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Gutters alone do not prevent ice dams, although proper drainage can help reduce the chance of them forming. It’s also a common myth that gutters cause ice dams, but even houses without gutters are susceptible to ice dams. Keeping your gutters clear and in good condition can help water drain more efficiently, which may help keep ice dams from forming.

You can use a pressure washer to clean your gutters. It’s an effective and cost-friendly way to DIY gutter cleaning. Use a low-pressure nozzle between 1,200 to 1,500 pounds PSI to loosen the debris, then apply detergents. Excessive pressure can damage your gutters and the delicate parts of your roof. We recommend hiring a licensed and insured contractor to do the pressure washing.

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.

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.