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7 SIGNS OF IMPROPER GUTTER SLOPE
Gutters should always be installed so that they are sloped (pitched) towards the downspout. That way the rain water is able to drain freely through the gutter system. When gutters are not sloped properly the water is not able to drain which leads to leaks, overflows, and damages to the gutter system and roofing eave. In this guide we’ll walk you through the signs of improper gutter slope or pitch, so that homeowners are able to keep an eye out for these issues and get them taken care of before more damages is caused.
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Water Leaking From End Of Gutter Opposite Of The Downspout
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Gutters Leaking From Corners
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Standing Water In The Gutter
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Heavy Shingle Grit Accumulations
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Gutter Rust or Corrosion
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Gutter Drips After Rain
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Ice Damming
-WATER LEAKING FROM THE END OF THE GUTTER OPPOSITE OF THE DOWNSPOUT
The most common (and often tell-tale) sign that gutters are improperly sloped, is when the gutter leaks from the end of the gutter opposite of the downspout. Since the downspout location is always the low point of the gutter, water should always flow in that direction. If the water is flowing away from the downspout, that is always an indication of improper gutter slope.
-GUTTERS LEAKING FROM CORNERS
Water dripping or leaking from a corner is often an indication that both lengths of gutter are sloped towards the corner. When a corner becomes a low point in the gutter system (sagging corner) water settles in the area as it is not able to drain. Overtime standing water in a sagging corner will destroy the gutter sealant which leads to more leaking.
Another indication of leaking gutter corners is corrosion or stains at the corners. In the photo below we see a classic example of corrosion staining at the corner. This is a clear indication that the corner has been leaking for a long time. In this particular photo the corner is near a downspout. Therefore, the leaking was more than likely caused by clogs in the downspout and not slope issues.
-STANDING WATER IN GUTTERS
Water that is still standing in the gutters hours or days after rain is an indication that the gutter is either clogged, or sloped improperly. Improper slope will cause water to collect in the back ends of gutters (end opposite of the downspout) , gutter corners, or the middle of long gutter runs. Whereas clogged gutters typically fill with water closer to the downspout or throughout the entire gutter.
-SHINGLE GRIT ACCUMULATIONS
The location of shingle grit accumulations often indicates if the gutter is sloped correctly or not. Shingle grit is heavy so it tends to flow downwards towards the low point. Whenever there are piles of shingle grit in the back end of the gutter, that is an indication that the water is flowing away from the downspout. Moreover, shingle grit will also collect in sagging areas of the gutter, or sagging corners.
If you look at the above photo above you will notice that there is light shingle grit in most the gutter. However, if you look closer towards the top of the photo you will notice that the shingle grit gets deeper towards the back end of the gutter and appears wet or damp. This is an indication that the gutter is tilted away from the downspout. Otherwise, the shingle grit and debris would flow towards the drain hole, not away from it.
-GUTTER RUST OR CORROSION
When gutters are tilted the wrong way for extended periods of time the water is often able to corrode the gutter or even cause rust in extreme situations. The photo above is a perfect example of how standing water effects gutters overtime. If you look closely at photo you can see the downspout drain hole is towards the top of the photo. This is where the water is supposed to drain to. But if you look towards the bottom of the photo you’ll see that the bottom half of the gutter is rusted, and it gets darker the further away from the drain it is. This Is a clear indication that the water has been flowing in the wrong direction and that the gutter is tilted the wrong way.
In the photo below you can see how water is collecting towards the left end of the gutter. However the issue here is that the drain is to the right. Instead of draining the water has been collecting in the gutter which has lead to rusting throughout.
-GUTTER DRIPS AFTER RAIN
Dripping or leaking from the gutters after rain is a direct indication that there is still standing water in the gutter. However, it does not always mean that there is a slope issue as it could also be caused from a clogged gutter. If the drip or leak is coming from the end of the gutter opposite of the downspout, or from a corner, then there is more of a chance of issues with the gutter slope (pitch).
-ICE DAMMING
During the winter seasons icicles often form on the bottoms of the gutters. This is called “Ice Damming” and is caused when the thawing snow and ice is not able to drain through the gutter and downspout system fast enough.
In the above photo you see icicles that have formed on the bottom side of the gutter. If you look closely you will notice that the majority of the ice is collecting in the back end (high end) of the gutter. This is an indication that the gutter is tilted towards the left instead of to the right towards the downspout. Furthermore, there is also staining (corrosion) on the bottom of the gutter on the left end, and water stains on the wall to the left. These are all additional signs that the gutter is tilted incorrectly towards the wall instead of the drain on the right.
