Correct Gutter Slope

There are two factors that go into determining gutter position on the eave the pitch of the gutter and the roof slope.

Correct gutter slope. Or you can slope the gutters down from each end toward a single downspout placed in the middle of the run. So what s the ideal amount of slope for your gutters. Roofing and guttering experts recommend that gutters have at least a quarter inch of slope per 10 feet to avoid standing water on your roof gutters. This means the downspout end of the gutter should be set 3 4 of an inch lower than the other end.

Gutters need to be pitched toward the downspouts for the water to flow properly. So if you have a 25 foot section of guttering you should set the downspout end of the gutter 5 8 of an inch lower 1 4 x 2 5 5 8 than the other end. To ensure that gutters drain properly make certain they slope inch for every 10 feet toward a downspout. Next place a ladder at the left side of the house and measure from the roof down to the gutter.

When you look at a rain gutter system from the ground it looks like it was parallel to the roofline of the house but they are slightly inclined so rainwater can flow straight to the downspout without problems. To correct this yourself you ll need to measure from the peak to the downspout. Multiply the number of feet by 1 16 inch to determine the total slope the gutter requires. The standard slope for rain gutters is half of an inch for every 10 feet.

Get on a ladder after a rainstorm and look in the gutter. You want at least a quarter inch of slope for every 10 feet. For example if you have 30 feet of guttering the calculation is 1 4 x 3 0 75 i e. Roof gutters need to be pitched toward the downpipes for the water to flow properly.

Gutter can be run level for appearance but addition downspout will be necessary see section on proper gutter and downspout sizing. For spans longer than 40 feet it s wise to have a downspout on each end and start the high spot of the gutter in the center. Gutter should be pitched 1 16 or greater per foot for proper drainage. If there s standing water it s not pitched properly.

As a general rule gutter slope is set at 1 4 inch per 10 feet of guttering. This means that your gutter should be a half inch lower in height at every 10 foot mark until you reach the downspout. Most contractors tend to set the slop at one quarter inch per ten feet of guttering.