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

Gutter Repair in Downers Grove

The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route Downers Grove Gutters encourages.

To correct gutter pitch, Downers Grove 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 calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Downers Grove

If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Downers Grove 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 need to be replaced, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can reference the tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation is done correctly.