When installing a new gutter system, there is more to think about than just the gutters themselves.  There are many other parts that play a vital role in helping the system function well.  One of those important pieces is the gutter bracket.

A gutter bracket is a type of hanger which attaches the gutter to the home often through the fascia board.  They are typically spaced 2-3 feet apart and range from a standard bracket to a heavy duty application.

Unfortunately, there are many ways to improperly install a gutter bracket. The most common installation mistakes are:

• Gutter brackets are spaced too far apart.
• The wrong type of bracket is used for the specific gutter application.
• Inferior brackets are used instead of quality ones.
• Gutter brackets are not screwed in tightly enough to offer sufficient support.
• Gutter brackets are over-tightened resulting in a gap between the fascia board and gutter system.

When brackets are installed incorrectly, the results can be devastating. Water damage, premature replacement and a poorly performing system can all be direct results of a bad bracket installation. This is why it’s not only important to find the right gutter bracket for your specific application but also ensure it’s installed the right way for optimum performance.

Here are five problems that can happen with poorly installed gutter brackets:

1. Sagging Gutters – Ask any gutter professional and they will tell you one of the top complaints they hear is sagging gutters.  And gutter brackets installed too far apart is often the chief reason behind this common problem.  Gutters can become very heavy when supporting a large amount of rain water or snow thaw.  During these peak periods, support is needed for them to withstand the extra weight.  When there isn’t enough brackets, the results are sagging and bending gutters.
2. Gutters Pulling Away from House – When gutters don’t have enough support from the brackets, they begin to pull away from the home itself.  This can be not only unsightly but also cause real damage.  Leaks can occur leading to water damage into the foundation, sidewalks, and driveways.  Separating gutters also experience improper pitch, making them less efficient at removing the excess rain water.
3. Improper Drainage or Pooling Water – Pooling water from improper drainage is one of the most common problems homeowners experience with faulty gutter bracket installation.  Because the gutters themselves are typically sagging, they become less able to drain the excess water out of the system.  The water begins to pool in various areas throughout the gutters leading to rusting, overflowing, and leaks.  Pooling water can also attract breeding insects such as mosquitoes leading to another host of problems.
4. Water Damage – Like most home issues, one gutter problem leads to another which leads to another.  When gutter brackets are poorly installed the system begins to sag and bend.  This often causes leaking within the system.  As the brackets begin to separate the gutters from the fascia board, the rest of the home is left exposed allowing water to penetrate the ceiling, foundation and basement.  Mold, wood rot and more can occur when this problem is left unresolved.
5. Premature Gutter Replacement – Gutters which are constantly sagging and weighed down with heavy water flow premature more quickly than those that function properly.  This means homeowners may need to replace their gutters earlier than expected leading to increased cost and installation time.

When searching for the right gutter brackets for your unique application, check out the large selection at GutterSupply.com.  We are the online leader in gutter supply products.  With over a dozen gutter bracket options, we are sure to have the solution right for your home.  For all of your gutter installation needs, contact our expert staff at 1-888-909-RAIN (7246) or visit us at guttersupply.com.