Your roof gutters help to protect the exterior and roof of your home from water damage, mold, and erosion. However, your gutters are only as good as the gutter slope that is used when installing them. Gutter King is a gutter installation and maintenance company serving Waialua, HI, and the surrounding areas for nearly 20 years. Here, the gutter company explains what gutter slope is and why it is important for your roof, gutters, and home.

Although roof gutters may appear to be level with the edge of the roof when viewed face-on, gutters should actually be hung at a slight angle in the direction of the nearest downspout. Gutter slope is the term used to describe the angle at which a roof gutter slopes towards the downspout. When your contractor is designing or installing your gutter, they need to properly calculate the gutter slope to ensure that you get the most from your roof gutters.

The key to calculating gutter slope is establishing the angle that allows your roof gutters to work most efficiently. In addition to looking bizarre and off-balance, a gutter slope that is angled too sharply can cause your gutters to overflow during times of heavy rainfall, splashing water over the edge. Because the splash-over can leak and cause water damage to your home’s exterior or foundation, a too-sharp gutter slope can defeat the purpose of your gutter altogether. On the other hand, a gutter slope that is not angled enough will not drain properly, causing water to fill beyond the gutter’s capacity, eventually spilling over the sides. In either case, the gutter slope may be damaged to the point that you will need repair and replacement, so ensure that your contractor calculates the slope properly to save you this inconvenient expense.

To have your roof gutters installed or cleaned, call (808) 621-5115. For more information on gutter maintenance or roof gutter repair, visit Gutter King Online.