Gutter hangers are small, often overlooked items that provide your gutter system with all the support it needs. Failing gutter hangers can lead to sagging gutters, split fascia boards, and other expensive damage.

The most common hanger issue is sagging. This can be caused by water weight in the gutters or hangers being spaced too far apart.

Gutter Services

Whether installed properly or not, gutter hangers play a significant role in the performance and longevity of your gutters. If you encounter issues such as sagging, leaking, or improper slopes, it may be due to worn hangers or gutter sections not connecting properly.

Gutter hangers are available in various materials, including straps and hidden hangers. Before installing, choose the type that best suits your project and gutters. Straphangers wrap around the outside of the gutter, while hidden hangers are concealed inside the gutter for a sleek appearance.

When installing gutter hangers, begin by marking the location of each one on the fascia board with a chalk line. Then, insert the hanger at each mark using a drill or screwdriver and secure it to the fascia board. Be sure to check the recommended spacing of hangers based on your climate—in warmer areas, they should be spaced no more than 36 inches apart.

Spikes and Ferrules

Spikes and ferrules are another gutter hanger type that was popular not too long ago, but they don’t provide the best level of protection. Contractors drive these metal tubes into the back of the gutter and then attach them to the fascia boards around your house. They’re prone to splitting the wood they attach to, especially during freeze-and-thaw cycles, and can contribute to the early deterioration of your gutter system.

To pry out spikes and ferrules, snug a block of wood inside the gutter opening (you don’t want to damage your roof). Then, use a hammer or screwdriver to pry them out carefully. Working on a single sagging section of the gutter at a time is helpful, and having a helper hold it steady as you unscrew it.

Brackets and Straps

Gutter systems help channel rainwater away from buildings, protecting their siding, roofs, walls, foundations, and landscapes from water damage. But gutters often need maintenance, such as cleaning or repairs, to perform at their best.

One of the most common issues is sagging, caused by accumulating water and weight. Gutter hangers can become loose or pull away from the fascia board, and a sagging gutter can cause leaks in the roof or walls of the building.

To prevent sagging, regularly clean the gutters of leaves and debris. Also, ensure the gutters have a slight slope to direct water towards the downspouts. You can use a level to check the slope of the gutters, and you can install hangers or brackets to correct any problems with the slope. To further prevent sagging, ensure the hangers are kept in line. Also, consider adding a gutter apron to keep the water from splashing behind the gutter.

Hidden Hangers

If your gutters are sagging, it’s most likely because your hangers have worn out or were spaced too far apart to support the weight of full gutters. The good news is that you can easily fix this problem by replacing the old hangers or adding new ones to prevent sagging in the future.

Another common issue is galvanic corrosion between different metals used in the gutter system. The solution is using hangers made from the same material as the gutters.

These hangers are inserted into the front lip of the gutter and clipped over the back. A screw is then driven through the hanger, piercing and affixing it to the gutter and fascia board.

These hangers wrap around the gutters to add strength and allow for expansion and contraction during weather changes. These are more durable than traditional spikes and ferrules and are less likely to come loose. It would help if you were careful when cleaning and performing maintenance on your gutters to ensure you don’t knock them off.