What is Gutter Pitch?

Rain gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water drains out of them instead of sitting stagnant. They don’t look slanted because installation companies know exactly 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 calculation tells a gutter installation technician where to fasten the downspout so that even heavy amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.

Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a house, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the gutters will be pitched from the middle, which means that the center of the roofline will be the absolute 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 complex to repair.

When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a typical issue around the house, as it can cause all of the issues below:

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Pooling water is one way mildew and mold 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 exist in your home) and making people sick.
• The weight of standing water inside 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 material. 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 check:

Look for Hanging Spots

As we mentioned before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low point is, it is a sign that your gutter is damaged or it is getting worn out.

You should be able to see 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 in your gutters is an issue. If possible, examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.

This may require you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from South Bend Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any tiny granules remaining in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these heavier materials away. Seeing grit or sludge inside of your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to shed a lot of excess particles in the first few years.

You can climb up and take a look, or you may notice 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 due to incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To stop the possibility of a blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there is still overflow, it’s another sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can result in several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is not right.

Regardless of whether your gutters were damaged during a storm or if they were installed poorly 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 South Bend

The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route South Bend Gutters recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, South Bend Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it completely down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.

Gutter Installation in South Bend

If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, South Bend 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 will set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can reference our tips above to ensure the new installation was done the right way.