6 Types Of Gutter Hangers [And Which Are The Strongest]

It would help if you had gutter hangers to help secure your roof fascia boards. However, they come in various styles meant for different purposes, and figuring out all of them can be overwhelming.

We've scoured the web for answers and brought them to you by narrowing them down into an easy-to-read list below. Let's dive right in!

There are a ton of gutter hangers available on the market, but the following are some of the most popular picks:

Spikes and ferrules
Exposed brackets and straps
Hidden hangers
T-bar or T-strap hangers
Wrap-around hangers
Sub-roof secured hangers

In this post, we'll discuss the pros and cons of each type and help you figure out which is the most well-built for any situation and weather. Keep reading to find out more about gutter hangers!

Different Types Of Gutter Hangers

Now that you know the basics, let's get into the different types of gutter hangers:

Spikes And Ferrules

If you plan on installing your gutter, this type of hanger is your best pick. It uses a metal tube that goes across the gutter — which is then attached to the fascia board.

Luckily installing spikes and ferrules only require you to punch two holes which a screw or a spike will then secure.

Pros: This gutter hanger is easy to install, making it perfect for individuals DIYing their roofs.
Cons: It can prevent water leakages to the fascia board if not installed correctly.

Exposed Brackets And Straps

This type of gutter hanger is half-round or shaped like the letter U and provides ample support and weather resistance. It is attached to the fascia board and offers roof support from the bottom.

It's also another great option if it frequently rains in your area.

Pros: Designed to last constant changes in the weather.
Cons: You need to be careful in cleaning brackets and straps as they can break and detach from the attachment when you're not cautious.

Hidden Hangers

The hidden hangers type is your best bet if you're looking for a fool-proof choice.

They look like regular gutter hangers, but with the added convenience of being installed in the middle of the gutter, giving a clean, seamless look. This type of hanger is also professionally recommended and regarded as the strongest.

If you live in an area with frequent severe rains and flooding, consider getting this type of gutter because it helps the gutter trough contain large amounts of water, keeping your home safe and dry.

Pros: Its barely visible design makes for a sleek and modern look.
Cons: The lack of bottom support means you must reinforce the entire gutter system to prevent it from collapsing.

Check out these hidden hangers from Amazon.

T-bar Or T-strap Hangers

A T-bar hanger looks like a hidden hanger except for one detail.

The hidden hanger has a metal strap in the middle. You'll need to connect the other end to the roof deck to reduce the need to secure it to your fascia board.

Pros: It can be securely installed quickly by an individual without special tools.
Cons: It is secured to the wood deck instead of the fascia board, so you might need extra assurance that your wood deck is strong enough to hold on to additional installations.

Wrap-around Hangers

Wrap-around hangers are used in an installation when there is no composite fascia board for the gutter hanger to attach to. As the name suggests, it wraps itself around the gutter to deliver maximum protection and support.

It's also a combination of the T-bar style hanger and the exposed bracket and strap hanger, forming a letter K and providing the strength of both types.

Pros: It is nailed directly to your roof installation, making it fastened for security.
Cons: It may take some time to install.

Sub-Roof Secured Hangers

Similar to exposed brackets and straps, sub-roof secured hangers are installed through the sub-roof, except they are not fastened to the fascia board.

It's a sure bet if you don't want to worry about the gutter hangers possibly coming off over time.

Pros: It is solid and stable once correctly installed.
Cons: This type of gutter hanger should be installed by a professional contractor as it involves a complicated process.

What Are The Different Materials Used For Gutters?

Most gutters are aluminum, vinyl, galvanized, stainless steel, zinc, and copper.

The materials come with different qualities that aid in the durability and cost of one gutter, so always gauge which one you need throughout your roofing plan.

Stainless steel and aluminum are popular choices.

Aluminum is a great economical option because, aside from its inexpensive price point, it offers the durability and rust resistance that more expensive materials provide.
Vinyl gutters are the cheapest, but their quality can be a hit or miss because vinyl does not handle extreme temperatures and weather well, causing the material to break when pressured.
Steels such as galvanized and stainless are one of the mid-range options, with both types being long-lasting due to their rust and corrosion resistance. Plus, galvanized steel is pre-coated with zinc to prevent rust from forming on the surface.
Zinc gutters are also another sturdy and versatile option. Furthermore, zinc surfaces create a protective layer caused by weather changes, making for an excellent investment. One possible drawback to zinc gutters could be their price, as specific options can come with a hefty sum.
For a more premium option, you can go with copper. It can be expensive, but you can see your money's worth in it as it can provide you with the durability you need, with the bonus of looking chic and classy to your home exteriors. Consider it as an investment.

How Do You Install A Gutter Hanger?

Installing a gutter hanger could vary depending on the type you're using. However, there are general rules that you can follow to make installation seamless, whether you are a novice or a professional:

If you already have an existing hanger installed, remove it before installing a new one.
It's best to use a drill to fasten the screws for security, but be sure not to over-tighten.
Do not screw the rain gutter's lip to the hanger's hook. The rain gutter is more likely to rip or tear this way.
Check for any exposed holes, as these can cause leakages on the roof when there is heavy rainfall.

See this cordless drill and screwdriver on Amazon.

What Is A Fascia Board?

The fascia board is the flat surface where the roof and the outer walls of the structures meet, often connected by a gutter hanger or two. It provides your roof with the support it requires while protecting the walls from directly being in contact with heavy water flow.

People commonly use spruce, fine, and fir types of wood because it's inexpensive yet can last a long time. However, some more premium choices include cedar, cypress, and redwood.

How Close To The Roof Should Gutters Be?

The gutter installation should be as close to the roof shingles as possible, no more than 2 or 3 inches away. If you install the gutter more than 3 inches away from the edge of the roof, rainwater will run off the roof and won't drain properly, defeating the purpose of the gutter and the hangers.

Final Verdict

Gutter hangers come in many types, with different functions depending on your needs.

You can choose between the following: spikes and ferrules, exposed brackets and straps, hidden hangers, T-bar hangers, wrap-around hangers, and sub-roof secured hangers.

The strongest options are exposed brackets, straps, and wrap-around hangers.

Regardless, you can't go wrong with your choice as long as you go with which one you believe is ideal for your roof and the weather conditions around your area.

Made it to the end? Check out these related posts:

Should Gutter And Fascia Be The Same Color

Should Gutters Match Roof Or Siding?

11 Roof Shingles Color Ideas And Options