Lots of people get tired of cleaning out their gutters at least twice a year. Here’s how you can actually do something about it: purchase a gutter cover system.

There are several options available (DIY and professional installation) in the marketplace today at a wide range of price points. Here a rundown of the types of gutter covers and what they will probably cost. Please note price ranges are only offered as a guide, since prices vary according to the materials, location, and individual home.

Do It Yourself (No Performance Warranty)

Gutter Covers: Gutter Screens Snap Onto Your Gutters

(No Performance Warranty)

Their base materials can be made of plastic, aluminum, or PVC-coated metal, and they are sold in both rolls and individual sections. They snap easily into place (sometimes underneath the roof line shingles) but are susceptible to the elements and aren’t designed for lengthy lifespans. Costs/Pricing: .25 cents to $3.50 per foot for plastic/aluminum for materials only, handyman installation cost runs $1 to $5 per foot. $2.50 to $10 per foot for PVC-coated metal for materials only.

Gutter Covers: Solid Covers Attach to Your Gutters or Roof

(No Performance Warranty)

These are simply flat covers that block the entire top of the gutters except for a thin slot on the outer edge where water can trickle through. The covers either snap into the gutters or screwed to the roof fascia; however, the front slot where water comes through tends to get clogged overview since it sits back from the lip of the gutter. Costs/Pricing: $3 to $7 per foot for materials only, handyman installation cost runs $5 to $10 per foot installed.

Gutter Covers: Gutter Sponges Go Into Your Gutters

(No Performance Warranty)

These products act as gutter inserts and are placed inside the gutters themselves. The idea is for water to soak through the spongy, porous material while debris simply falls away. However, the holes in the sponge can become clogged by shingle grit and other debris from your roof, thus lowering performance over time. Costs/Pricing: $2 to $5 for materials only, or $4 to $8 per foot installation by a handyman.

Filter Gutter Guards & Covers| Leaf Solution (Lifetime Warranty With Caveats)

These gutter covers are a step up from the simple screen gutter covers mentioned above because they are equipped with a fine micro mesh filter to further repel debris from entering your gutter (debris or leaf solution). They can be screwed in, slid underneath shingles, or snapped into place, but sometimes ice or heavy rain can cause performance problems and runoff especially if the filter is impeded by debris like shingle grit from your roof. A screen system will be more effective if water does not have to jump from your roof line down to the filter, since any jumping of water can lead to improper water runoff. Over time, performance can deteriorate as any fine screen can become clogged with grit and particles, not letting water in. Be aware that screens and filters do clog: if water can move through the screen, so can fine particles.

Costs/Pricing: for generic products, .89 cents to $6.50 per foot for materials only. Professional installation with warranty can cost $10 to $20 per foot. Warranty: Usually only a guarantee the interior of your gutters will not clog, cleaning and maintaining screen or filter performance is the homeowner’s responsibility.

All In One Combination Leaf Gutter Guard & Covers | Leaf & Water Solution

(Lifetime Performance Warranty)

All in one gutters and gutter guards require a gutter replacement. If you’ve installed new gutters recently, note that adding these products require removing all existing gutters and downspouts no matter what shape they are in. These all-in-one combination systems are installed by screwing them into the fascia board via unique inside hangers. They operate using the same approach as a standard gutter installation via inside hangers, but many have trouble handling large amounts of water with the cover included as it reduces the capacity of the gutter overall. Snow and ice can also damage these gutters, and since you’ll need to replace the entire run of gutter if it is damaged, this is a significant concern.

Costs/Pricing: These are not cheap. They can only be installed by a dealer and range anywhere from $50 to $80+ per foot depending on home setup and materials. Warranty: Lifetime transferable warranty included, but check wording carefully on what’s included and what’s not to make sure you understand the limitations and what homeowner is required to do to maintain outside.

Surface Tension Gutter Guards & Covers | Leaf & Water Solution

(Lifetime Performance Warranty)

These are the next-generation gutter covers. Homeowners are able to keep existing gutters, get all the benefits of the other systems, and have a proven water management system. Water adheres to the surface of the gutter covers and runs over the panel then through a small (3/8 inch slot or similar) into the gutters. These covers utilize a nose forward design which means that falling debris from above doesn’t get caught on the front lip and impede the flow of water. These are installed by professionals with customized brackets that provide additional support to your existing gutter system, and they are the strongest covers on the market for wind and heavy snow loads. This helmet-style gutter cover is approved by each major roofing manufacturer: ask your installing dealer for more details or contact us below for more information. Costs/Pricing: $35 to $65+ per foot installed depending on home setup and materials. Warranty:  Lifetime, transferable no clog performance warranties available. Some products even state your gutters will remain free flowing or they will come clean them for free.

When it comes to gutter covers, that old adage applies: you get what you pay for. Are you ready for gutter covers that work? Try Lednor Home Solutions’ successful nose-forward gutter cover design. Learn more about Gutter Helmet today.

Photo credits: researchgutters.com