Hangers vs. Spikes: How to Choose the Best Gutter Fastener
Did you know that the earliest examples of gutters date back to around 3000 BC?!
That being said, it’s pretty clear that we have been trying to control water on our homes for ages and it’s safe to say that gutter technology is constantly improving.
Today, there are a number of factors ranging from the size and type of gutter installed to the type of gutter guards used that will affect the lifespan of the gutters on your home. The most important of all is how they are attached to your home.
There are two popular ways of attaching gutters – one way is to use spikes and the other way is to use hangers. So, which is better?
Gutter Spikes
Let’s start with the bad way to mount a gutter: Gutter spikes (also called “spike and ferrule”) are simply 8-10” nails that are driven through the gutter and into the house.
For years this was the accepted way to install Memphis gutters, but there’s a big design flaw inherent with these fasteners. The big issue with these spikes is that they will pull out of the wood when the gutters get heavy with debris. This can be from leaves collecting every Fall, to even roof granules that build up in the gutter over time. This constant weight puts pressure on the nail of the head which causes it to back out from the wood that is securing it.
Over time this will lead to a complete failure in the gutter system, and the gutter will eventually pull away from the house completely. When this happens, the spikes cannot be installed back into the hole they came out of because they will not hold. Unfortunately, we still see gutters in the Memphis area with these spikes all the time!
Gutter Hangers
The option that we recommend is gutter clips or gutter hangers.
Gutter hangers are vastly different from spikes. Gutter hangers clip inside the gutter and have a long screw that is angled down that is screwed into the end of the rafters.
This design makes the gutter MORE rigid and prevents the gutters from pulling away from the fascia board. The angle of the screw works like a “hook” so that when debris is in the gutter, it’s pushing the screw into the rafters and fascia, not pulling it away.
Gutter hangers are also more aesthetically pleasing as they create a clean look with the hanger hidden within the gutter compared to the very visible spike. At Restoration Roofing, we always install gutters with gutter hangers, and we recommend any homeowner request gutter clips from their roofing contractor when installing gutters.
Why Choose Restoration Roofing
Working with a skilled Memphis roofer who specializes in gutter installation will ensure your gutters and gutter guards are installed correctly and with quality materials. At Restoration Roofing our team has been trained in the installation, repair, or replacement of gutters.
If you are having issues with your gutters, call us to inspect, find the issue and provide a solution that will get you set for years to come. To get in touch with one of our project managers, give us a call at 901-854-3402 or click here to set up an inspection and digital report. We offer free inspections that are easy and completed quickly. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips on taking care of your Memphis roof.
