Considering the extended number of gutter protection systems available, it is no surprise that choosing the right one for your home can prove to be a cumbersome and lengthy task. In order to help busy home owners make the right decision, we have set out to compare the various systems that can help protect your home from weather related damages.

In order to establish a standard by which we can measure the various gutter protection systems up against, we have compared the various systems relative to the system that is considered the best on the market.

Fully covered gutter systems provide superior protection from debris, and allow maximum water slow into the system, which helps avoid overflows that can lead to improper drainage around your home.

Many companies offer covered gutter systems, but be aware- not all covered gutters are created equal! A few important items to look for with covered gutters are:

Is the cover nailed to the roof’s shingles, or is it tucked under the drip edge to the roof? If it is nailed to the roof’s shingles, it can actually void the manufacturer’s warranty on your roof, and can cause roof leaks down the line.

Is the gutter cover perforated or solid? Perforations allow a slight slow-down in water flow, giving the water and the gutter cover an opportunity to “bond”, thus directing the full flow of water into the gutter trough.

And if aesthetics are important to you, do the gutters allow for a separate top and bottom color? If not, the gutters will be highly visible on your roof. If the system allows you to choose a separate gutter top color, you can match the top to your roof, and the trough to your trim or siding, providing a seamless look.

Below are some other systems on the market to compare. As with any major purchase for your home, take the time to learn about each system and then decide what’s right for you.

Mesh or Screen Gutter Covers
These metal coverings fit inside against the back of the gutter and across the top acting like a strainer and filter. This design is easy to install and less expensive than the solid types. However, while they reduce the frequency and difficulty of ongoing gutter cleaning, they do not eliminate it. Unsightly debris together with snow and ice can collect on top of the screen and cause it to collapse. Over time, there is also a chance for the screens to rust and stain face of gutter.

Gutter Filters
Sponge-like foam "space fillers" that let water drain through but keep leaves from building up in the bottom of the trough. These fillers do not have the capacity to handle heavy rain and water flow, and may cause overflow during heavy rain. Snow and ice can also settle into the foam, harboring the potential for ice damming, sagging and overflowing.

Solid Gutter Covers
Made of vinyl or aluminum, these solid gutter covers snap onto the top front of the gutter and slip under your shingles, altering roofline and appearance. They are nailed to your roof which pierces shingles, roof felt and decking, possibly voiding roof warranty or causing leaks. Gutter covers may also blow off in high wind conditions and due to the lack of support, they are very vulnerable to damage from weight of debris, snow, or ice.

Solid Gutter Covers with Slots
Most of the solid cover gutter guards rely on the principle of "water adhesion". The water enters the gutter through slots or small holes located underneath a lip or on the vertical side. These gutters do not keep out all small twigs, dirt, asphalt roofing granules, and pine needles. They perform less well in very heavy rain falls or on steep roofs and may not be considered visually appealing.

Gutter Brushes
Most, but not all, leaves and large debris will pass over gutter brushes. Small items that get caught near the top of the gutter brush either blow away or decompose over time. However, over time, the dirt, small twigs and pine needles that do not pass through the gutter brush may create a layer of 'gunk' in the bottom of the gutter which may cause staining and require periodic gutter cleaning.

Source: S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows, www.SKRoofing.com and www.NoWorryGutters.com