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gutter instillation zip screws
04/03/2020
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Gutters are a crucial feature of your home’s exterior, protecting the siding, roof, and foundation from water. Ensuring that you are using the right fasteners to secure gutters is key for making sure your gutters are secure. There are two main kinds of gutter fasteners you need to know about. 

Gutter nails have been a popular method for attaching gutters, but gutter screws offer certain advantages that can create a better overall system.

 

Why Gutter Screws Are Essential

Gutter screws are designed to securely fasten gutters to a home, ensuring they remain in place through heavy rain and other weather. Unlike gutter nails or spikes, gutter screws are threaded, allowing them to hold their position and stand the test of time.

Issues with Gutter Nails:

  • Loosening: Over time, Gutter nails will loosen up due to everyday wear and tear like temperature fluctuations, rain, and other weather conditions.
  • Sagging Gutters: Loose nails can cause gutters to sag away from the home, leading to improper drainage which can lead to damages and costly repairs
  • Lack of Durability: Nails and spikes are thin which means they are prone to bending and breaking.

 

Why Gutter Screws Are the Better Choice:

  • Threaded Screws: The threads on gutter screws provide a stronger grip which keeps gutters in place better than nails can.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Gutter screws are typically coated to resist rust and withstand weather conditions.
  • Reliability: Screws will maintain their grip better over time which means fewer replacements and repairs

 

Gutter Screw Specifications and Features

Gutter screws are specially designed for gutter installation and maintenance. Here’s what makes them perfect for the task:

Key Features:

  1. Indented Hex Washer Head:
    • The head of the screw is indented with six flat sides for a secure fit with a hex driver.
    • A washer underneath the head provides a flat bearing surface, reducing the risk of crushing the gutter material.
  2. Self-Piercing Design:
    • Gutter screws feature a sharp, tapered point that pierces the material as it’s driven in, eliminating the need for pre-drilling.
  3. Corrosion-Resistant Coatings:
    • Options include zinc-plated steel, silver ceramic, stainless steel, and copper-plated finishes to match various gutter materials and prevent rust.
  4. Compatibility with Gutter Materials:
    • Gutter screws work with aluminum, vinyl, and copper gutters, making them versatile for any installation project.

 

Applications for Gutter Screws

Gutter screws are used to secure gutters to structures which ensures proper drainage. They address common issues like sagging gutters and leaks by providing a strong, reliable hold.

If your gutters have been installed with nails, you will that over time, they start to sag and pull away from the structure. This will lead to water leaking onto the outside of your home (or even worse, getting into the interior). Replacing these nails with gutter screws will ensure your gutters stay secured to the home and do their job correctly

 

How to Install Gutter Screws: Step-by-Step Guide

Installing gutter screws is a simple process! Follow these steps to install gutter screws the right way:

1. Inspect Gutters

  • Count how many nails or spikes are currently holding your gutters in place.
  • Check the condition of the ferrules (cylindrical spacers that house the nails). You’ll need both screws and ferrules for a secure fit.

2. Acquire the Right Hardware

  • Take samples of your nails and ferrules, as well as information about your gutters. You could also take pictures and specs of the samples to send to a customer service representative when purchasing the parts online. The workers can give you advice and point you in the right direction.

3. Tear Out Old Nails

  • Carefully remove the nails to avoid losing the parts in your yard or damaging the roof and gutter. A claw hammer is usually the easiest method for performing this task.

4. Install the Screws

  • Insert the screw into the existing hole in the gutter face, then slide the ferrule over it.
  • Position the screw tip slightly above the existing hole in the fascia and drive it in using a power drill.
  • Avoid overtightening to prevent damage to the gutter material.

 

Replacing Gutter Spikes with Screws

If your current gutter system uses spikes and ferrules, upgrading to screws is a smart choice. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Choose Longer Screws: Use screws that are slightly longer and have a thicker shank than the spikes you’re replacing to ensure a strong grip into the fascia board.
  2. Inspect for Damage: Check the gutters and fascia for any signs of damage before installation.
  3. Drive the Screw Through a Fresh Hole: Avoid reusing the nail hole, as it may have widened over time. Drill a new hole for a more secure hold.
  4. Secure Every Three Feet: To strengthen the system, secure hangers into the rafters every three feet along the length of the gutter.

 

Gutter Screws vs. Nails and Spikes

Here’s a quick comparison of gutter screws and traditional fasteners:

Feature Gutter Screws Nails/Spikes
Durability High (threaded design holds better) Low (prone to loosening)
Resistance to Weather Excellent (corrosion-resistant) Poor (susceptible to rust)
Installation Requires a drill Simple (hammered in)
Cost Slightly higher upfront Lower upfront cost

Tips for Choosing the Right Gutter Screws

  • Match the Material: Use copper-plated screws for copper gutters to prevent corrosion. Stainless steel screws are ideal for aluminum or vinyl gutters.
  • Consider Coatings: Opt for screws with ceramic or Dacromet® coatings for high-humidity climates.
  • Size Matters: Choose screws long enough to penetrate the gutter material and reach the fascia securely.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gutter Screws

Are ZIP screws the same as gutter screws?

ZIP screw is the brand name for an All Points Fasteners self-tapping, self-piercing or sheet metal screw. The most common applications for ZIP screws are gutters, siding, roofing and HVAC installations. These screws feature a sharp point that creates a hole as you drive them into the material.

Are gutter screws corrosion-resistant?

Although the specific degree of corrosion protection varies by type of coating, most gutter screws have a safeguard against rust. At All Points Fasteners, we offer several innovative finishes — including Dacromet® and ceramic coatings — that perform exceptionally well in wet weather and high-humidity climates. The stainless-steel screws we offer are more expensive but are extremely resistant to rust.

What screws should I use for copper gutters?

Copper gutters need screws that do not contain carbon steel to prevent surface rust. All Points Fasteners offers an extensive product range of screws that work well with copper gutter applications, from magnetic and non-magnetic ZIP screws to stainless steel and copper-plated screws.

What size screws are best for gutter brackets?

For gutter bracket installation, the ideal screw length depends on the thickness of your gutter and the material you’re securing it into. The screw length should be long enough to penetrate the gutter material and reach the fascia. We offer various product sizes and finishes to meet your unique project needs.

 

Conclusion

Using the right gutter screws is key for a long-lasting gutter. Compared to nails or spikes, gutter screws provide better strength, durability, and resistance to weather. Whether you’re installing brand new gutters or replacing old nails, investing in high-quality gutter screws will save you big time in the long run.

Gutter installation coming up? Check out our selection of gutter screws and contact us for expert advice! Install your gutters with the best gutter screws around with All Points Fasteners!

Head Screw Lady Since 1986! Specializing in breaking down the language barrier between suppliers and end users. During her 35 years working in the fastener industry, MaryLouise has worked directly with end users, contractor’s, OEM’S and DIY, as well working within the import industry, working with fastener manufacturers and distributors. This has given her the unique perspective of having the technical knowledge needed to perform in the fastener world but also be familiar with the needs of end users who don’t necessarily know the fastener jargon or applications to know exactly what they need for their jobs.

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