Nail vs Screw Gutters
When it comes to hanging gutters, most homeowners don’t give much thought to how they’re fastened, but that small detail can make a big difference. One of the most common reasons as to why gutters fail is due to how the gutters are fastened to the house. Whether you’re dealing with sagging gutters or planning a new installation, understanding the difference between gutter installation systems can save you time, money, and serious headaches down the line. Here’s what you need to know about nails vs. screws — and why we always recommend one over the other.
Gutters have traditionally been fastened with long nails, or spikes, driven through a small metal tube (called a ferrule) and into the fascia board. It’s an older method and has a lower upfront cost, but while it might seem like it gets the job done, it’s not built to last. Over time, the added weight of debris and water are more likely to loosen the nails and create sagging. The constant expansion and contraction of the fascia board with changing temperatures only speeds up that process. Over time, those spikes start to pull out — leading to sagging, detachment, and misaligned gutters that don’t drain properly. And when the spikes pull loose, they often damage the fascia board, making it harder to secure the gutter again in the same spot. That can turn into a much bigger repair job than most homeowners expect.
Today’s preferred method for gutter installation is using hidden hangers with durable screws — and for good reason. These hangers clip inside the gutter and are fastened to the fascia board using strong, corrosion-resistant screws. Unlike nails, screws don’t back out over time. They hold tight through all kinds of weather, weight, and seasonal shifts. Hidden hangers also distribute the weight of the gutter more evenly, which helps prevent sagging and adds to the overall durability of the system. They also offer a cleaner look, no visible nail heads or rust streaks, and make future maintenance or adjustments way easier. Yes, the material cost is slightly higher and the install takes a bit more care, but the long-term payoff in reliability, appearance, and peace of mind is more than worth it.
The truth is, not all gutter installs are created equal and it often comes down to the fasteners. Nail-fastened gutters may seem like the cheaper route upfront, but they almost always lead to bigger problems later. Screws with hidden hangers offer strength, stability, and a cleaner look that lasts.
At Feliciano Construction and Roofing, we only use hidden hangers with premium screws because we’ve seen firsthand how much longer they last and how many problems they prevent.