But the correct answer is it depends.
Correct pitch for gutters.
Gutters need to be pitched toward the downspouts for the water to flow properly.
This means the downspout end of the gutter should be set 3 4 of an inch lower than the other end.
Gutters need to be pitched at a 5 degree angle.
Formulae for flow in gut ters with different pitch are not available.
This allows the water to flow gently but.
To ensure the adequate drainage your gutters should be pitched approximately inch per 10 feet.
For example for every 10 feet of gutter they need to drop 1 2 inch from the high end to the downspout.
Get on a ladder after a rainstorm and look in the gutter.
Gutter can be run level for appearance but addition downspout will be necessary see section on proper gutter and downspout sizing.
Had to edit my post as 1 8 is way too much.
Myself though i always pitch my gutters at least some minimal amount.
Since gutters settle as screws and brackets loosen it s a good idea to periodically check the pitch of the gutters and adjust them if needed.
Granade roofing on another awesome seamless gutter project adjusting a section of gutter to get the proper flow of water.
Plus it looks nicer on the facia.
If there s standing water it s not pitched properly.
For example if you have 30 feet of guttering the calculation is 1 4 x 3 0 75 i e.
Steeper pitches require less clearance.
Gutters should be placed below the extended roof line so that snow and ice can slide clear.
The capacity of a gutter with 1 16 in ft 5 21 mm m or less pitch is taken as that of a level gutter even though it is somewhat greater.
Gutter should be pitched 1 16 or greater per foot for proper drainage.
How to adjust a gutter s pitch.
However for gutters to function correctly they require a slight slope called a pitch which causes rainwater to flow to the downspouts.
In theory if your gutters are dead level the ice and mud wont be very deep.
For a 30 foot gutter thats 1 7 8 inches of crown and ive never done that much.
Level gutters may be sized by charts 1 1 1 2 or 1 3 e sloped gutters may be sized by chart 1 3.