Gutter Pitch Angle

Technically speaking the slope also called the pitch of the gutters is the amount by which the gutters slant downward along the path of the water flow.

Gutter pitch angle. For example if you have 30 feet of guttering the calculation is 1 4 x 3 0 75 i e. There s no hard rule on the angle of the slope. This allows the water to flow gently but. Gutters should be placed below the extended roof line so that snow and ice can slide clear.

As a general rule gutter slope is set at 1 4 inch per 10 feet of guttering. This means the downspout end of the gutter should be set 3 4 of an inch lower than the other end. Place the line spirit level on the string. Measure from the roof edge at both ends of the gutter if you want to be sure.

Gutters need to be pitched at a 5 degree angle. As long as there is enough slope the water will naturally run out. For example for every 10 feet of gutter they need to drop 1 2 inch from the high end to the downspout. Gutter can be run level for appearance but addition downspout will be necessary see section on proper gutter and downspout sizing.

A good guideline is that the pitch should cause a decrease somewhere between 1 to 2 inches over a 40 foot run. Gutter should be pitched 1 16 or greater per foot for proper drainage. If gutters are not sloped enough the water will simply pool in the gutters and eventually spill over their sides. There are two factors that go into determining gutter position on the eave the pitch of the gutter and the roof slope.

Calculate the gutter slope by dividing the length of the gutter needed by 10. If the run requires two sections of gutter overlap them by 8 inches and use a 3 8 inch long self tapping stainless steel screws or pop rivets in two rows of four each to join them. If the gutter continues around a corner cut the appropriate angle typically 45 degrees on that end.