Gutter Hangers: Why are They Essential in a Rain Gutter Installation?
September 20, 2018
Have you ever wondered how your rain gutters are attached to your roof? They are not just nailed to the roof; when your rain gutters are installed, gutter hangers are attached along the gutter and they are responsible for keeping the whole drainage system in place. Gutter hangers are the most popular hardware in fastening the gutter to the roof's fascia, providing stability, support, and protection to your home's structure. Without them, your drainage system will not work properly, and in turn, you will eventually have to face severe water damages.
Having a
rain gutter installation in your property is essential to keep it free from issues like flooding in your garden, pooled water in the walkways entrance, dampness in your roof and walls, and even instability in its foundations. This is why your drainage system must be always working as well as possible, with all its accessories installed, including gutters hangers.
Does the material of gutter hangers matter? Yes, remember that your gutters will constantly receive large amounts of water in rainy seasons as well as other elements like leaves and debris so they must be made of the same material as the gutter to be able to hold the structure in its place, no matter how heavy the rain is. If hangers are not made of the same material as gutters it is very common that corrosion appears due to the contact of two different materials when water is present.
Types of Gutter hangers
There are several types of gutter hangers in the market with their benefits and drawbacks. To determine which one is the right for your rain gutters system the contractor should consider aspects like the type of rain gutter and the structure of your roof.
Next, we show you some of the most popular gutter hangers nowadays:
- Spikes and Ferrules
As the name implies, in this type of hanger a spike is driven into a metal tube or ferrule across the gutter, ending at the back of the gutter and fastening the gutter to the fascia board. In many cases, when the spike is inserted in the fascia, it splits the wood causing its rapid deterioration. Another drawback of this type of hanger is that since they are exposed to constant freeze and thaw cycles gutters will expand and contract to cause the spikes to get loose from the fascia. However, spikes and ferrules were very popular not too long ago, because they are inexpensive and easy to install.
- Brackets and Straps
This hanger system is commonly used with the half-round style as they are wrapped around the gutter and fastened to the fascia board, adding extra strength to the structure. With these hangers, you won't have to worry about the constant weather changes since they have the freedom to expand and contract without a problem. However, you need to be careful when cleaning them, so you don't knock them off.
- Hidden Hangers
This is considered by most contractors the best hanger system in fastening rain gutters to your roof. The hanger is placed horizontally inside the gutter and screwed into the fascia board. Thanks to their improved design, hidden hangers have a more appealing look than the visible spikes; plus, they can handle bigger amounts of water without a problem, adding more support and stability to the rain gutter, which is very important in areas with a rainy weather. Another reason why contractors rather hidden hangers above the rest is that they match well with K-style gutters which are the most popular gutter profile in the US.
Gutter Hangers Spacing is Crucial
Accurate spacing is key to ensure the success of the installation and the good performance of the rain gutter system. If your contractor does not install enough hangers, you may face severe water damages in your drainage system that would generate risky situations for your family.
To determine the most accurate spacing between hangers when installing rain gutters, exact measuring is necessary. This will be defined by the particular circumstances and dimensions of each project. However, here we show you some rules that should be followed by the contractor:
- The highest tip of the guttering should be lightly sloped downwards to the downspout.
- Every 10 feet you should make an incline of ¼ of an inch.
- If you have gutters of 40 feet or more the pitch should begin in the middle in order to make sure that the rainwater will flow to the downspout and avoid pooled water or stuck debris.
- In places with a soft weather, hangers can be installed in the gutter with 36 inches of distance. For rainy climates, they must be placed with 18 inches of separation to support a bigger weight for longer periods.
Consequences of a Wrong Gutter Hangers Installation
As said before, gutter hangers are the most important piece in a rain gutter systemsystem since they hold up the weight of both the gutter itself and the rainwater, keeping everything in its place, fastened and secured so that your drainage system will have a flawless performance. Just a misplace or a wrong measuring can be catastrophic for the whole structure and have as a consequence the most common issue in this case: sagging gutters.
When the rainy season begins, your house gutters become very heavy because of the extra weight added by rainwater. If you don't have strong and well-installed hangers your rain gutters may collapse any minute leaving your home exposed to dampness, from the ceiling to the foundations; not to mention the risk that this represents for your family.
The issue of sagging gutters usually has a domino effect in your drainage system since it brings a number of problems that will affect the structural stability and appearance of your property. The overflow and constant water dropping form small pools in the sidings, as well as flooding in your garden, will make your façade appear dirty and neglected. Another negative effect of having sagging gutters is that your garden becomes a breeding ground for pests which can bring serious health conditions to your family.
In conclusion, our advice is for you to take the gutter hangers' installation seriously so that you won't have to spend your money on costly repairs that can be prevented. For this, you should hire a reliable company that guarantees good results without wasting your time.
At Rain Gutters Solution we rely on well-trained technicians equipped with top-notch technology to meet all your needs in rain gutters. If you are looking for help in the field feel free of calling us at
(305) 270-7779 or fill out our
contact form below to schedule your appointment with us. We'll be glad to assist you!
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