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Your guttering system should direct water down off your roof. As water falls into a gutter, it should start a downward flow that ultimately takes it into your drains.

However, this system only works if your gutters have the correct pitch slope. Gutters shouldn't be completely level; they need a slope to encourage water to move.

Sometimes, older gutters that have sagged out of place or new ones that don't have the right pitch can't do this. Water can't go through the system like it should. How can you tell if your gutter pitch is a problem?

1. Your Gutters Overflow

A gutter with the right pitch has enough slant built into its layout for water to automatically flow through the system. If your gutter fall is too level, then this won't happen.

Rather than draining away naturally, water will stay in the gutter for longer. If the problem builds up or if you have a heavy rainfall, then you may notice that your gutters start to overflow.

Water could spill out over the sides if it can't drain fast enough to clear the gutter pipe. If you look in the gutter and see that it isn't blocked by leaves or debris but is just full of water, then you may have a pitch problem.

2. You Have Standing Water

After it rains, any water that lands in your guttering should drain away. The gutter should dry out. However, this won't happen if the pitch is out of kilter.

If your guttering is too level, then some water will stay in the gutters. There is no slope for them to drain down. This may make the gutters smell. They may also attract insects, and water may seep through the gutter on to your home.

3. Your Gutters Clog up

The pitch of your gutters is also responsible for getting rid of any debris that builds up inside the pipes. As water flows through the gutter, it should carry small pieces of debris with it down through your drainpipes and into your drain.  

If your pitch is too flat, then this debris is more likely to settle on the bottom of your gutters. You may notice a residue of dirt, bits of leaves and grit even if water ultimately drains away.

If you notice any of these problems, contact local roofing companies. They can take a look at your gutters and work out where the problem lies.