Cleaning gutters can be a drag. Know what’s more of a drag? A broken leg or a concussion. So pick a clear day, position the ladder correctly, get a helper to hand you all the tools needed, and maintain three points of contact to clean your gutters safely.
In this article, we’re discussing how to use a ladder safely while cleaning gutters because, in addition to being gross and tedious, this job can be hazardous. So this autumn, as you climb up to prep and clean gutters, take heed of these basic ladder safety tips, and let the paramedics visit someone else.
Pick the Right Day
A very important consideration before planning a gutter cleanup is the weather. Don’t climb a ladder in bad weather. High winds, rain, snow, or other elements can make you lose your balance or slip.
It’s easy to lose balance on a ladder on any fine, sunny day; bad weather simply increases the chances of a fall. So put the ladder away and wait for the weather to calm down. Plus, the leaves and debris are harder to remove when they’re wet and sloppy.
Your Equipment Matters
Use the Right Ladder
It’s also important to use a suitable ladder for gutter work. Sure, several types of ladders will do the trick, but the right ladder for your gutters depends on the gutter height.
The average roofline of a one-story home is just under 11 feet high, and for a two-story home, it’s about 19 feet. Ten- or 12-step ladders may work fine for single-story houses, but it’s best to invest in an extension or combination ladder.
Extension ladders allow you to adjust the height of the ladder when you’re working on diffrent areas of the gutter system. They are also stable and sturdy on their own, but you can choose a design with built-in stabilizers, too.
I recommend an extension ladder with a height of at least 13 and 26 feet for one- and two-story homes, respectively.
Other than extension ladders, telescoping ladders are convenient and safe for gutter cleaning. They are highly stable, have excellent weight-bearing capacity, and are easy to work with and store.
Consider a Ladder Standoff
Resting your ladder on your gutters can damage the gutters and also cause the ladder to shift. A ladder standoff keeps your ladder about a foot away from the wall, making it more stable by reducing pressure on the supporting surface. It fits over the top two rungs of your ladder with the help of quick-release, spring-loaded clips.
For gutter corners and downpipes, a V-shaped standoff bracket works best.
Use Ladder Stabilizers
Extension ladders can slip out from under you or tip sideways if your weight shifts too much. That’s a common occurrence when you’re working on your gutters and naturally forget about your foot placement or balance.
Ladder stabilizers allow you to place your ladder on all kinds of outdoor surfaces, from gravel to paving stones and wood. They are especially useful for extension and telescoping ladders and prevent tipping.
Set Up the Ladder Safely
Follow the 4-to-1 Rule
4-to-1 is a key safety rule. For every 4 feet you climb the ladder, you should move the base of the ladder 1 foot away from the wall. So for instance, if you climb 8 feet up a ladder, you should move the base 2 feet away from the house wall. Following this rule will protect you from several fall-related injuries.
It’s simple physics: the more vertical a ladder stands, the less stable it becomes.
For leaning ladders, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s safety mark on the side of your ladder. It indicates the safest angle to place the ladder. You can also use the NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) app to check and set the ladder angle. All you have to do is place your phone on the ladder rung and the app tells you if your ladder needs to be more or less steep.
Check the Ground Below
Inspect the ground where you will place your ladder. Uneven or slippery surfaces can make you lose balance and tip over while climbing or working on the ladder. This is because your ladder won’t be stable if the ground is uneven.
Place the ladder on firm, level ground to make sure it has balanced support.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the ladder is locked in place. Secure tall ladders by fastening or lashing them to restrict movement.
Maintain Correct Form On the Ladder
Maintain Three Points of Contact
When climbing or descending a ladder, or while working on a ladder, you need to maintain three contact points at all times. The three points of contact mean two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot, should always be touching the ladder.
This will keep you safe from awkward angles and reduce the chances of tipping over and injuring yourself.
Ensure Proper Working Height
Having a sturdy, stabilized ladder is important, but it’s equally important to use it correctly. Choose one that’s high enough to reach your gutters comfortably. Then, work at a safe height because a ladder can become top-heavy – and thus unstable – the higher you climb.
IMPORTANT: Don’t climb more than three quarters of the way up a ladder.
Limit Movement
- Never shift or move the ladder while you or your equipment are on it.
- Don’t overreach. Step down and move the ladder along the gutter for a better and safer angle.
- Never climb higher than the ladder manufacturer recommends. Typically, ladders have a sticker warning you to not climb past a certain point.
- Take regular 30-minute breaks when you re-site the ladder to prevent fatigue.
- Avoid making sudden movements when climbing, standing on, or descending a ladder. Jerks and tugs can destabilize the ladder and lead to a fall.
Where Will Your Tools Go?
For homeowners DIY cleaning their gutters, there are two ways to take your tools up to your rain gutters.
- Wear a toolbelt and pack all the necessary tools on your waist. This way, your hands will be free to hold the ladder properly while climbing or working.
- Use a large, heavy-duty ladder that can easily bear the weight of your tools, gutter-cleaning attachments, and you.
- Lay out tools on a ladder platform that hooks onto the ladder, providing a flat, stable surface for your tools while you work. If you don’t have a platform, you can use a ladder paint tray.
CAUTION: Do not exceed the maximum load rating of your ladder. When choosing a ladder, factor in not only your weight but also the weight of the tools and equipment you will carry up the ladder.
Designate a Helper
No matter how confident you feel about your abilities and gutter-cleaning expertise, you should have a second person around when you climb the ladder. Designate a friend or family member to help you with this Sunday project. They can hand you the gutter cleaning tools you need, keep the ladder grounded, and assist in emptying buckets of debris.
Safety First
If climbing a height to clean gutters is not your cup of tea, worry not. You can call gutter experts to clean your gutters or help you with other home improvement projects that need a ladder.
Main Image Credit: ronstik / Adobe Stock Free / License
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