What is Gutter Pitch?

Gutters are set at a slight angle so water drains out of them rather than remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation companies know what they’re doing, but we assure you they are.

Gutters should have an angled slope based on this formula:

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

This calculation tells a gutter installer where to fasten the downspout so that even heavy amounts of rain can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.

Long sections of gutter, like across the front of a house, require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the center of the roofline will be the highest point, and both downspouts need to be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

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

When there is a gutter pitch problem, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a common issue around the home, as it can cause all of the issues below:

• Rain in the gutters can lead to roof damage due to the standing water. When it doesn’t flow from the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
• Pooling rain water is one way mildew and mold can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a very hard task, especially when 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 standing water in your rain gutters can lead them to tear away from your roof. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin surrounding landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To be confident your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can check:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low point is, it is a sign that your gutter is damaged or that it is getting old.

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 both feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

Water naturally follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water inside of your gutters is an issue. Try to inspect the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow 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 local handyman or a gutter specialist from Euclid Gutters & Exteriors check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any small granules remaining 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 common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose a lot of excess particles in the first couple of years.

You can climb up and take a look, or you might notice some of the particles flowing out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice a little in these areas, chances are 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 rain water is flowing the wrong direction, called “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.

To remove the possibility of a 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 one more indicator that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can create a lot of problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is wrong.

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

Gutter Repair in Euclid

The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this will be the route Euclid Gutters & Exteriors encourages.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Euclid Gutters & Exteriors will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have to take it all the way down. This saves labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and determine the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Euclid

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Euclid Gutters & Exteriors may recommend to replace them instead of re-pitching them. This will 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 proper pitch. You can use our tips above to make sure the new installation was done correctly.