Ladders are a popular tool for cleaning gutters among homeowners. Ladders, however, can cause gutter damage if not used properly.
So, in this blog post, we’ll look at how to protect gutters from ladder damage and offer some gutter-cleaning safety tips.
How to Protect Gutters from Ladder Damage?
If you work on your gutters, you should take precautions to protect them from ladder damage.
Here are some suggestions:
- Use a ladder stabilizer
- Place the ladder
- Avoid leaning the ladder against the gutter itself
- Move the ladder around
Use A Ladder Stabilizer
To avoid sinking into soft soil, use a ladder stabilizer or stand-off to spread the ladder’s weight over a larger area.
Place The Ladder
Before climbing, place the ladder on firm, level ground.
Avoid Leaning the Ladder Against the Gutter Itself
Instead of leaning the ladder against the gutter, place something like a 2×4 beneath the gutter’s lip to create a more stable surface.
Move The Ladder Around
Lift the ladder instead of dragging it across the ground, which can damage both the gutters and the ladder.
Can I Rest a Ladder Against Guttering?
The simple answer is that it depends. If your gutters are made of strong material, such as aluminum or vinyl, resting a ladder on them should cause no harm.
If your gutters are made of a softer material, such as wood, you’ll want to be more careful not to scratch or dent them.
Regarding ladder placement, it’s always best to err on caution.
What Type of Ladder Do I Need to Clean the Gutters?
- Determine the height of your house and the height of your ladders.
- If you live in a two-story home, use a 20-foot extension ladder.
- If your house is only one story, use an 8-foot extension ladder.
- Keep in mind that these are approximate ladder lengths. It is entirely dependent on the height of the building.
- Consider hiring professionals if there is no way for the ladder to reach.
You can also read my dedicated article here: How to Reach High Places Without a Ladder?
