Spikes or Hangers, Which to Choose?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to keeping your roof drainage system in the best condition for the longest amount of time possible. Some gutters will last for as long as 50 years if maintained properly. The life of your gutters depends on a variety of factors ranging from the type of gutters installed, the type of gutter guards used, etc. One of the things that could be considered a main factor is how they are attached to your home.

There are two popular ways of attaching gutters to your roof. One way is to use spikes and ferrules and the other way is to use hangers. Which is better?

Using spikes and ferrules to attach the gutters has been a conventional method that has been around for years. This method is used by placing a metal cylinder inside the gutter. This is usually held in place by screwing or hammering a spike through the front of the gutter into the cylinder to attach it to the fascia. Not only does this not make for a pleasingly esthetic choice but as years pass the placement gets a bit loose and requires frequent readjustment. Since the spike just gets driven deeper it never gives a long-term solution. You can either make a new hole for the ferrule or drive it deeper. This is one of the main reasons for sagging gutters.

Using hangers has been gradually replacing the spikes and ferrules as the standard method of hanging gutters. They are installed by being locked into the gutters and screwed into the fascia with a screw that is often already a part of the hanger. This is a much more convenient way to hang gutters. It is also a better choice cosmetically because both the screws and hangers are hidden and cannot be seen when looking at the house. It is also a better choice because it gives the gutters optimal strength to resist sagging, and the chances of it becoming loose are minimized.

Which do you prefer, spikes or hangers? If you're into saving a few dollars and choosing the classic way of attaching gutters then you can go with spikes. Just be aware of the proper tools needed and stay on the ladder. Get a safety harness or have a professional do it for you. Shelling out a few more dollars is worth it to have your gutters installed with hangers. It may cost a little more but it in the long run you save money because you won’t have to have your gutters redone or even readjusted for that matter. Hangers are recommended because of the long-term benefits they provide. Don’t forget that Hallett Gutter Supply now offers a variety of gutter accessories including gutter hangers. Call us today for more information.