CAUSES OF IMPROPER GUTTER SLOPE
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NEGLECTING GUTTER MAINTENANCE
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GUTTERS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY
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CHEAP/FAULTY MATERIALS WERE USED
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SNOW/ICE RUN OFF
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POOR FASCIA BOARD AND/OR ROOFING EAVE CONDITIONS
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SETTLING OF FOUNDATION
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AGE OF GUTTER SYSTEM
-NEGLECTING GUTTER CLEANING AND/OR MAINTENANCE
The most common cause for gutter slope issues to arise is when homeowners neglect their gutter maintenance duties for extended periods of time. When gutter systems become clogged the gutters are able to fill with water. The problem with that is the water weight causes much strain on the gutter brackets and fascia boards, and can eventually pull them loose. If the gutter pulls loose on the back end opposite of the downspout, the gutter is now going to drain from the loose section and not the downspout.
-GUTTERS WERE INSTALLED INCORRECTLY
Sloping all gutters in accordance to the downspout locations is arguably the most important aspect of gutter installation. If the gutters were installed at incorrect slopes they will never be able to function properly until the slopes are adjusted to a more correct pitch.
-CHEAP AND/OR FAULTY MATERIALS WERE USED
Not all guttering materials are created equal. Cheaper low end materials are available locally at stores such as The Home Depot or Lowes. In addition gutter supply companies also usually carry cheaper options as well. The problem with cheaper materials is they are infamous for being low quality and not lasting long. Especially the gutter brackets which have to support the weight of the gutter system full of water.
-SNOW AND/OR ICE RUN OFF
Homes with metal roofs, steep roofs, composite roofs, or even solar panels are all familiar with problems caused by snow and ice run off. These styles of roofs have a smooth slippery surface which allows snow to “avalanche” once it begins to melt. Often times these run offs can pull gutter systems loose or even off of the home. If snow run off pulls a gutter loose on the high end, it usually ruins the pitch of the gutter.
-POOR FASCIA BOARD AND/OR ROOFING CONDITIONS
Water damages (wood rot) to the fascia boards or roofing eave can lead to a rapid failure of the gutter system. Once fascia boards become soft they are no longer able to support the weight of the gutter. Therefore, the gutters typically pull loose from the home or sag in these areas, which prevents the water from being able to drain properly as it is not able to flow uphill.
-SETTLING OF FOUNDATION
Overtime homes foundation may settle which could cause the home to have a slight tilt. If the home tilts towards the same direction that the gutters are tilted, the gutters will have a slightly stronger pitch and flow towards more aggressively. However, if the home settles towards opposite of the direction the gutters are tilted, then the gutters could become back pitched. In this situation the gutter would need to be removed and reinstalled to match the new slope of the house.
-AGE OF THE GUTTER SYSTEM
Modern day aluminum gutter systems typically last 20-30 years. As gutters get older the brackets that mount and support them can become weaker, which could lead to gutters going out of pitch overtime. Proper gutter maintenance will lead to less gutter repair issues over time. However, once the gutters reach a certain age they will require more and more repairs until replacement is necessary.
SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROPER GUTTER SLOPE
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RE-PITCH GUTTER SYSTEM (adjust the slope of the gutter(s)
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GUTTER REPLACEMENT
-RE-PITCH GUTTER SYSTEM
The most common solution for gutters that are out of pitch (sloped incorrectly) is to adjust slope of the gutter throughout. This is often easier said then done as you typically will need to remove the gutter and then re-install it at a correct slope. The more corners that are involved the harder it will be to adjust the slope perfectly throughout.
-GUTTER REPLACEMENT
It should be noted that gutters that were mounted with gutter spikes or nails are not able to have their slopes adjusted as easily. Since gutter spikes are basically a big nail through the gutter, removing them often causes damages to the gutter itself. Therefore, we typically recommend to replace gutters that were mounted with gutter spikes, or gutters that are over 15-20 years old.
CONCLUSION:
If a leak or overflow is occurring near a downspout, it is usually an indication of the problem being clog related. However, when the problems occur away from the downspouts, it is often gutter slope (gutter pitch) related.
Staying ahead of gutter repairs before the issues lead to more damages will help save money long term. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs of improper gutter slope periodically to ensure that your gutter system is flowing and functioning properly.
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