What is Gutter Pitch?
All gutters are set at a slight angle so water flows out instead of remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros know 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 gutter
This formula tells your gutter installer where to place the downspout so that even heavier amounts of rain can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be the lower end.
Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on both sides. When this is the case, the rain gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this middle point.
Gutter Pitch Problems
If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that can be costly and difficult to fix.
When there is something wrong with your gutter pitch, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a typical problem around the home, as it can result in all of the issues below:
- Water inside of the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
- Pooling rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a difficult project, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and making people sick.
- The weight of standing water in your rain gutters can lead them to tear away from your house. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also destroy surrounding 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
As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low point is, it is a sign that your gutter is damaged or it is getting worn out.
You should still be able to see a dip in the gutters from below, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their 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 in your home’s gutters is an issue. If possible, examine the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.
This might force you to climb a ladder, so exercise caution. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Santa Barbara 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 pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Grit or sludge inside of your gutters is more common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess granules in the first few years.
You can climb up and take a look, or you may notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters from 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 sometimes caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, called “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can damage to your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.
To prevent the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s one more indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.
Professional Gutter Damage Repair
If your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can result in a lot of problems for your house. All of the problems above can let you know that your gutter pitch is off.
No matter if your rain gutters were damaged during a storm or they were installed incorrectly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid expensive home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.
Gutter Repair in Santa Barbara
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 should be the route Santa Barbara Gutter Service recommends.
To correct gutter pitch, Santa Barbara Gutter Service will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it totally down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.
Gutter Installation in Santa Barbara
If your rain gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Santa Barbara Gutter Service may recommend that you replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical over time and time-saving.
If your gutters have 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 make sure the new installation is done the right way.