Step 3 determine the cause of slow drainage.
How to level gutters.
It should run at a consistent speed down the gutter to the downspout.
Next place a ladder at the left side of the house and measure from the roof down to the gutter.
Go to the side of the gutter farthest from the downspout and pour the water in.
Hold one end of the level against the roof level it and then measure the distance between the roof and the underside of the level at its midpoint which gives you a 12 inch run.
And a level gutter is the obvious answer when there s a downspout at both ends such as on our hip roof.
Btw spikes and ferrules hold the gutter to the wall of the house.
To correct this yourself you ll need to measure from the peak to the downspout.
Gutters are often installed level for appearance.
If you notice the water slowing or stopping on its way to the downspout continue to pour buckets of water until you can isolate where the problem is located.
You want at least a quarter inch of slope for every 10 feet.
Even though they look level from a distance gutters should be pitched slightly from one end to the other.
For most homes this fall of 1 in each direction from the center provides adequate drainage.
If the pitch is too gentle water will just fill up in the gutters until it overflows and a too sharp pitch isn t aesthetically pleasing.
You can measure pitch with a 2 foot level and a tape measure.
A simple method for checking the gutter alignment is to pour a one gallon bucket of water into the gutter at its highest point.
Step 1 inspect the gutter.
If there s standing water it s not pitched properly.
Step 5.
Step 4 re align the gutters.
If the run is extremely long allow 1 fall for each 16 of gutter.
Mark the gutter slope when installing gutters set the proper slope by driving a nail 1 2 in.
Note the measurement as you will need it later.
How to check a gutter s slope.
Measure down 1 inch past the first measurement and mark it with a pencil.
Step 2 check the water flow.
Then slide the ladder to the other end of the gutter and measure down from the roof to the gutter.
While you are realigning the gutters this is a good opportunity to check for any debris build up broken seals or.
Measure and record the distance from the bottom of the fascia board to this nail.
Allow for 1 of fall each way.
Gutters need to be pitched toward the downspouts for the water to flow properly.
How to re align rain gutters.
Get on a ladder after a rainstorm and look in the gutter.
To check the slope of your gutters you ll need a ladder tall enough to safely get to your gutter and a one gallon bucket of water.
Checking the water flow.
The steeper a roof s pitch the more windblown rain it can collect.
While it makese sense to slightly slope the gutter toward the downspout about 1 4 in.
Gutters should slope an inch or two for every 40 feet.
