When water collects in your gutters, it can be a sign of blockage, either in the gutter itself or in the downspout. Pooling water can also be an indication that the gutter system has shifted in some way, impeding water from running freely through the gutters and downspout. Once you’ve ruled out blockage, you can repair gutters so that the pitch has been restored.
First Things First
You’ll need a ladder to visually inspect the gutters by looking along the length of the gutter system; use a spot closest to the downspout as a starting point. If the gutters are properly pitched and don’t need readjusting, you’ll be able to see the incline, the end away from the downspout to the middle of the gutter section being slightly higher. If parts of this particular section are lower, adjusting the hangers or tightening them may be the easy fix. If the hangers aren’t the issue, then the problem is most likely the pitch of your gutters needs correcting.
Working It Out
A properly pitched gutter should incline toward the downspouts a ¼ inch of slope for every 10 feet of gutter. To calculate the amount of slope needed:
- Measure the length of gutter from one corner to the other
- Divide it by 10
- Multiply the answer by .25, rounding it out to the nearest inch
Making the Adjustments
At the downspout end of the length of gutter and from the top of the fascia, measure the amount of slope needed. Then use a pencil to make a mark.
Remove no more than three hangers. Readjust the top of the gutter so that it lines up with the pencil mark then reattach and tighten them.
Before readjusting the rest of the gutter, stretch a string from one side of the section to the other to use as a guide. Pull it taut. Readjust the remaining hangers; add additional hangers where needed to prevent future sagging.
Check your work by looking down the length of guttering.
