Gutters need to have a slight slope to direct rainwater to the downspout and away from your home. If gutters aren’t pitched correctly, they can overflow or cause other problems.
You can tell if your gutters have too little of a slope by checking where the water overflows and see if it pools in certain points along their length.
Incorrect Pitch
Gutters that are properly pitched allow water and debris to flow down toward the downspout and away from your home. If a gutter has the wrong slope, this can lead to problems that need to be repaired.
Standing water is one of the most common signs that a gutter is not properly pitched. Usually, this is caused by a clog. However, it can also indicate that the gutters are tilted backward instead of forward. This will cause water to overflow directly over the end of the gutter. Overtime this can cause soil erosion and damage the fascia board and soffit that the gutter is attached to.
You can check the pitch of your gutters by climbing up on a ladder and using a level. A proper gutter should be slightly level front to back, but have a downward slope of about a quarter-inch per 10 feet. This is easy to measure with a level, but it can be hard to spot from the ground. Check for shingle grit or other debris in your gutters, which could indicate that the gutters aren’t properly pitched. If the gutters overflow even after a light rain, it may be time to readjust the slope. Overflowing gutters can be a serious problem, so it’s important to fix them quickly. A professional gutter team can do the job safely and efficiently.
Forward Tilt
Despite the do-it-yourself culture, home improvement projects that involve gutters are best left to professionals who have been trained in proper installation techniques. If your gutters are not properly pitched, you may experience problems such as temporary moats that form during heavy rain, erosion around the gutter, and water stains on your fascia boards and siding.
Gutters should slant slightly down from one end to the other in order to direct water flow properly to and from your downspouts. Too little slope means that the gutter will just fill up until it overflows; too much slope will reduce the capacity of the gutter while also making it look strange from the curb.
The gutters should also have a forward tilt of about 1/12 inch for every 10 feet of gutter. This is important for directing water to the downspouts and keeping debris out of the gutters.
During a visual inspection, be sure that the gutters are slanted correctly. If you see standing water or water overflowing directly over the gutters’ end caps, it’s time to re-pitch them. It’s also a good idea to inspect the gutter hangers to ensure they are not spaced too far apart (this is especially true in northern climates where snow and ice can place more weight on the hangers). For best results, hire a professional who uses reputable products when installing your gutter system.
Ladder Safety
Gutters that are hung too level, or have insufficient slope, can be problematic for ladder safety. Insufficient gutter slope makes it difficult for the water to flow and can result in overflowing. This also means that the water is carrying more weight than the support system can handle and could cause damage.
A quick visual inspection can help spot a problem with the gutter pitch. If you can see standing water in the gutters, this is a sign that it’s too flat and the pitch needs to be increased. You should also look at the gutter hangers, making sure they are spaced less than two feet apart.
If you have a longer section of gutters, you may want to consider having two downspouts installed for extra capacity and proper drainage. Otherwise, it’s important to test the gutters for a proper slope by placing a piece of wood at each end of the gutter and using a level to ensure that the slope is the same at both ends.
When it comes to ladder safety, the most important thing is to always use a sturdy ladder that’s appropriate for the work you are doing and be careful when climbing. Keeping three points of contact with the ladder and avoiding areas near power lines or equipment can help prevent serious accidents from occurring.
Soffit and Fascia
The soffit and fascia are essential parts of the gutter system, protecting your roof, siding, and foundation from water damage. They are also a big reason why your gutters must be level. If they aren’t, water can slip behind them instead of flowing into downspouts. This will cause your walls to get soaked after every rainstorm and lead to more permanent damage over time.
A soffit is the underside of the eaves and can be found on all homes. The fascia is the trim that covers the gap where the soffit meets the roofing. Fascia boards are usually made of wood, but many manufacturers now offer plastic or vinyl versions that coordinate in style and color with different types of home siding.
If you notice that the soffit and fascia of your gutters are rotting, this is a sign that they aren’t being correctly aligned with each other. This can be a result of improper gutter slope or simply wear and tear over time. If you’re looking to install gutters, it’s a good idea to sketch out the plan for each section of your home. This will help ensure you get the correct measurements and aren’t missing any vital pieces like hangers, elbows, or downspouts. Then, you can be sure your new gutters are properly installed and ready to handle heavy rainfall.
