What is Gutter Slope?

Gutter slope, also known as gutter pitch, refers to the downward angle of a gutter system that directs water toward the downspouts. It's measured as a drop in height (in inches) per unit of horizontal length (in feet).

Basic Formula for Gutter Slope

The standard formula to calculate the gutter slope is:

$\text{Gutter Slope (inches)} = \text{Length of the Gutter (ft)} \times \text{Slope per Foot (inches/ft)}$

Recommended Slope Values

The slope per foot is typically:

• 1/8 inch per foot (0.125 inches/ft) for standard systems.
• 1/16 inch per foot (0.0625 inches/ft) for minimal slopes.

Example Calculation

Let’s calculate the gutter slope for a gutter that is 20 feet long with the standard slope of 1/8 inch per foot.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Input: Length of the Gutter = 20 ft, Slope per Foot = 1/8 inch (0.125 inches/ft).

Formula:

$\text{Gutter Slope (inches)} = 20 \times 0.125$

Calculation:

$\text{Gutter Slope (inches)} = 2.5$

Thus, the gutter should drop 2.5 inches from one end to the other.