How to Ensure Your Gutters are Pitched Properly

Gutters should be installed at an angle to allow for water drainage. The angle they are installed at is called a pitch. Ideally, the low point of the gutter will be directly above the downspout opening while the opposite end will be the high point. As a rule of thumb, you will want at least a quarter inch of slope for every 10 feet of gutter.

If your gutters are not pitched properly, water may not drain as it should. This article will discuss how to tell if your gutters are not well pitched and what you can do to correct the matter. 

How Can I Tell if My Gutters are Not Pitched Properly?

There are several ways to tell if your gutters are not pitched properly. They include:

Physical Observation: You may be able to tell your gutters are not pitched properly simply by looking at them. In some cases, you may see that the gutter does not slant towards the downspout it’s best to use a level to determine if the pitch is off or not. 

Standing Water: If there is standing water in your gutter after it rains, it may be a sign of improper pitching. However, standing water can also occur due to leaves and debris causing clogs. If you don’t see leaves and debris in your gutter and the water is not draining, it’s probably a pitching issue.

Overflow: Overflow is another issue that can be caused by improper pitching or clogs.

What to Do If Your Gutter is Improperly Pitched

If your gutter is improperly pitched, there are steps you can take to correct it. These include:

1. Use the downspout to determine where the gutter’s high and low points should be. The downspout should be the low point and the opposite end should be the high point.
2. Remove some of the gutter brackets or spikes. You can usually leave the end and middle ones in place.
3. Remove the bracket near the downspout and raise the gutter to the correct position. Then secure the bracket.
4. Remove the middle bracket to allow the gutter to adjust accordingly
5. Resecure the remaining brackets every to two to four feet.
6. Use a level to ensure the pitch is now correct.

An improperly pitched gutter can cause major problems for your home. There is a DIY method for correcting the pitch, but if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, do not hesitate to call North Texas Gutters. We have solutions for all your gutter needs. We will ensure that your gutters are doing all they can to keep your home safe.

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