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Gutters: Hangers vs. Spikes
The down side of spikes (nail) are:
During installation the face of the gutter could get damaged while hammering in
the spike.
Spikes often crack lumber during installation.
Spikes leave a 1/4" hole in the fascia.
Once spikes loosen it is difficult to reinstall the spike because the
hole in the fascia will be larger than the spike.
The longer the gutter length the better chance of loosening and not holding
well.
Spikes are not as strong as hangars.
Eventually the gutter will sag and loosen over time.
The benefits of using hangers:
Hangers do not leave large holes in the fascia
Hangers hold well because screws are used
Hangars are user friendly and easy to install
Hangers do not crack lumber
Hangers are easy to modify and make adjustments
Hangers leave a smooth finish to the gutter face
Helpful hints:
Hangers should be about 32" on center (apart).
There should be 3 screws in between hangers to offer more support.
5" gutter should use #8 stainless steel screws.
6" gutter should use #10 stainless steel screws.
Make sure your screws are stainless steel because galvanize screws will rust
thru your gutter.
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Gutter Material: Aluminum |
Poor |
Good |
Excellent |
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.022 Thickness |
X |
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.027 Thickness (Most commonly
used.) |
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X |
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.032 Thickness |
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X |
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Downspout Material:
Aluminum |
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.019 Thickness (Most commonly
used.) 2x3 and 3x4 downspout |
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X |
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.024 Thickness 3"x4" downspout
more common but available in 2x3 also. |
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X |
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Hidden Hangers & Spikes:
Aluminum |
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Smooth spike or Striated spike |
X |
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Spiral spike |
X |
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Ring shank spike |
X |
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Hidden
hanger secured with nails. |
X |
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Hidden hanger secured with a # 8
x 1 1/4" screw |
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X |
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Hidden hanger secured with a #
10 x 1 1/2" screw |
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X |
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Hidden Hangers & Spikes:
Spacing |
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36" |
X |
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30" |
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X |
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24" |
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X |
Gutter Slope:
Gutters need a 1" to 2" slope every 40 feet. NOTE: A gutter installed level
will drain because water levels itself, however you will not have any water
flow to clean the gutter yourself. Too much slope does not look good and you
lose some of the gutters holding capacity.
Example: A gutter sloping 3 1/2" in a run has lost 1/2 of its holding
capacity, in a short heavy down pour the water at the high end of the gutter
will be nearly to the bottom of the gutter and at the downspout end (Low
end) the water will be overflowing the top of the gutter, Remember?, water
levels itself.
Summary: Try to strike a happy medium, some slope for cleaning but not
too much.
Downspout capacity:
2x3 Downspout will drain 600 sq. ft of roof area.
3x4 Downspout will drain 1200 sq. ft. of roof area.
Gutter Capacity:
One foot of 5" K-Style gutter holds 1.2 gallons
of water.
One foot of 6" K-Style gutter holds 2.0 gallons of water.
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Gutter placed behind the
drip edge.
This is a important part of installation on homes of 3/12 and 4/12 pitch
roof. Water will suck back (capillary action) on the roofing material and
run down the face board and behind the gutter causing damage to the fascia
board over time.
Steeper sloped roofs do not have this problem and in some cases the singles
may overhang the drip edge and droop down into the gutter thus eliminating
the problem . Strip flashing must be used to bridge the gap between the drip
edge and the back of the gutter if the gutter runs below the drip edge at
the lower end of the gutter run.
Good luck in getting a shoddy
gutter company to come back and fix this problem, because it will require
reinstalling the complete gutter system or installing flashing. So beware
and insist that it be done! |
Tree Debris problem:
Consider some kind of gutter guard. In most cases if you have your
gutter installer install the gutter guard when he's there to install the
gutter, they'll cut you a better deal.
Use 3x4 downspout.
DO NOT INSTALL PRODUCTS THAT FIT DOWN INTO THE GUTTER.
Install only Product that fit and install on top of the gutter.
Metal products will last longer than a Plastic product.
No rolled metal or plastic screens!
A brief comment about trying to
clean your gutters from the ground. There are mechanical devices that do
work. The water blasters are poor at best. Its very hard to clean something
when you can't see what your doing. The next time you take your car to the
car wash close your eyes when you wash it and see what it looks like when
your finish. And O' yes don't forget the rain coat when you use the water
blaster on your gutter because mother natures gravity is going to bring
everything straight down on your head and pick a calm day or the window may
have to be re-cleaned as well. |
Screws & pop rivets
Screws: Stainless steel with painted heads- Excellent
Zinc coated with paint heads Good
Pop rivets Excellent. |
 Gutters: Are they necessary?
Gutters: Hangers vs. spikes
Seals, laps, outlets, and screws
Design of roof drainage system
Flashing: The importance of
following specifications
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