WHICH GUTTER HANGER TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? – FAMILY ROOFING

Posted on by David Reid

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WHICH GUTTER HANGER TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

People often wonder how to know if they need new gutters.  If your home currently has a spiked gutter system, it is likely at least 10-20 years old.  This may be an indication that you need a replacement.  Properly maintained aluminum gutters can last up to 30 years.  Although hidden hangers are stronger than spikes, and typically last longer.

Gutter sections need to be supported by hangers at least every 32 in.; closer if there’s a heavy snow or ice load.  The many variations can be grouped into two general types: roof mounted, which employ a strap nailed to roof sheathing, and fascia mounted, which screw or nail directly to fascia boards or rafter tails.  Whatever type hanger you use, gutters are less likely to pull free if you nail or screw the hangers to framing behind the fascia or roof sheathing.

Gutter Hidden Hangers:

  1. Create a clean “hidden” look.  The hanger is hidden within the gutter.  This gives it a much cleaner, and aesthetically pleasing look as compared to the very visible spike.

  2. Security and strength.  The bracket and screw design of a hidden hanger provide more security.  The hanging gutter is fastened to the fascia board.  Because it is more secure, it can outlast a spiked system.  Hidden hangers cope better with the give-and-take expansion of atmosphere changes, heat, and obstacles.  This security also provides more strength.  They can handle more weight than spikes, which is particularly important during the winter months.  Especially as we begin to experience snow and ice.

  3. Not phased by expanding aluminum.  During weather changes and certain atmospheric conditions, aluminum will expand and contract. If your gutters are hung by a spike, they will begin to pull out of, and away from the fascia board.  This can allow water to flow in between the gutter system and the fascia board and create the potential for the gutter system to come down.  With a better design and security, hidden hangers, do not move or pull away when aluminum contracts.

  4. Not as time-consuming.  Since spikes have to be hammered into the fascia, it takes more time and care to install while avoiding the gutter from getting bent.  Also, if the fascia is too hard, it may cause the spike to bend.

  5. Easier to repair. Once the spikes are in, it is nearly impossible to repair or re-pitch it without damage, as removing spikes is typically done by using a crowbar on the gutter to pry the spikes out.

TYPES OF GUTTER HANGERS

Spike-and-ferrule hangers nail directly into rafter ends or through fascia boards.  Although this is a simple system, its detractors point out that 7-in. spikes leave large holes, encourage rot, and—in the end—don’t hold well.

Roof-mounted strap hangers support gutters well and are an alternative to end-nailing rafters—in fact, they’re the only option when there’s no fascia.  If you’re reroofing, nail them to the roof sheathing and apply shingles over them.  Or, if the rafter tails are exposed, nail the straps atop the rafters, and install flashing over the straps to forestall rot.

Hidden hangers are favored for hanging K-style aluminum gutters.  They can be inserted into the gutters on the ground and, thanks to integral screws, attached to the fascia one-handed.  But because they clip inside the gutter channels—rather than supporting them underneath—these hangers are best used with heavy, 0.032-in. gutter stock, which is stiffer and less likely to flex or sag than the lighter stock.

Bracket hangers are usually screwed to fascia boards. They range from plain 4-in. brackets that snap over the back gutter lips to cast-bronze brackets ornamented with mythical sea creatures.  Brackets simplify installation because you can mount them beforehand—snap a chalkline to align them—and then set gutters into them.

HIDDEN HANGERS

Hidden hangers are commonly used with K-type gutters.  They can be prepositioned in the gutter and quickly screwed or nailed to the fascia.  Because hangers are not visible, gutter lines are clean.

Hidden hangers are similar to the previous gutter brackets, except they are installed at the center of the gutter trough.  These gutter fasteners are invisible from the ground, which creates a cleaner look all around.

This is a popular style for seamless gutter hangers where the emphasis is put on a sleek and uninterrupted design.  As an added benefit, they can support a ton of excess water and are one of the strongest gutter hangers.  Here are a few key benefits of choosing hidden hangers for gutters.

  • Sleek and seamless appearance

  • Provides strong support throughout the system

  • Capable of handling heavy rainfall 

SPIKES AND FERRULES

This type of rain gutter hanger uses a more straightforward mechanism.  A ferrule, or small metal tube, is driven through both sides of the gutter trough, then a long spike or screw is driven through to the fascia board.

The two-hole installation method increases the risk of gutter leaks, allowing rainwater to spill on siding and windows.  The ferrules are also susceptible to damage from ice causing them to expand and contract. The main components of this type of gutter bracket include:

  • A more simplistic hanging mechanism

  • Additional points of weakness for leaking

  • Potential for ice damage to occur

HOW TO DECIDE WHICH GUTTER HANGER TYPE IS RIGHT FOR YOU

The best gutter hangers for your home will depend on how much you prioritize seamless design, easy installation, and the ability to withstand storms.  Other considerations may include your gutter hanger spacing, as three feet apart is the average, but two feet may be recommended for areas of heavy snow and ice build-up. You’ll also want to consider the types of downspout brackets and whether they will match or contrast your primary gutter holder.  As you decide, keep the following in mind:

  • Gutter hangers spacing 
  • Downspout brackets
  • Aesthetic of your home

In Conclusion: Hidden Hangers Win

Since gutter spikes are the “old school way” of installing and do not last as long as hidden hangers, it may be on its last leg if you have a spiked gutter system.  Updating to a new system with hidden hangers can extend the lifespan of your gutter system up to another 30 years, while also improving its aesthetic appeal.