What is Gutter Pitch?

All gutters are fastened at a slight angle so that water drains out instead of remaining stagnant. Gutters don’t look slanted because installation pros know exactly what they’re doing, but they are.

Gutters 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 heavier amounts of precipitation can flow unobstructed from your roof. The side of your home’s roof where the downspouts are is the side that should be lower.

Longer areas of gutter, like across the front of a home, may require a downspout on each side. When this is the situation, the gutters will be pitched from the middle, meaning that the middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both of the downspouts need to be lower than this middle point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

If gutters are installed the wrong way or if they have become loose or bent at all, it can cause problems that might be expensive and complex to repair.

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

• Rain inside of the gutters can cause roof damage because of the standing water. When rain backs up in the gutters, water can get underneath the shingles and cause harm to the fascia, sub-roofing and even get inside your house.
• Pooling water is one way mildew and mold can grow on areas of your roof, gutters or siding. Removing mold is a difficult task, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your house) and even making people feel ill.
• The weight of blocked water in your gutters can cause them to pull away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the siding, destroying your vinyl or other exterior materials. It can also ruin surrounding landscaping and windows.

Do You Have a Gutter Pitch Problem?

To ensure your gutters are properly pitched, here are a few things you can do:

Look for Hanging Spots

Like we said above, you shouldn’t be able to notice the slope of your gutters. If you can visibly tell where the low spot is, this 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 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 home’s gutters is an issue. If possible, check the gutters right after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

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

Inspect for Shingle Particles

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

You can climb up and look, or you might notice some of the particles flowing 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 can’t 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 problems for your roof, gutters and surrounding landscaping.

To eliminate 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 incorrect, it can cause a lot of problems for your house. All of the issues above can let you determine if your gutter pitch is off.

No matter if your gutters were damaged during a storm or 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 Bend

The most affordable option will be repairing your existing gutters so the proper pitch is restored. If the gutters are in prime condition and undamaged, this should be the route Best Bend Gutters recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, Best Bend Gutters 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 specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Bend

If your rain gutters are severely damaged, or if they are rusting or wearing down with age, Best Bend Gutters may recommend that you replace them rather than re-pitching them. This will be more economical over time and time-saving.

If your gutters need to be replaced with new ones, they will include new fasteners, hardware and downspouts. The installer should set the gutters at the appropriate pitch. You can use our tips above to make sure the new installation was done the right way.