If you’ve ever found yourself staring up at your gutters and wondering if cleaning them is really that important—or whether getting gutter guards will actually make your home completely maintenance-free—you’re not alone.
At Precision Gutters & Roofing, we hear a lot of myths floating around Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area about the details of gutter care. Some of these sound convincing enough to pass for fact, but trusting bad info about your gutters can lead to clogs, leaks, or even foundation issues down the road.
Let’s dig into a few common gutter maintenance myths and set the record straight.
Myth #1: If water’s not spilling over, your gutters are fine.
Just because you don’t see a waterfall pouring from your gutters during a storm doesn’t mean all is well. Clogs can form in the downspouts or trap enough debris to slow drainage, putting stress on the entire system. Over time, this extra load can lead to sagging gutters, mold around your fascia, or—worst case—water pooling around your foundation. If your gutters are out of sight, don’t let them be out of mind.
Myth #2: Gutter guards mean you’ll never have to clean again.
We install a lot of gutter guards here in North Idaho, and they’re a wise investment for reducing maintenance. But they’re not magic. Pine needles, seed pods, and other scattered debris can still gather on top of the guards or work their way through. Gutter guards help reduce the frequency of cleaning; they don’t eliminate it. A quick seasonal checkup goes a long way, especially in areas with heavy tree coverage like Hayden, Post Falls, and Rathdrum.
Myth #3: Gutters only matter in the fall.
Leaves may fall in autumn, but your gutters work year-round. Spring brings pollen and flower debris, summer storms can drop branches and twigs, and winter snowmelt needs a clear path to drain. In our climate, ice dams are a real concern, too. Well-maintained gutters can help prevent water backup that leads to roof damage during freeze-thaw cycles.
Myth #4: Gutter maintenance is a DIY job anyone can handle.
Climbing ladders with tools in hand sounds like a fun Saturday until you’ve slipped on wet leaves. Gutter cleaning is riskier than most people think, especially on two-story homes or steep roofs. At Precision Gutters & Roofing, our crew is trained, insured, and has the equipment and know-how to get the job done safely and thoroughly. We also spot signs of damage before they become expensive repairs.
Your Gutters Deserve the Truth
Gutters aren’t glamorous, but they’re one of the hardest-working parts of your home. Believing common myths can lead to costly issues you could’ve easily avoided. Whether you’re dealing with clogs, curious about gutter guards, or just want a pro’s eye on your system, we’re here to help.
Contact the team at Precision Gutters & Roofing today to schedule a consultation or inspection, or visit our website to learn more about how we keep North Idaho homes protected, season after season.