Gutter hangers are an essential part of your gutter system. They help to support the weight of your gutters, but they must be spaced correctly.
Spike and ferrule-style gutter hangers feature a spike driven across the gutter cleaning and end at the backside to fasten it to the fascia board. They are known for adding strength to the structure but are prone to splitting wood during freeze-thaw cycles.
Keep Water From Pooling in Your Gutters
Gutter hangers are the essential backbone of your gutter system, and they come in various forms with different strengths. They can help avoid costly gutter damage, from sagging gutters to splitting fascia boards.
Hidden hangers clip inside the gutter hem and screw into the fascia board from the inside, making them undetectable from ground level. They are ideal for K-style aluminum gutters and half-round gutters.
Traditional spike and ferrule systems are relatively inexpensive to install, but repeated freeze and thaw cycles cause them to loosen over time. They also split the wood of fascia boards, increasing your risk of water damage.
Bracket and strap-style gutter hangers are similar to hidden hangers but wrap around the gutter for additional strength. They are a good choice for homes in rainy climates since the straps and hangers provide added protection against water and ice. If you plan to use these gutter hangers, make sure they are made from the same material as your gutters to prevent galvanic corrosion.
Prevent Sagging Gutters
Gutter systems collect and divert water from a house so it doesn’t damage garden beds or leak into basements or crawl spaces. However, gutters can start to sag and pull on the fascia boards if they aren’t adequately supported. That can cause them to fail over time, leading to expensive repairs and replacements.
One of the most effective ways to prevent gutter sagging is by installing gutter hangers that are correctly spaced. Several hangers include exposed brackets and straps, T-bar and T-strap hangers, and wrap-around hangers.
Hidden hangers clip under the gutter hem and screw into the fascia board, which helps to hide them from view and provides a sleek aesthetic for your home’s exterior. They also offer better resistance to temperature and weather shifts than other types of gutter hangers. Brackets and straps secured to the sunroof also provide extra strength. These are especially useful when the gutter is over a sloping roof section.
Prevent Siding Damage
Gutter hangers are used to fasten lengths of gutter to your home, and different types work well for specific roof styles, drainage needs, and climates. For example, aluminum is ideal for homeowners who live in a coastal area because it resists corrosion from salty water.
But gutter hangers must be spaced correctly to ensure the stability of your gutter system, especially when it’s full of water. The proper spacing is crucial because a single hanger failure can cause the whole gutter system to pull away from your house, damaging the siding.
Hidden hangers are placed inside the gutter trough and screwed into the fascia board, making them undetectable from ground level. They’re also better at resisting weather changes because they don’t pierce the gutter — unlike spikes or ferrules, which often split and deteriorate over time. Brackets and straps are ideal for half-round gutters and wrap around the gutter from its hem to the back side, allowing it to expand and contract without damage.
Prevent Water Damage to Your Roof
Gutter hangers are one of the most essential parts of a gutter system. They create stability and support so your gutters can perform their job effectively and protect your home from severe water damage. They also ensure your drainage system works correctly.
There are many different types of gutter hangers, and each is designed to work with specific roof styles, drainage needs, and climates. However, all hangers must be spaced appropriately to prevent water damage.
Galvanized steel is a common gutter-hanger material because it resists rust and corrosion. However, it doesn’t do well with salt water, so you should consider using another type of gutter-hanger material if your area is prone to high salt levels in the air or water.