7 Best Downspout Clips for Securing to Brick Siding

A loose, clattering downspout is more than a noisy nuisance during a storm; it is a sign that water is not being directed safely away from the foundation. Securing downspouts to brick siding presents a unique challenge, as mortar joints and masonry are unforgiving surfaces that often resist traditional drilling. Finding the right hardware ensures long-term home health while maintaining the clean, finished look of the exterior.

Gutter Drip® Brick Grippers: Best No-Drill Clip

Homeowners living in historic districts or those concerned about maintaining the structural integrity of vintage masonry often shy away from power tools. The Gutter Drip® Brick Grippers provide an ingenious solution by utilizing a pressure-fit mechanism that hugs the brick edge without requiring a single pilot hole.

These clips are ideal for quick, seasonal fixes or for households where drilling into brick is simply not an option. Because they rely on tension, they work best on standard-sized bricks with clear, recessed mortar lines that offer a secure bite for the gripping teeth.

• Best for: Renters or homeowners wary of damaging historical masonry.
• Bottom line: A perfect, temporary solution that prioritizes preservation over permanent mounting.

Raptor Heavy Duty Talon Clips: Most Secure Hold

For homes in regions prone to high winds or heavy, driving rain, a loose downspout is a liability. The Raptor Heavy Duty Talon Clips are designed with an aggressive, deep-tooth profile that digs into the brick surface once the fastener is tightened.

These clips are significantly more robust than standard hardware-store alternatives, making them a preferred choice for large, two-story homes where downspouts experience greater wind shear. While they do require a masonry drill bit and a tapcon screw, the mechanical connection is virtually immovable once set.

• Best for: High-wind environments and long, multi-story downspout runs.
• Bottom line: If strength is the primary concern, these provide the most reliable anchor available.

InvisaFlow Clear Clips: For a Discreet Look

Exterior aesthetics often suffer when bulky, mismatched metal straps disrupt the visual flow of a home’s facade. InvisaFlow Clear Clips are constructed from heavy-duty, UV-stabilized polycarbonate, effectively disappearing against the texture and color of the brick behind them.

These are an excellent choice for modern or traditional homes where the focus should remain on the architecture rather than the utility hardware. Though they are plastic, the material is engineered to resist yellowing and brittleness caused by years of intense sun exposure.

• Best for: Homes with decorative brickwork or those seeking a “no-hardware” appearance.
• Bottom line: Choose these if the visual impact of metal straps detracts from the curb appeal.

Heritage Collection Brass Clips: Classic Curb Appeal

A home with a classic exterior deserves hardware that ages gracefully alongside the masonry. Heritage Collection Brass Clips offer a timeless look that complements traditional red brick and mortar, eventually developing a subtle patina that feels intentional and high-end.

Unlike coated steel, solid brass will not rust, ensuring that there are no unsightly orange streaks bleeding onto the brickwork after a heavy rain. These are an investment piece, serving both as a functional support and a deliberate design choice that enhances the home’s character.

• Best for: Traditional architecture, colonial homes, or properties with existing brass lighting fixtures.
• Bottom line: A premium, long-lasting aesthetic choice that rewards the homeowner with durability and beauty.

Spectra Pro-Grade Vinyl Clips: Best Budget Pick

When the project involves multiple downspouts across a large property, costs can add up quickly. Spectra Pro-Grade Vinyl Clips offer a reliable, cost-effective alternative to expensive metal brackets, providing enough stability for most standard residential setups.

These clips are lightweight and incredibly easy to install, often snapping into place with minimal effort. While they lack the brute force of heavy-duty metal clips, they are more than adequate for single-story homes or sheltered areas of the yard protected from severe gusts.

• Best for: Tight budgets and quick, DIY-friendly weekend projects.
• Bottom line: Practical, inexpensive, and easy to source at any local building supply store.

Masonry-Mount Downspout Straps: For Uneven Brick

Older homes often feature irregular brick textures or uneven surfaces that make standard clips sit at awkward angles. Masonry-mount straps are designed with adjustable slots, allowing the homeowner to manipulate the mounting point to find a flat, stable patch of brick.

This versatility makes them the top choice for brick homes that have undergone multiple renovations or exhibit “wavy” masonry work. By adjusting the strap length, you ensure the downspout sits perfectly vertical, preventing water buildup inside the pipe due to improper angles.

• Best for: Older homes, uneven masonry, or challenging wall surfaces.
• Bottom line: The most forgiving hardware choice when standard clips just won’t fit right.

Amerimax Lock-In Galvanized Strap: Storm-Ready

When extreme weather is a frequent visitor, standard mounting hardware often fails under the weight of saturated, vibrating downspouts. The Amerimax Lock-In Galvanized Strap uses a dual-locking mechanism that secures the downspout in a permanent grip, preventing the pipe from “walking” or rattling during severe storms.

The galvanized coating provides a heavy layer of protection against rust and oxidation. This makes them a “set it and forget it” solution for those who prefer to complete a project once and not worry about it for the next decade.

• Best for: Storm-prone areas and homeowners who prioritize industrial-strength reliability.
• Bottom line: Heavy-duty, utilitarian, and built to survive the harshest seasonal shifts.

Drill vs. No-Drill: Which Is Right for Your Brick?

Choosing between drilling and non-drilling methods usually comes down to the age of the home and the owner’s comfort with power tools. Drilling into brick offers the most secure connection but requires a carbide-tipped masonry bit and a steady hand to avoid cracking the brick face.

Non-drill options are safer for the structure and ideal for renters or those who want to avoid the mess of brick dust. However, non-drill options are limited by their dependence on the quality and thickness of the mortar joints.

• Rule of thumb: If the mortar is crumbling, do not drill, as the brick may split.
• Rule of thumb: If the brick is solid and the exposure is high-wind, drilling is almost always the safer long-term choice.

How to Properly Space Clips on Your Downspout

Proper spacing is the hidden secret to a downspout that stays secure for years. As a general rule of thumb, place a clip within 12 inches of the top elbow, 12 inches from the bottom elbow, and at intervals of no more than six feet in between.

If the downspout is located in a high-traffic area, such as near a driveway or a sidewalk, consider adding an extra clip for stability. Always ensure that the clips are tight enough to prevent rattling, but not so tight that they crimp the metal of the downspout, which can restrict water flow.

• Pro tip: Use a level to ensure your downspout remains perfectly plumb while you install the clips.
• Pro tip: If the downspout feels like it is bowing away from the wall, add an additional mid-point support immediately.

Choosing the Right Material: Vinyl, Metal, or Copper?

The material you choose should match the environmental conditions of the home. Vinyl is excellent for low-impact areas and is impervious to rust, but it can become brittle in extreme cold.

Steel and aluminum offer the best balance of strength and affordability, though they must be coated or painted to prevent long-term corrosion. Copper is the gold standard for luxury homes; it is soft, malleable, and develops a beautiful protective layer, but it comes with a price tag to match its high quality.

• Consideration: Think about the local climate—salty air near a coast requires stainless steel or high-grade aluminum.
• Consideration: Ensure the material of the clip matches or complements the material of the downspout to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Securing a downspout correctly protects the home’s most vulnerable points from water damage while preventing the annoyance of rattling hardware. By matching the right clip to the specific texture of your brick and the severity of the local climate, you ensure a durable installation that requires minimal future maintenance. Evaluate the needs of the home first, prioritize a secure mechanical connection, and the house will remain dry and quiet through every season.