What is Gutter Pitch?

Rain gutters are installed at a slight angle so water drains out of them instead of remaining 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 calculation tells your gutter installer where to fasten the downspout so that even heavier amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be the lower end.

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, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If your gutters are installed incorrectly or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that can be expensive and difficult to fix.

When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can cause water to back up in your gutters. Water is a typical issue around the house, as it can result in 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 damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Standing water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a challenging project, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and even making people sick.
• The weight of pooling water in your gutters can lead them to pull away from your roof. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To make sure your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a some of the things you can do:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we said above, 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 see a dip in the gutters from the ground, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with both feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is a problem. Try to 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 aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Santa Rosa Gutter Service do it for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

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

You can climb up and take a look, or you might see some of these 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 can’t make its way out.

Why is There Overflow?

Gutter overflow is usually caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and landscaping.

To eliminate the possibility of 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 another indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can lead to several problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.

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 prevent expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Santa Rosa

The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route Santa Rosa Gutter Service encourages.

To restore gutter pitch, Santa Rosa Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Santa Rosa

If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Santa Rosa Gutter Service 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 reference our tips above to make sure the new installation is done the right way.