Guards are priced per linear foot of gutter. LI Gutter Service says a typical Long Island colonial has 160 to 200 feet, so multiply the per-foot price by about 180 to get a ballpark.
What each type costs
| Type | Installed price per foot | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless micro-mesh | $18 to $27 | LI Gutter Service, Apr 2026 |
| Reverse curve (solid hood) | $15 to $22 | LI Gutter Service, Apr 2026 |
| Plastic screens | $8 to $14 | LI Gutter Service, Apr 2026 |
| Foam inserts | $6 to $10 | LI Gutter Service, Apr 2026 |
| Basic guard, added to new gutters | about $2 to $4 | Ready Roof, May 2026 |
| Better systems, added to new gutters | $8 to $15 or more | Ready Roof, May 2026 |
| LeafFilter (micro-mesh) | $30 to $40, as quoted to customers | LI Gutter Service, Apr 2026 |
The main types
Micro-mesh. A fine stainless screen over the gutter. Premier Gutter Protection in Stony Brook recommends it for coastal and wooded parts of the Island. It is the most expensive, and it keeps out the most.
Reverse curve. A solid hood that rolls water over the edge and lets leaves slide off. Premier says it needs little upkeep. LI Gutter Service and LeafFilter both point out that water can overshoot it in heavy rain.
Screens. Cheaper than micro-mesh. Premier says they need cleaning more often, and Spotless says small debris still gets through.
Foam and brush inserts. The cheapest, and easy to put in. LI Gutter Service says foam and plastic screens tend to clog within two to three years, and Premier says foam may not stop pine needles.
They cut cleaning, they do not end it
Every installer we read, including the ones selling guards, says guards still need some attention. Spotless puts it plainly: there is no such thing as maintenance-free gutters. Plan on a quick check each fall either way.
Before you sign
- the exact product and material (stainless mesh, aluminum, plastic, foam)
- price per foot and the total footage measured
- whether the gutters are cleaned and re-pitched before the guards go on
- the warranty, and what it covers if gutters still overflow
