What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water drains out rather than remaining stagnant. They don’t appear slanted because installation pros know exactly what they’re doing, but they are.

Gutters 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 right where to attach the downspout so that heavier amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be the lower end.

Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on each side. When this is the case, the gutters will be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle 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 incorrectly or if they are loose or bent, it can lead to problems that can 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 common issue around the home, as it can cause all of the issues below:

• Rain inside of the gutters can cause roof damage due to the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and making people sick.
• The weight of blocked water inside your gutters can cause them to pull away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also ruin surrounding 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 said above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably tell where the low point is, this is a sign that your gutter has been damaged or that it is getting old.

You should still 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 both feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

Rain water naturally 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 may force you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from PRO Bloomington Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

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

You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you might notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice a small amount in these areas, chances are there is more that is unable to make its way out.

Why is There Overflow?

Gutter overflow is typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be the result of 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 damage to your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To remove 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 are still signs of overflow, it’s another indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can lead to a lot of problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is not right.

Regardless of whether your gutters were damaged or if they were installed poorly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid major home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Bloomington

The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this will be the route PRO Bloomington Gutters recommends.

To restore gutter pitch, PRO Bloomington 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 Bloomington

If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, PRO Bloomington 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 need to be replaced with new ones, they will come compete with new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can use the tips above to ensure the new installation was done correctly.