If you’re going to install or replace rain gutters or going to re-
roof I strongly recommend using gutter hangers that have a strap. Try
to avoid using the other types of hangers as much as possible. Here is
an image link to the types of rain gutter hangers:

http://images.oldhouseweb.com/storie...62/fig5678.gif

All types of hangers that do not have straps will eventually sag and
leak from the weight of the water in the gutter and the fact that they
are fastened to the edge of the eave which is the area most
susceptible to wood rot and deterioration. The strapped hangers are
secured to the top of the eave and not the edge. Since the straps have
to be secured to the top of the eave it is a good idea to have the
straps installed when ever replacing your roof especially if you’re
having a tile roof put on so that they are not visible. You should
have straps installed even if you’re not going to replace your rain
gutters so that one day if you do they will be ready.

On Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:26:35 -0800 (PST), Molly Brown
wrote:

If you’re going to install or replace rain gutters or going to re-
roof I strongly recommend using gutter hangers that have a strap. Try
to avoid using the other types of hangers as much as possible. Here is
an image link to the types of rain gutter hangers:

http://images.oldhouseweb.com/storie...62/fig5678.gif

All types of hangers that do not have straps will eventually sag and
leak from the weight of the water in the gutter and the fact that they
are fastened to the edge of the eave which is the area most
susceptible to wood rot and deterioration. The strapped hangers are
secured to the top of the eave and not the edge. Since the straps have
to be secured to the top of the eave it is a good idea to have the
straps installed when ever replacing your roof especially if you’re
having a tile roof put on so that they are not visible. You should
have straps installed even if you’re not going to replace your rain
gutters so that one day if you do they will be ready.

Good advice, I think.

Do they come already in brown?

If the roof doesn't need new shingles, wouldn't it be possible to
shorten the strap to an inch or two under the shingles, then lift the
shingle (if it's not yet too brittle) to put a nail in, top with a
metal plate and hammer on the shingle/plate/nail, using the plate to
keep from breaking the shingle.

Even one nail only an inch from the edge ought to be enough to hold
the gutter up for 10 or 20 years, no? Since the force on the nail
will be perpendicular to it, parallel to the roof.

I've done a lot of weirdo things like that and they usually work.

I went 25 years on my first shingles and asked the roofer to hammer in
the gutter spikes when he was up there, but he didn't' suggest these
strapped hangers. He did everything else I asked, but without having
watched, I can't tell if he did this. It wouldn't have mattered
because soon after the spikes on the south side of the house were lose
and I replaced them all with gutter screws. They held well, but there
may be sagging again 6 years later. The gutters on the north side of
the house are fine, I think. I looked at them to replace the spikes
with screws, and I don't remember if I did it or not, but if so, they
were pretty tight already and I figured screws are bound to be better
than nails.