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If you’re not interested in digging up your yard, but you still need to direct water away from your house, another option is to extend your downspouts further out into the yard. Two methods to do this are:

• Adding a splashguard. This is the simplest method. You can purchase a splashguard at your local hardware store and place it under your downspout. This will act as a funnel to direct water away from your house.

• Add downspout extension at the end. You can also add an additional downspout to the end of the “elbow” as a way to extend the water further out into your yard. Some hardware stores sell downspouts with a flexible extension that you can maneuver around your yard.

The above alternatives are great options if your gutters are above a slab foundation that you wouldn’t want to dig up. One downside to these methods is if your yard slopes back upwards to your home, then the water won’t actually flow away. In which case, burying your downspouts if the best option to avoid flooding and water damage to your home.

The trick to getting gleaming gutters can vary based on the material of your gutters. Aluminum gutters can often be restored to pristine condition by using a cloth to scrub them with a solution consisting of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water. Vinyl gutters can be whitened using dish soap and water. For deeply stained vinyl gutters, adding bleach with water and dish soap may help to remove black streaks. Many retailers sell premixed gutter sprays. Applying cleaning solutions to dry gutters before rinsing can help cleaners attach to dirt and grime for easier removal.

While gutters aren't legally required for homeowners, they are considered essential for protecting homes against rot, mold, roof leaks, and foundation issues. Your home may be an exception if it's fully surrounded by concrete, sits at the top of a hill, has a 10-inch overhang, or stands in a practically rainless climate. If you've purchased a home that doesn't have gutters, it may be time to either learn how to install gutters or call in a local gutter company before you experience water damage.

There are five main types of gutter hangers, and all offer different benefits. Spikes and ferrules aren’t as durable as brackets and straps and wrap-around hangers, but they aren’t as expensive and will get the job done. Worried more about curb appeal than gutter strength? T-bar or T-strap and hidden hangers will keep these important gutter elements out of sight.