What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are set at a slight angle so water flows out of them rather than sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros know exactly what they’re doing, but they are.

Gutters have a specific slope based on this formula:

¼ of an inch of drop per 10 feet of horizontal gutter

This calculation tells your gutter installer right where to attach the downspout so that heavier amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be lower.

Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, the gutters will need to 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 your gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent at all, it can create problems that can be expensive and complex to fix.

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

• Rain inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When water doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Standing 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 project, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and even making people sick.
• The weight of pooling water in your rain gutters can lead them to tear away from your roof. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also damage surrounding landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To make sure your gutters are correctly pitched, here are a few things you can check:

Look for Hanging Spots

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

You should still 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 their feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

Rain water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your home’s gutters is a problem. If possible, examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This may require 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 Castle Rock Gutters check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules left behind in the gutters from your shingles are a sign that the gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Grit or sludge in your gutters is more 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 look, or you may see some of the particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice 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 sometimes caused by a blockage, but it can also be because of 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 problems for 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 is still overflow, it’s another indicator that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch gets incorrect, it can cause a lot of problems for your home. All of the problems above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is wrong.

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

Gutter Repair in Castle Rock

The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Castle Rock Gutters recommends.

To correct gutter pitch, Castle Rock Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it completely down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the correct pitch and reinstall the gutters, relocating fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.

Gutter Installation in Castle Rock

If your gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Castle Rock Gutters may recommend that you 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 use our tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation is done the right way.