Spikes and Ferrules or Hangers?

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to keeping your roof drainage system in perfect condition for the longest possible time. Some gutters would last for as long as 50 years – especially if it's made of copper. Given the unpredictable weather conditions now, is that still possible? It involves a lot of factors, from the type of gutters installed, the type of gutter guards used, etc. and especially how they are attached. There are two popular ways of attaching gutters to your roof. One is through the spike or ferrule and the other one is through hangers. Which is better?

Spikes and Ferrules

This has been the conventional way of gutter attachment. It has been around for several years now. It composes of a metal cylinder that is placed inside the gutter. This is usually placed by screwing it or by a hammer. It provides a steady grip. However, as years pass the placement gets a bit loose and requires frequent hammering. Since the spike just gets driven deeper it never gives a long-term solution. It's either you make a new hole for the ferrule or drive it deeper. This is one of the main reasons for sagging gutters.

Hangers

Gradually, this has been replacing the spikes as the standard component of gutters. They are installed by being interlocked inside the gutters and screwed under the shingles. This gives the gutters optimal strength to resist sagging, and the chances of it getting loose are minimized.

Bottom Line

 If you're into saving a few dollars and doing 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 when getting hangers. It may cost a little more but it lasts longer in such a way that you won't need to check it frequently if the gutters are sagging. You can do the installation yourself or have a professional get the job done. Hangers are recommended because on the long-term benefits it provide. It definitely lasts longer and could save you a lot of repair costs.