Gutters are essential to any home or building, as they help to direct rainwater away from the roof and foundation. To keep gutters in place, hangers or fasteners are used. Various types of gutter hangers are available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of the different types of gutter hangers to help you make an informed decision for your gutter system. Start reading!
Hidden Hangers
Hidden hangers are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners due to their sleek appearance and easy installation process. These hangers are attached to the fascia board using screws, and the gutter slides into place, hiding the hanger from view. This hanger provides better support to the gutters than the traditional spike and ferrule method.
Pros:
Better Support
Hidden hangers offer a stronger hold on the gutters, preventing them from sagging or pulling away from the house.
Aesthetic Appeal
As hidden, these hangers provide the gutters with a cleaner and more streamlined look.
Easy to Install
Hidden hangers can be installed quickly and easily without specialized tools.
Cons:
Cost
Hidden hangers cost more than traditional gutter hangers, which may not fit everyone’s budget.
Maintenance
As these hangers are not visible, spotting any issues or damage can be challenging and require regular maintenance checks.
K-Style Gutter Hangers
K-style gutter hangers are designed to fit the popular K-style gutters with a flat bottom and a decorative front resembling crown molding. These hangers come in various materials, such as aluminum, copper, and steel, and can be found in visible and hidden options.
However, make sure to get the best installer for a Gutter Installation. This will help you avoid any costly mistakes in your gutter installation.
Pros:
Easy Availability
Since K-style gutters are the most common type used in homes, finding compatible hangers is not difficult.
Variety
K-style gutter hangers come in different materials, allowing homeowners to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.
Cons:
Can Be Visible
If not installed correctly or placed too far apart, K-style gutter hangers can be visible from the ground, affecting the aesthetic appeal of the gutters.
Not Suitable for All Types of Gutter Systems
These hangers are designed specifically for K-style gutters and may not work well with other types, such as half-round gutters.
Half-Round Gutter Hangers
As the name suggests, half-round gutter hangers are designed to fit half-round gutters – a traditional style commonly found in historic and older homes. These hangers are typically made of copper or aluminum and come in visible and hidden options.
Pros:
Aesthetic Appeal
Half-round gutter hangers offer the gutters a classic and elegant look, making them a popular choice for historical homes.
Customizable
These hangers can be customized to fit specific gutter sizes and styles.
Cons:
Limited Availability
Unlike K-style or hidden hangers, finding half-round gutter hangers can be challenging as they are not as commonly used.
More Expensive
Due to their limited availability and customization options, half-round gutter hangers are more expensive than other types.
Hidden Gutter Hangers
Similar to hidden hangers, these are designed to be concealed for a clean and seamless look. However, unlike hidden hangers that secure the gutter from the top, hidden gutter hangers attach to the inside of the gutter and are screwed into the fascia board.
Pros:
Easy Installation
Hidden gutter hangers can be installed quickly, making them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts.
Strong Hold
These hangers support the gutters, preventing sagging or pulling away from the house.
Cons:
Cost
Like hidden hangers, hidden gutter hangers can be more expensive than traditional gutter hangers.
Limited Compatibility
These hangers may not work well with all types of gutters, so checking for compatibility before purchasing is essential.
Roof-Mounted Gutter Hangers
Roof-mounted gutter hangers are attached directly to the roof rather than the fascia board. These hangers are mainly used for metal gutters and require specialized tools for installation.
Pros:
Suitable for High-pitched Roofs
As these hangers attach to the roof, they are an ideal choice for homes with steep roofs where attaching gutters to the fascia board may not be possible.
Strong Hold
Roof-mounted gutter hangers provide a secure attachment to the roof, preventing gutters from sagging or pulling away.
Cons:
Professional Installation Required
These hangers require specialized tools and expertise for installation, making them less suitable for DIY projects.
Limited Compatibility
Roof-mounted gutter hangers may not work with all types of gutters, so checking for compatibility before purchasing is essential.
