Gutter Hangers

Gutter sections need to be supported by hangers at least every 32 in.; closer if there’s a heavy snow or ice load. The many variations can be grouped into two general types: roof mounted, which employ a strap nailed to roof sheathing, and fascia mounted, which screw or nail directly to fascia boards or rafter tails. Whatever type hanger you use, gutters are less likely to pull free if you nail or screw the hangers to framing behind the fascia or roof sheathing. Here are profiles of four common hanger types:

Prefab Gutter Pieces

Spike-and-ferrule hangers nail directly into rafter ends or through fascia boards. Although this is a simple system, its detractors point out that 7-in. spikes leave large holes, encourage rot, and—in the end—don’t hold well.

Roof-mounted strap hangers support gutters well and are an alternative to end-nailing rafters—in fact, they’re the only option when there’s no fascia. If you’re reroofing, nail them to the roof sheathing and apply shingles over them. Or, if the rafter tails are exposed, nail the straps atop the rafters, and install flashing over the straps to forestall rot.

Hidden hangers are favored for hanging K-style aluminum gutters. They can be inserted into the gutters on the ground and, thanks to integral screws, attached to the fascia one-handed. But because they clip inside the gutter channels—rather than supporting them underneath—these hangers are best used with heavy, 0.032-in. gutter stock, which is stiffer and less likely to flex or sag than the lighter stock.

Hidden Gutter Hanger

Bracket hangers are usually screwed to fascia boards. They range from plain 4-in. brackets that snap over the back gutter lips to cast-bronze brackets ornamented with mythical sea creatures. Brackets simplify installation because you can mount them beforehand—snap a chalkline to align them—and then set gutters into them.

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