How To Fix Gutter Slope: The Homeowner's Guide

Finding out that your gutters are sloping incorrectly can be alarming. Maybe you noticed pooling near your foundation, or maybe your gutters seem to overflow during even the lightest rainfall. 

Whatever the case, if your gutters aren't sloped correctly, they won't be able to do their job properly – and that's something you should take seriously. 

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about gutter slope – why it matters, what can cause it to change over time, and most importantly, how to fix it. 

Why gutter slope matters

Gutters are designed to do one job: redirect rainwater away from your home. The way they do that is by channeling water from the roof to downspouts, which safely discards water away from your foundation.

To accomplish this, your gutters need to have the right slope or pitch – typically about ¼ inch for every 10 feet. This angle makes sure water flows smoothly through the gutters and into the downspouts without pooling. 

When the slope is off, even by a little, your gutters can become ineffective, which leads to: 

• Overflowing gutters
• Foundation damage
• Ice dams

What causes gutter slope to change?

Over time, various factors can cause your gutter slope to shift. The most common reasons are: 

If your gutters catch a lot of debris, it can weigh them down and cause them to pull away.

1. Heavy debris. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can weigh down your gutters. The added weight can pull the gutters away from the fascia, causing them to sag and altering the slope.
2. Natural settling of your home. As homes age, the foundation can shift slightly due to soil movement or settling. This can affect the pitch of your gutters, especially if your home has experienced significant settling.
3. Loose fasteners. Gutters are typically attached to your home with brackets, screws, or nails. If these fasteners become loose over time due to weather or wear and tear, your gutters could start to sag.
4. Weather conditions. Strong winds, heavy snow, and ice can all impact your gutters. Snow accumulation and ice buildup can weigh gutters down, causing them to bend or shift out of position.
5. Poor installation. If your gutters weren't installed with the correct pitch to begin with, the problem may not have been noticeable right away. But over time, the slope issues will become more apparent as water fails to drain properly.

How to fix gutter slope

Using a level is a great way to determine if your gutter slope needs to be fixed.

Fixing your gutter’s slope is more difficult than most people think. 

It requires precise measurements to achieve the correct angle and tilt every 10 feet. In some cases, you need to ensure a tilt of 1/4 inches per foot, which can be quite challenging to maintain consistently. 

To accomplish this, you need to bracket the entire gutter system over again, which involves unscrewing all attached parts and reattaching the gutters at the exact angle. 

This task, especially when working high off the ground with large parts, can be risky.

Step-by-step how to fix gutter slope

1. Inspect the gutters. Start by doing a visual inspection of your gutters. Look for areas where water is pooling or overflowing. You'll also want to check for any visible sagging or gaps between the gutters and the fascia. If possible, use a ladder to get a closer look at the gutter fasteners and the slope.
2. Measure the current slope. Using a level, measure the slope of your gutters. Place the level along the gutter and check to see if there is a downward angle toward the downspout. If your gutters are level or sloping away from the downspout, you'll need to adjust them.
3. Adjust the gutter brackets. To adjust the slope, you'll need to reposition the gutter brackets or hangers that attach the gutter to your home. Starting at the high point of the gutter, loosen the screws or nails holding the gutter in place. Adjust the height of the gutter by raising or lowering it slightly, then re-secure the fastener. Continue this process along the length of the gutter, ensuring that you maintain a consistent downward slope toward the downspout. 
4. Check your work. Once you've adjusted the brackets, use your level again to check the slope. The ideal pitch should be about ¼ inch for every 10 feet of gutter length. If the slope isn't correct, continue adjusting as needed.
5. Test the flow. After you've finished, test your gutters by running water through them with a garden hose. Check to see if the water flows smoothly toward the downspout without pooling or overflowing. If everything looks good, you're all set.

Our advice? Call a professional

Adjusting the gutter slope might seem easy, but it's not always a simple fix – especially if your gutters are old, damaged, or improperly installed. Even a small error in the angle can make the situation worse. 

In some cases, you may need to replace sections of the gutter system or even install new gutters altogether. And if you've noticed signs of water damage, foundation issues, or roof problems, it's best to call in a professional. 

At Thrasher Foundation Repair, we're experts in all things gutters. From inspecting your current system to providing a full gutter protection solution, we can help you prevent future issues and protect your home from water damage. Our seamless gutters and gutter guard systems are designed to keep your gutters clog-free and functioning properly, no matter the weather. Plus, with our free gutter inspections, you can get peace of mind knowing what's going on with your home. 

Schedule your free gutter inspection today

If you're dealing with sloping gutters, or any other gutter issues, don't wait until the problem gets worse. Schedule a free home inspection with Thrasher today. Our team of experts will assess your gutter system, make recommendations, and help you protect your home with a reliable gutter solution that lasts.

Contact us today by starting a chat in the bottom right corner, filling out the form below, or calling us at 1-800-827-0702.