How to Choose the Right Gutter Hangers

To put it simply, gutter hangers are a simple component of your roof that makes a huge difference in the life of your roof. They serve a wide range of purposes, including supporting the entirety of the gutter system and ensuring rain, snow and debris do not flood the home. If gutter hangers fail and collapse due to heavy snow, weather, falling trees or other events, it can lead to expensive damage and potentially even injury.
In fact, homeowners and contractors are encouraged to undergo regular autumn maintenance to help maintain the structure of the building. This includes clearing the gutters to remove any leaves and debris to prevent clogging, as well as trimming nearby trees as needed, and inspecting the gutter systems carefully.
As the colder months approach, ensuring your gutter system is prepared for winter is essential for protecting your home or business from costly damage. Gutter hangers play a crucial role in supporting your gutter system through the challenges of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Winter-Ready Gutters
Here are a few tips to get your gutters winter-ready:
Before the first snowfall, check your gutter hangers for any signs of corrosion, looseness, or damage. A weakened hanger may not hold up under the weight of accumulated snow and ice.
Materials like stainless steel or galvanized steel are excellent choices for regions prone to harsh winters. Their strength and resistance to heavy loads make them reliable options when durability is a priority.
The spacing of your gutter hangers is just as important as the material. During winter, closer spacing can provide additional support for heavy snow and ice. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure your gutter system is up to standard.
If you live in an area with frequent snowfall, consider installing snow guards to reduce the strain on your gutters and hangers. This simple addition can prevent sudden avalanches of snow and ice from damaging your system.
Autumn leaves and debris can clog gutters, causing water to back up and freeze. Install leaf guards and clear gutters thoroughly to prevent ice dams and ensure water flows freely during thaws.
By taking these steps and investing in high-quality gutter hangers, you can protect your property from winter weather while avoiding unnecessary repairs and damage.
Now let’s review some of the most popular materials used in gutter systems to help you decide which material suits your job!
Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the most popular, widely used materials for gutter hangers due to its quality and resistance to the elements and corrosion.
Aluminum is one of the most popular, widely used materials for gutter hangers due to its quality and resistance to the elements and corrosion. Additionally, it’s rust-free and durable enough to withstand snow and ice damage, high winds, fallen trees and other elements out of your control.
Aluminum is relatively inexpensive and lightweight, making it a solid choice for your gutter system. In terms of visual appearance, aluminum is available in a wide range of colors and can be customized accordingly to match your home or business’s exterior. One thing to consider when opting for aluminum gutter hangers is that the metal can expand and contract based on temperature shifts. To avoid this, consider also including expansion joints to limit the impact of this natural phenomenon.
Stainless Steel
If you’re looking for the most strong, durable and reliable gutter hangers, stainless steel is for you. Stainless steel gutter systems are known for being the strongest systems on the market, as they can easily withstand major weather events like snow, wind, rain, hail and fallen trees.
Unlike aluminum, stainless steel gutter hangers are less likely to expand and contract in different climates, but it’s still recommended to include expansion joints in the event it still occurs. Despite strength and durability, stainless steel gutter systems are not immune to rusting, and because of that it’s likely that these systems should be replaced should severe rusting occur. Much like aluminum systems, stainless steel can also be painted to appeal to the homeowner and to match the aesthetic of the building’s exterior. In terms of price, stainless steel tends to be more expensive than aluminum and galvanized steel.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is different from stainless steel, in that it’s coated with a thin layer of zinc which protects the steel from rusting. This is the reason why many nails, screws, bolts and more are crafted with galvanized steel versus stainless steel. Unlike stainless steel, galvanized steel won’t rust when exposed to water but unfortunately is not salt water-resistant. Contractors should consider proximity to saltwater, and buildings near coastlines should likely opt for a different gutter hanger material.
When should I choose each material?
Gutter hangers are also available in different materials like zinc, vinyl, copper and more. Ultimately, the right material for your metal roofing project depends on exactly that — the project. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option when choosing a gutter hanger material, aluminum is likely your best bet. If your home or project requires a more durable material due to weather or other factors, stainless steel may be worth the investment.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
Material | Pros | Cons | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Aluminum |
|
| Cost-effective solutions, moderate climates |
Stainless Steel |
|
| Harsh weather conditions, premium projects |
Galvanized Steel |
|
| Inland areas, general use |
Copper |
|
| High-end homes, historical properties |
Vinyl |
|
| DIY projects, budget-focused installations |
Gutters and gutter hangers are a vital part of the roofing process, and can help to prevent damage, flooding and also to maintain the structural integrity of your home. You can learn more about gutter hangers and browse AMSI’s selection here.