What is Gutter Pitch?

All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t appear 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 gutter

This formula tells a gutter installer right where to attach the downspout so that even heavy amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your roof where the downspouts are located is the side that should be lower.

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

Gutter Pitch Problems

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

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

• Water inside of 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 harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your house.
• Standing water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging task, especially when it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your house) and making people feel ill.
• The weight of blocked water in your gutters can cause them to pull away from your house. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, damaging your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage 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 said before, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can visibly identify where the low spot is, it is an indication 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 you can do on your own, with their 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 an issue. If possible, inspect the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This might force 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 Mystic Gutter Cleaning do it for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little 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 materials out. Grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to shed excess granules in the first couple of years.

You can climb up and take a look, or you might see some of the particles flowing out of your gutters from the downspouts. If you see a little in these areas, there is a good chance there is more that is unable to 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 in the wrong direction, know as “back pitch,” you will see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause damage to your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.

To prevent 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 another sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch is distorted, it can lead to several problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you know that your gutter pitch is wrong.

No matter if your rain 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 avoid significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Chelsea

The first option will be repairing the existing gutters so the correct pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Mystic Gutter Cleaning recommends.

To restore gutter pitch, Mystic Gutter Cleaning 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 calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, adjusting fasteners if necessary, to fit the correct measurements.

Gutter Installation in Chelsea

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Mystic Gutter Cleaning may recommend that you 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, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer will set the gutters at the correct pitch. You can use the tips above to make sure the new installation was done the right way.