What is Gutter Pitch?

Rain gutters are fastened at a slight angle so water flows out instead of sitting stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros know exactly 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 formula tells your gutter installation technician right where to fasten the downspout so that even heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly from your roof. The side of your home’s 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 each side. When this is happening, the gutters will need to be pitched from the middle, which means that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts should be lower than this center point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can lead to problems that can be costly and complex to fix.

When your gutter pitch is wrong, it can make water back up in your gutters. Water is a typical problem around the home, as it can lead to all of the following issues:

• Water inside of the gutters can lead to roof damage because of the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can seep under the shingles and cause damage to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Standing water is one way mold and mildew can grow on of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult project, especially when it grows on your roof. Mold is known for ruining organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people sick.
• The weight of blocked water inside your gutters can lead them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also damage landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To be confident your gutters are properly pitched, here are a some of the things you can do:

Look for Hanging Spots

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

You should be able to notice a dip in the gutters from the ground, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with both feet on the ground.

Check for Standing Water

Water follows the path of least resistance, so any amount of water in your home’s gutters is a problem. Try to examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the draining of the water.

This could force you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from Des Plaines Gutters Plus check it out for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any little granules remaining in the gutters from your roof shingles are a sign that the rain gutters might not have enough slope, so the water can’t carry these materials out. Grit or sludge in your gutters is common after getting a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess particles in the first couple of years.

You can climb up a ladder and take a look, or you may see some of the particles making their way out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you see a little in these areas, chances are 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 the result of incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will probably see water overflowing at the end cap. This can problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To prevent the possibility of blockage, schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year or install gutter guards. If you know the gutters are clean but there are still signs of overflow, it’s another sign that your gutter pitch may be wrong.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

If your gutter pitch gets incorrect, 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 wrong.

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

Gutter Repair in Des Plaines

The first option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route Des Plaines Gutters Plus recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Des Plaines Gutters Plus will loosen the gutter, but they won’t have 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 Des Plaines

If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Des Plaines Gutters Plus may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical in the long run and time-saving.

If your gutters have to be replaced, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the proper pitch. You can use our tips above to ensure the new installation is done correctly.