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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.

Depending on the quality of the materials and the installation of your home's gutter system, you can expect between 20 and 50 years of service from your gutters. Homeowners who perform, or hire someone to perform, regular maintenance and cleaning of the system will experience the longest lifespan possible from their systems, provided it doesn't sustain damage from storms or other peril.

Painting exterior metal on your home, including the gutter and downspout system, is possible. However, the process requires significant preparation work so the paint sticks well and lasts, making the task worthwhile. Thorough cleaning, caulking seams, and using high-quality primer and paint are all necessary for achieving the best results. The cost to paint gutters averages $160 to $960.

It can be worth painting gutters if they look worn and old but are still functioning properly. Gutters should define and complement your roofline, not detract from the look of your home. Rust can be treated and potentially removed before repainting, but severely rusted gutters may need to be replaced instead. If your gutters simply aren't functioning, try cleaning them out.