What is Gutter Pitch?

Rain gutters are set at a slight angle so water flows out of them rather than remaining stagnant. They 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 gutter

This calculation tells a gutter installer right where to place the downspout so that even heavier amounts of precipitation can flow smoothly 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 home, 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 middle of the roofline will be the absolute highest point, and both downspouts need to be lower than this middle point.

Gutter Pitch Problems

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

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

• Water in the gutters can cause roof damage because of 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 get inside your house.
• Standing water is one way mildew and mold can grow on sections of your roof, gutters or siding. Getting rid of mold is a challenging project, especially if it grows on your roof. Mold is known for destroying organic materials (many of which are common in your home) and making people feel ill.
• The weight of standing water inside your gutters can cause them to tear away from your home. The gutters can tear out fasteners from the walls, destroying your vinyl or other exterior material. It can also ruin 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 see the slope of your rain gutters. If you can noticeably identify where the low point is, it is an indication that your gutter has been damaged or it is getting old.

You should still be able to see a dip in the gutters from the ground, so this is a safe job that homeowners can do on their own, with their 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. If possible, examine the gutters immediately after rainfall so you can see the flow of the water.

This could require you to climb a ladder, so be careful. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, you can have a local handyman or a gutter specialist from A-OK Omaha Gutters do it for you.

Inspect for Shingle Particles

Any tiny granules left behind in the gutters from your roof shingles means the rain gutters may not have enough pitch, so the water can’t carry these materials away. Grit or sludge in your gutters is common after having a new roof installed because it will tend to lose excess granules in the first couple of years.

You can climb up and take a look, or you might notice some of these particles flowing out of your gutters by way of the downspouts. If you notice 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 sometimes caused by a blockage, but it can also be due to incorrect gutter pitch. If water is flowing the wrong way, know as “back pitch,” you will 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 one more sign that there is a gutter pitch problem.

Professional Gutter Damage Repair

When your gutter pitch gets distorted, it can create a lot of problems for your home. All of the issues above can let you decide if your gutter pitch is not right.

Regardless of whether your rain gutters were damaged or if they were installed incorrectly 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 Omaha

The most affordable option will be repairing the existing gutters so the pitch is restored. If the rain gutters are in excellent condition and undamaged, this should be the route A-OK Omaha Gutters recommends.

To re-establish gutter pitch, A-OK Omaha Gutters 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 pitch needed and reinstall the gutters, moving fasteners if necessary, to fit the specific measurements.

Gutter Installation in Omaha

If your gutters are permanently damaged, or if they are starting to rust or wear down with age, A-OK Omaha Gutters may recommend to replace them rather than re-pitching them. This can be more economical over time 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 correct pitch. You can use our tips above to make sure the new installation was done correctly.