Quick-Screw Gutter Hangers
Quick-screw gutter hangers are a popular type of fastener due to their strength and ease of installation. As the name suggests, these hangers feature a long screw that provides excellent hold and stability. They can be used with most gutters and are often used in areas with heavy snowfall due to their robust construction.
Pros:
Strong Hold
The long screw used in quick-screw gutter hangers provides excellent grip, preventing the gutters from sagging under heavy weight.
Easy to Install
These hangers can be quickly installed without needing specialized tools, making them popular for DIY projects.
Cons:
Visible
Unlike hidden hangers, quick-screw hangers are visible from the ground, which can affect the aesthetics of the gutter system.
Not Suitable for All Gutter Materials
These hangers work best with metal gutters and may not provide the same level of hold as plastic or vinyl gutters.
Strap Hangers
Strap hangers are another type of gutter fastener strapped to the roof. They are typically used when the fascia board is either non-existent or not structurally sound enough to support the weight of the gutters.
Pros:
Suitable for Challenging Installations
Strap hangers are ideal for situations where other types of hangers cannot be used due to the absence or condition of the fascia board.
Strong Support
These hangers provide robust support to the gutters, preventing them from sagging or pulling away from the roof.
Cons:
Professional Installation Required
Straphangers require specialized tools and knowledge for proper installation, making them less suitable for DIY projects.
Aesthetically Less Pleasing
Strap hangers are more noticeable than other types of hangers, which can affect the overall look of the gutter system.
Fascia Hangers
Fascia hangers are designed to attach directly to the fascia board, providing a clean and streamlined look. They come in various materials, including aluminum, copper, and steel, and can be customized to match the color of the existing gutters.
Pros:
Aesthetic Appeal
Fascia hangers offer a more seamless look as they are installed directly on the fascia board.
Versatility
They can be used with different types of gutters, including K-style and half-round gutters.
Cons:
Professional Installation Required
Fascia hangers must be installed carefully to prevent damage to the fascia board, making professional installation necessary.
Condition of Fascia Board
These hangers rely on the strength and condition of the fascia board. If the board is damaged, it could affect the stability of the gutters.
Spike and Ferrule Gutter Hangers
This is one of the oldest methods of hanging gutters. It involves driving a large spike through the gutter’s outside edge into a tube (ferrule) inside the gutter.
Pros:
Easy and Quick to Install
This method is pretty straightforward and requires minimal tools, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.
Economical
Spike and ferrule hangers are generally less expensive than other types of gutter hangers.
Cons:
Durability
Over time, the spike may start to pull out from the fascia board, compromising the gutter’s stability.
Aesthetics
The spike is visible from the ground, which can affect the overall appearance of the gutter system.
Rafter Tail Gutter Hangers
Rafter tail gutter hangers are attached directly to the rafter tails of the house and are known for their durability and strength. These types of hangers are often used in areas with extreme weather conditions due to their sturdy construction.
Pros:
Strong Support
Rafter tail gutter hangers provide excellent hold to the gutters, preventing them from sagging or pulling away from the house, even in harsh weather conditions.
Durability
These hangers are often made of durable materials such as steel or aluminum, offering longevity.
Cons:
Professional Installation Required
Proper rafter tail gutter hangers installation requires knowledge and expertise, making DIY installation challenging.
Visibility
These hangers are often visible, which can affect the overall aesthetic appeal of the gutter system.
Knowing Which Types of Gutter Hangers is Right for You
Choosing the right types of gutter hangers is crucial for the efficiency and longevity of your gutter system. Hidden hangers provide a sleek and stronghold, while K-style and half-round hangers offer aesthetic appeal. Hidden gutter and roof-mounted hangers are ideal for specific situations but may not be suitable for all types of gutters.
Consider your budget, compatibility, and maintenance requirements before choosing the type of gutter hangers for your home. So, assess these factors carefully and make an informed decision. This ensures that your gutters stay secure and functional for years to come.
Regular maintenance is also critical to maximize the life and functionality of your gutter system. It’s always a good idea to consult with a gutter professional to get expert advice tailored to your situation.
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