Gutters aren’t a one-size-fits all house accessory. You have more options to keep your gutters in working order than you think. Gutter size, accessories, even a change in your downspouts can make your gutters much simpler to deal with in the future, and even make your home’s exterior look complete.

1. You Can Get Rain Gutter Guards

Tired of having your gutters cleaned out every few months? If you find debris in your gutters is a problem more often than you want it to be, you can get gutter guards. These screens will keep out large debris so you won’t get clogs in the gutters or downspouts. You’ll still have to wipe off the debris from the top of the guards once and a while, but it’s much easier than fishing dead branches out of downspouts.

2. Gutters Come in Different Sizes

Houses with large square footage have big roofs to match, which catch a lot of rainfall. Such large amounts of water can quickly overwhelm average gutters and cause the water to spill off where it shouldn’t. The solution is larger gutters. Typical gutters are five inches wide, but six and seven-inch are also available. Those who live in areas with infrequent but severe rains may need wider gutters even if their roof is average.

3. Gutter Material Matters

Vinyl and plastic gutters are less expensive options, but they aren’t as durable as other materials. Steel is a sturdier, but needs to be galvanized to resist rust, and is more expensive. Copper is the most expensive option, but it can be soldered so that leaks in joints are less of a concern.

Your choice of material isn’t just about your budget. Climate can effect your options too. Vinyl and plastic don’t hold up well in cold weather, but that’s not much of a concern in California.

4. Downspouts Can be Re-Routed

Whoever first installed your gutters planned them around your landscaping. But if you’re made changes to your yard, your downspouts might be pouring water out at a very inconvenient spot, too close to your garden or into a slope. Your downspouts can be re-routed to somewhere more convenient by a professional.

They can even install concrete splash blocks on the ground below your downspout to direct the water further away, if it’s needed. This can also be useful solution if your grading is drawing water towards your foundation, or slowly cutting a hole in the ground.

5. You Can Change Your Gutter Color

If you got a new roof, re-painted your front door or outdoor trim, your gutter color might look a little odd. Gutters are easily available in a handful of neutral colors, especially whites and browns. Often siding manufacturers will create gutters that match the siding exactly, so if you have new siding you can match your gutters. Or, you can have your gutters painted in a custom color to create whatever look you’re envisioning for your home.