Gutter hangers are one of those small unnoticeable things that are definitely taken for granted. However, without them, you literally can find yourself up a creek.
The purpose of gutter hanger brackets is that they hold your rain gutters in place in their correct positions to control the water’s flow. Failing to install and position them properly with your gutters may cause water to stagnate and overflow, which can, in turn, damage your roof, shingles, and home exterior.
You can’t just walk into a hardware store and casually pick them out because you need to make sure that you choose the best ones that are compatible with your gutters and suit the overall look of your house.
There are many different types that are available in stores everywhere, but the most commonly used is the K Style, which has a clip situated in the front lip and is secured to the roofing of your house by inserting a screw or a nail into the gutter’s back and into the boards.
Another commonly used type is the half-round style, which is essentially used with half-round gutters. People who want to add a little design to their gutters use the ornamental style. The basic styles of the ornamental types include copper, brass, and a patina finish, but you can easily turn these into a variety of shapes for added decoration.
Tips on How to Properly Install Gutter Hangers
First, have someone hold one end of the gutter while you hold the other end as you snap a line of chalk to run your gutters along so you can have a guide to follow.
If the gutter’s run is about 35 feet or less than that, an inch below the fascia board should be your starting point with the ideal slope of about a quarter inch for every ten feet of the gutter’s run.
If it is more than 35 feet, the starting point is at the center, and the slope will ideally be out to the sides, and you will need a downspout on every end of the gutter.
Carefully mark each starting and low point. To attach the hangers, use deck screws and fasten them onto the fascia board about an inch from the roof’s end. Put a screw every 24 inches using the trail of chalk. At the other end, put a hanger about an inch away from the roof.
One more tip is that if you live in a climate that has several months of snow and ice, you may want to consider installing a heated gutter element inside your gutters. Electric gutter tape is used to keep ice from freezing solid in your gutters and thus allowing water to flow. This alleviates extra strain from ice weight on your gutters and will help give the brackets and hangers extra life.
Keep in mind that proper positioning and installation of gutter hangers will effectively protect your gutters from damage and make them last for a very long time. Cleaning your gutters regularly can also prevent debris from building up and weighing them down with water and leaves.
