Brackets vs. Spikes: Choosing The Best Gutter Fastener for the Job

Today, most aluminum gutters are attached to the house with brackets. However, many old timers remember when spikes were the standard fastening method. On rare occasions, we get a call asking for spikes. Alloy Gutter Company does recommend using brackets but the choice is yours. Gutter brackets are commonly referred to as hidden hangers. The brackets use screws instead of nails. Using screws provides a much more secure connection to the roof or fascia board. Temperature changes have little to no affect on the brackets. Gutter spikes are long nails that are hammered inside the gutter and attached to the fascia board. Gutter-Brackets-vs-Spikes Changes in temperature can cause the spikes to expand and contract. After a while, they can pull out of the fascia board. The fix for this is to pound them back into the fascia board. However, most of the time the nail hole has enlarged and the spike pops back out again. If you have ANY gutter questions give Alloy Gutter Company a call. We have been in business for over thirty five years. Way back in the day before there were brackets!

Clean the Gutters – Evict the Critters

Are your gutters doing their intended job of keeping rain water away from the foundation of your house or have they become a habitat for small animals? Debris in gutters makes great nesting material for small animals like birds and squirrels. Also, mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Don’t be that neighbor who provides the critters and bugs a condo. The most effective way to discourage critters from nesting in your gutters is to keep them clean. Leaf-Guard-Protection Gutters that are debris free and dry between rain showers are your best defense against pests. However, we occasionally get a call asking for advice on how to stop birds from nest building in their clean gutters. Most of the callers say that they have tried everything. However, birds can be VERY persistent. Leaf protection products will usually hinder the nest builders. Also, you will be able to stop the never ending job of cleaning the gutters. Have Alloy Gutter Company install leaf protection on your house. Alloy can stop debris from getting into your gutters AND evict the critters!