Gutter hangers are as important as the gutter itself. Improper installation and spacing of gutter hangers will result in gutter sagging and eventually water damage to your home. How far apart should gutter hangers be installed? We searched for advice from gutter installation experts and found the answer for you.
Gutter hangers should not be more than 3 feet apart. In places with colder climates, the spacing should be 2 feet. This is to ensure proper support from the weight of ice or snow.
Aside from correct spacing, there are other factors to consider when dealing with gutter hangers. Keep reading for more information on the types of gutter hangers, their proper installation, care, and more.
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What Is The Importance of Gutter Hanger Spacing?
As mentioned, gutter hangers are essential, as they support the entire gutter system. The distance of each hanger should be correct because this will affect how your gutter handles water, snow, and ice.
You should consider the climate in your area before installing your gutter hangers. It is 3 feet in general and 2 feet for colder climates. Incorrect spacing can damage gutter hangers in the long run.
What Happens If Gutter Hangers Fail?
Ideally, if the installation was properly done and the hangers are correctly spaced, you don’t have to worry about damage.
But on the flip side, if one of the hangers fails, weight distribution becomes uneven. The accumulation of debris will put pressure on the other gutter hangers. Like dominoes, eventually, those will fail too.
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If the damage is not contained, after a short period, the fascia board or the roof itself, where the gutter hangers are attached, will fall apart. This will be expensive to repair.
To save you from the headache, make sure that you inspect your gutters regularly. Old gutter hangers may show wear and tear.
Be on the lookout for broken hangers, split fascia boards, and gutters that sag. You may repair them if you need to, or you may seek the help of a professional for more complicated repairs.
What Are The Types Of Gutter Hangers?
Fasteners are another term for gutter hangers. They come in different sizes and materials suitable for your needs.
These types have the same purpose of securing your gutters, but they do so in different ways.
1. Spike And Ferrule
This is the older version of hangers. This type is inexpensive and easy to install. However, it is also comes loose easily.
During installation, pierce the front and the back of the gutter. Then insert the spike, usually a long nail, and attach the hanger to the fascia.
Most contractors do not recommend this kind because of the risk of gutter leaks. You won’t be able to pry it out once you have attached it because it leaves a hole in the gutter.
Another problem here is that over time, the gutter expands, and the spike becomes loose. This is not the type to use if you live in areas with temperate climates where extreme heat and cold affect the materials of the gutter.
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2. Hidden Hangers
Compared to spike, the hidden hangers don’t get loose over time. These are installed by securing the hook at the gutter’s center and then drilling the screw to the back of the fascia. They are “hidden” because they secure the gutter from the inside.
Hidden hangers are sturdier than spikes. They can carry loads of ice or snow, so you don’t have to worry about gutter sagging. This kind also pairs well with the K-style gutter.
Click here to see this hidden hanger on Amazon
3. Exposed Brackets and Straps
Exposed brackets and straps are also called U-shaped brackets. They fit perfectly into half-round gutters because of their shape. This type is load-bearing, making it ideal for places that get heavy rains.
Exposed brackets let the gutter expand and contract. These are a good choice of gutter hangers because they are not prone to corrosion. They also provide a more polished look to your home.
Note that the straps may come loose over time, so be careful not to knock them off while cleaning your gutters.
4. T-Bar Hangers
This type looks like a hidden hanger, but it comes with a vertical metal strap attached to the middle. Unlike most hangers, the end of the T-Bar strap is fastened to the root, not the fascia.
This is a good option if your gutters cannot be attached to the fascia. Aesthetically, these are a good choice because the hangers are not visible from the ground.
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At the end of the day, your choice of gutter hangers depends on which aspect you prioritize. Consider the climate in your area, design, ease of installation, material, and the sturdiness of the hangers.
What Are Gutter Hangers Made Of?
Gutter hangers should be made of the same materials as your gutters. This is not only for aesthetic value but also for preventing the hangers’ corrosion.
Galvanize corrosion results from two different materials coming in contact with each other when coupled with a corrosive electrolyte, usually water. The following are the most common gutter hanger materials on the market:
- Aluminum: The most common material for hangers. It is corrosion resistant and also budget friendly.
- Copper: If you are looking for durability, you should pick this one. However, copper is not so popular because it is pricey.
- Galvanized Steel: This is durable and able to withstand hot and cold temperatures. Zinc coating protects galvanized steel from the elements.
Keep in mind that it is significant to use the same materials for gutter and gutter hangers during installation to mitigate deterioration.
Why Is The Gutter Pulling Away From The House?
Gutters pulling away from a house is a serious and potentially costly problem. When your gutter separates from the roof, it loses its main purpose. Why do gutters pull away?
- Water and debris accumulation: This causes gutter sagging. Eventually, the gutter will pull away from the house.
- Incorrect installation: Before installing the gutter and fasteners, ensure the fascia board is in good condition, or else the gutter will pull away in the long run.
- Rotted or damaged fascia boards: Replace the board before replacing the gutter.
- Incorrect spacing of fasteners: Proper spacing of hangers provides support to your gutters.
- Finally, the gutter itself, if it is old and damaged, will pull away from the house.
Why Does Rain Run Behind My Gutters?
Rain running behind your gutter is another gutter problem. It’s not supposed to happen.
One obvious reason is clogging. However, there are times when the gutter is clean, yet water is still leaking. It’s probably because you don’t have flashing installed. In this case, you’ll need to set up a gutter apron.
A gutter apron is a piece of flashing that is folded under the shingles and over the gutter. The gutter apron leads water straight to the gutter.
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Are Gutter Hangers and Gutter Union The Same?
Gutter hangers and gutter unions are parts of the guttering system; however, they are not the same.
We have been talking about the main purpose of hangers, which is to stabilize the gutters.
Gutter unions connect two lengths of gutter. These also support the gutter, but they’re main purpose is to prevent water from leaking.
Here is an example of a gutter union.
What Are Gutter Guards?
Over time, the gutter collects leaves and other falling debris. Gutter guards kept debris from causing blockage to gutters. Many homeowners consider installing them, thinking they won’t have to worry about cleaning gutters.
Are gutter guards a good investment? Are they a must? Take note that installing gutter guards does not guarantee that debris won’t clog your gutter. Leaves can still build up on top of the guard, and it is still necessary to clean your gutter from any fragments.
Gutter guards are not 100% maintenance-free, although installing them minimizes the frequency of cleaning.
You may or may not install gutter guards. Ultimately, if you don’t maintain them periodically, the build-up will add weight to the gutter, and this may cause it to sag.
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What Are Downpipe Brackets?
If gutter hangers secure the gutter, downpipe brackets secure the downpipe. During installation, place the brackets at most 3.2 feet apart on straight gutter runs to properly support the downpipe.
Final Thoughts
The spacing of 3 feet between gutter hangers is important to keep your gutters from sagging. You should consider the climate in your area for gutter hanger spacing as well.
If the distance between gutter hangers is correct, your gutter can withstand heavy rain, snow, and even ice.
To learn more about gutters, check out these articles:
Should Gutter Match Roof or Siding?
What Color To Paint Gutter and Downspouts?
