Gutter Hangers

Gutter hangers, commonly referred to as (hidden hangers) are as important as the gutters themselves when it comes to the reliability and durability of the gutter system. They are the modern day replacement for the old spike and ferrule method. Most hangers are designed for the seamless aluminum "k" style gutter system but they are also made from copper, stainless steel and galvalume.

If you have an older home with gutters, they were most likely installed with the old spike and ferrule method. A type of gutter installation in which a metal cylinder or tube is placed inside the gutter to strengthen it and keep it from bending. The spike is driven through the face of the gutter, through the ferrule and into the wood fascia board.

Hidden Hangers are the most popular method of fastening the gutter to the fascia and give the gutter its strength and support. As the name implies, these hangers cannot be seen from the ground. The front of the hanger clips into the lip on the front of the gutter, and the back of the hanger clips or rests flush against the back side of the gutter. The installer inserts a screw through the hole in the hanger, into the gutter and then into the fascia board behind the gutter.

For most fascia installations in the southern United States, the hangers should be installed every 24 inches. In the northern parts of the United States, you may encounter heavy ice and snow loads in and on the gutter. This extra weight will require hangers to be installed every 12 to 16 inches.

Pay very close attention to what type of hanger is being used for your gutter system. While being the single most important factor in determining how long the gutter system will last, it is also one of the first areas affected when it comes to cutting cost. The type of hanger used and its spacing will largely determine the longevity of the gutter system.

To prevent electrolytic (galvanic) corrosion, the hangers must be made of the same material as the gutter being installed. Galvanic corrosion results from the contact of two different metals when an electrolyte (like water) is present.

The back of the gutter hanger should be installed under the drip edge flashing, using #10 x 1.5" inch wood screws. The drip edge flashing will prevent water from leaking behind the gutter and also keep moisture from wicking down the screw and into the wood fascia.

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