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Choose a tool that suits the type of gutters you have. Aluminum or copper gutters can be cut easily with tin snips, aviation snips, hacksaws, or jigsaws (provided they have a metal-cutting blade). Tin snips are used the most often, but they also require the most physical effort. With steel or zinc gutters, you’ll want a stronger tool like a power saw.

Heated gutters are one line of defense against ice dams. The heavy block of ice forms when warm air escapes from your attic and meets the cold snow on your roof, turning snowmelt into ice. A heated gutter system should pair with proper attic ventilation and the correct gutter design for your home. 

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.

You have several other options when choosing gutters beyond faux copper made from vinyl, aluminum, or galvanized steel. You can also install real copper gutters, zinc gutters, wooden gutters, or vinyl, aluminum, or steel gutters that don't mimic the appearance of faux copper. Some homeowners prefer to forgo gutters entirely and instead opt for gutter alternatives like rain chains, box gutters, rain dispersal systems, or French drains.