What is Gutter Pitch?

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

Gutters should have a specific 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 attach the downspout so that heavy 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 areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, require a downspout on each side. When this is happening, the rain gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts need to be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If your gutters are installed the wrong way or if they are loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that can be costly and difficult to repair.

When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a typical issue around the house, as it can cause all of the issues below:

• Rain in the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When it backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even leak inside your home.
• Standing rain water is one way mold and mildew can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a very hard task, especially if it appears on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which exist in your home) and making people sick.
• The weight of blocked water inside your rain gutters can lead them to tear away from your home. The gutters can pull fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also destroy 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

As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably tell where the low point is, it is a sign that your gutter is damaged or it is getting worn out.

You should 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 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 draining of the water.

This might force you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a handyman or a gutter specialist from Orland Park Gutters do it for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any small granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles means the gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials away. 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 couple of years.

You can climb up and take a look, or you might see some of the particles making their way out of your gutters through the downspouts. If you notice a small amount 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 typically caused by a blockage, but it can also be because of incorrect gutter pitch. If rain water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing from the end cap. This can cause problems for your roof, gutters and nearby landscaping.

To stop the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If you know the gutters are clean but you are still seeing overflow, it’s another sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch is incorrect, it can create many 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 poorly to begin with, they need to be re-pitched in order to avoid significant home repairs, including damage to siding, leaks and landscape damage.

Gutter Repair in Orland Park

The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in good condition and undamaged, this will be the route Orland Park Gutters recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Orland Park Gutters will loosen the gutter, but they won’t need to take it all the way down. This lowers labor costs and time. Then the technician will measure and calculate the proper pitch and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Orland Park

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, Orland Park Gutters may recommend to 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 will set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can reference the tips in this blog post to make sure the new installation is done the right way.