The Importance of Proper Rain Gutter Slope
Some signs that you need to replace your gutters are more obvious than others. Cracks, gaps, and peeling paint are all clear signals that your gutters are no longer capable of doing the important job of diverting rainwater away from your home and its foundation. However, there are other, more inconspicuous circumstances that can indicate poor rain gutter functionality. So, what happens when your rain gutters look fine on the outside but still don’t seem to be working properly? In that case, to avoid long-term damage to your home, you’re going to want to check your rain gutter slope and make any necessary adjustments.
Proper Rain Gutter Slope
For water to drain towards your gutters’ downspouts, your rain gutters need to harness the power of gravity so that excess water flows downhill. The right rain gutter slope is subtle enough that you won’t notice it from the street. However, this slope should also steep enough so that it easily leads water towards the appropriate downspout.
The standard rain gutter slope is half of an inch for every 10 feet. This means that your gutter should be a half-inch lower in height at every 10-foot mark until you reach the downspout. For gutters that span 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. However, rain gutters that reach shorter distances than 40 feet don’t require two different slopes. In these cases, the slope is fine leading excess water in just one direction.
Testing for Proper Rain Gutter Slope
If you notice that water stands or collects on your roofing system instead of draining into the gutters and downspouts, check your gutters for clogs and clean away any debris impeding the flow of water. Objects could be blocking the flow of water into and through your rain gutter system, causing significant backup and issues further down the road.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, mark the top of your gutter at the point farthest from your downspout. Use a tape measure to mark a second spot 10 feet closer to your downspout, checking that the line between the two marks is level as you go. This second mark should be at least half an inch higher than the first one. Otherwise, it’s a sign that your rain gutter slope isn’t sufficient and needs adjustment.
Secure Quality Gutter Repair Services ASAP
If your home’s gutters don’t pass the rain gutter slope test, then you’ll need to have them realigned or possibly replaced. In some cases, older gutters can’t stand the pressure associated with being pried off of your house, manipulated, and then reattached. Securing gutter repair services from a trusted gutter specialist can put you and home in a better position than deciding to handle the entire process by yourself. A professional rain gutter installer will make sure that your new gutters in San Antonio meet the rain gutter slope test and drain away all the excess rain that’s been plaguing your home.
At American Hill Country Gutters, we know everything there is to know about rain gutter repair in San Antonio Texas, as our experienced specialists have repaired and replaced thousands of gutter systems while providing superior customer service for decades. If you are need professional rain gutter repair services in San Antonio TX contact our team today.
