Your home’s gutter system plays a vital role in removing water from the roof and directing it away from the foundation. This decreases the chances of leaks in your foundation and ensures that your landscaping does not suffer significant damage from having water pour down on top of it. Unfortunately, when gutters fail to function properly, it can have severe consequences for your home.
One of the most effective ways to ensure the system works correctly is by ensuring that they have an adequate slope in place. There are several reasons why this is such an important thing when it comes to properly directing the water runoff away from your home.
What Is a Gutter Slope?
The term gutter slope is used to describe a pitch in your gutters during installation. When the gutter system is installed with a slight slant downward, it provides a natural path for water to flow. This ensures that the water continues moving until it reaches the downspouts and is directed away from your home. The ultimate goal of having your gutters sloped is to prevent the water from pooling up and allowing it to easily make its way out.
Why Are Gutter Slopes So Important?
Gutter slopes are extremely important because they ensure that gutters work as intended. The whole purpose of the gutter system is to provide water with an unobstructed route away from the home. The water is directed around the gutter system to the downspouts, where it will continue to flow until it reaches the ground level. When the slope is at the right angle, the water will maintain a pace that is sure to prevent the buildup of water. Additionally, the proper slope is critical to preventing debris from getting trapped in the gutters, which can lead to clogging and other problems.
When the gutters do not have enough of a slope, it can cause water to pool up in the gutter system. During a heavy rainstorm, water can fill up the gutters and even pour out the sides. When the gutters do not drain quickly enough, it can cause the water to remain still and add significant weight to the system. This can lead to cracks or even cause the gutters to rip off the side of the home.
Unfortunately, a slope that is too steep can be problematic as well. Having an exaggerated gutter pitch can result in water rushing out too quickly, which can cause damage to your landscape and the ground area nearby.
Problems With Improper Gutter Slopes
When there is not enough of a slope on your gutter system, it is likely to result in clogs. This can lead to the development of mold and mildew. It can also result in debris piling up. When water sits still and debris fills in, it can result in pest infestations and further problems with your roof. In addition, sitting water can be extremely heavy, which can cause the system to sag down or even break.
When the gutter system is clogged, it can result in water going straight down to the ground around your home. This can result in pooling at your foundation, which will eventually make its way into your basement, which can result in flooding and various other complications with your entire home. Unfortunately, if the gutters drain down too quickly, the water can also cause damage to the foundation of your home.
Having an insufficient slope can put your roof at risk of suffering significant damage. When the water does not drain down and away from your home and, instead, gets stuck in the gutters, it can add weight to the system and cause it to pull away. It can also cause the water to back up onto the roof and puddle. As a result, water is likely to penetrate the shingles, fascia, and other vulnerable areas, which can lead to severe leaks and water damage to your roof and attic. Eventually, improper drainage can compromise the structure of your roof and could lead to it collapsing.
Calculating the Gutter Slope for Your Home
To ensure that your gutters function correctly, it is important to set the system at the appropriate slope angle. In general, you should have the gutter system set for a maximum of one-quarter inch for every 10-foot length of the gutter system. The downslopes should be positioned approximately every 30 feet around the home to ensure that the water can drain evenly around the base. When it comes to measuring the slope, there are a few things you can do to ensure yours are positioned correctly.
First, you can run a piece of string from the location where you plan to place the end cap. Extend the string 30 feet from the position to locate where the downspout will be placed. Continue this process around the entire length of the gutter system so that you have all of the proper positions laid out.
Next, you will need to lower one end of the string approximately one-quarter of an inch down the side of the downspout. Measure out 10 feet, and move the end down another quarter-inch. Continue this process until you reach the next downspout.
You can use a chalk line to mark all of the lines along the side of your roof to ensure you have the accurate locations marked for the gutter system to be installed. Continue to repeat this process until you cover the entire length of the gutter system.
If you suspect at any time that your pitch is off, you need to correct it before you secure the gutters in place. It is always better to fix the problem instead of allowing it to escalate out of control. If you need assistance with setting up your gutters, you can always reach out to our experts for help.
Get Professional Help Now
Our team at Freeman Exteriors has extensive experience installing roofs, gutter systems, guards, and siding for homeowners and business owners across Champaign, IL. We can help to ensure your gutter slopes are correct so that you receive the full benefits of your gutter system. Contact us today by calling 217-355-5447 to get started.
