When it comes to protecting your home, gutters play a much bigger role than many homeowners realize. Yet there are plenty of misconceptions that can lead to poor maintenance, unexpected repairs, and even structural damage. If you own a home in New Hampshire, understanding the truth about gutters is especially important due to heavy rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. As professionals who work with NH gutters every day, we often hear the same myths across the board. We’re here to clear them up so you can ensure you’re making the best decisions when it comes to your home and gutters.
Myth 1: Gutters Are Only for Rain
Many people believe gutters only matter during heavy rainstorms. In reality, gutters manage much more than rainwater. They help control snowmelt, protect siding, prevent soil erosion, and reduce moisture around the foundation. In winter, clogged or damaged gutters can contribute to ice dams, which can cause roof leaks and interior damage. Gutters work year-round, not just when it’s raining.
Myth 2: Gutter Cleaning Is Optional
Some homeowners assume that if water is flowing, their gutters must be fine. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Debris like leaves, pine needles, and granules from shingles can build up slowly and restrict water flow. Over time, this can cause gutters to overflow, pull away from the house, or rot the fascia. Regular cleaning is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your gutter system.
Myth 3: Gutter Guards Eliminate All Maintenance
Gutter guards can be a great upgrade, but they’re not a maintenance-free solution. While they reduce the amount of debris that enters the gutter, they don’t stop it completely. Small particles can still accumulate, and guards themselves need occasional inspection. Thinking gutter guards mean you’ll never look at your gutters again can lead to overlooked problems.
Myth 4: Any Gutter System Works the Same
Not all gutters are created equal. Material, size, style, and installation quality all matter. Seamless gutters, for example, are far less likely to leak than sectional systems. Proper pitch and downspout placement are also critical. A poorly installed gutter system won’t perform well, no matter how new it is.
Myth 5: Gutter Problems Are Easy to Spot
Some of the most serious gutter issues aren’t obvious from the ground. Water damage behind gutters, loose fasteners, or improper slope can go unnoticed until damage has already occurred. That’s why professional inspections are so valuable, especially for homeowners dealing with older NH gutters.
Professional NH Gutter Services You Can Trust
If you want peace of mind, working with experienced professionals makes all the difference. M&J Gutters provides expert installation, repair, cleaning, and upgrades for NH gutters designed to handle New England weather. Contact us today to schedule a service and make sure your gutter system is protecting your home the way it should.