What Size Ladder to Clean Gutters?
Cleaning your gutters once a year can be a frustrating process. You need to get up on a ladder, remove all of the leaves, and dispose of them when finished. But what size ladder do you need to clean gutters in the first place?
What Size ladder for a 1 Story House?
A 14-16 foot ladder is the best size for a one story house. This will give you more than enough room to comfortably access the gutters. This size range comes from the fact that all houses will be designed differently.
Most houses will have around 8 foot ceilings on the inside, but you also need to factor in attic space. You can get a general idea of what size ladder you need by adding the first floor height and lowest point in the attic.
Now that you understand 14-16 feet is the optimal height for a 1 story house, let’s talk about ladder type. An aluminum, or fiberglass extension ladder will be the safest tool to use outside, in order to reach your roof.
What Size ladder for a 2 Story House?
A 28 foot ladder should be enough length for a second story house. Remember that all houses are built different, but this is generally the best size for most houses. It will give you enough room to access and clean dirty gutters.
If your house has unusual high ceilings, you may need to opt for a bigger size. You can get a rough estimate by adding the first and second floor heights together. Then select a ladder by this final number.
Similar to one story houses, you should use an extension ladder on two story houses. Due to the fact that the ladder will be longer, you should have someone helping you on the ground floor making sure it stays securely in place.
How to Clean Gutters On a Ladder
Removing leaves from your gutters is a fairly straightforward process. This project can be completed in just a few hours – depending on the size of your house. Follow the steps listed below for the most efficient gutter cleaning method.
1. Gather Your Tools
It helps to gather everything you will need before starting. This includes a ladder, pair of gloves, and a few bags for the leaves. If you are planning to clean your gutters with a leaf blower you should have it close by.
You should also prepare the work area before starting. Check around your lawn and make sure nothing is leaning up against your house. It will be annoying to work around any items, but you also don’t want to hit them with a ladder.
Make sure to pick a dry day for this project. Going up and down a ladder in the rain can be dangerous and you want to decrease the chance of slipping. It also helps to work with a partner so they can keep the ladder secure on the ground.
2. Start at the Top
This step only applies for two story houses. Starting at the highest sections of gutters will always be the most efficient method to clean gutters. If you begin with the first floor, leaves will get in the gutters falling from the second floor.
At the end of the day, starting with the first floor will only leave you with more work. If you’re using a leaf blower make sure that one hand is always holding on to the ladder. This will prevent the ladder from shifting when you are on it.
But you can always clean gutters the old fashion way. It helps to wear a pair of gloves to keep your hands from getting too dirty. As you pull all of the leaves out, make sure to drop them directly below you in a neat pile.
3. Do the First Floor
When the second story gutters have been cleaned, you can then work your way down to the first floor gutters. These will be easier to clean, because they are much lower to the ground and there isn’t as much length.
First floor gutters can be found on houses with porches, and other low hanging areas. All structures are built different, so there could be a chance that your second story home doesn’t even have first floor gutters.
You can clean them the same way you did before. Because these areas are lower, it helps to strategically place a bag directly below you. With this tip you can easily drop leaves into the bag for a quick clean up at the end.
Gutter Cleaning Tips
Work in a team – Whenever you’re working in a high area it’s always a good idea to have someone help you. They will not only help secure the lower portion of the ladder, but this person can also help speed up the cleaning process.
Pick a dry day – Going up and down a ladder will be much more dangerous if it’s wet. It doesn’t matter how careful you are either – the surface will be slippery. Pick a dry day for this outdoor cleaning project so you can stay safe in the process.
Clean shingles first – It’s critical to clean the entire roof before moving on to the gutters. Any leaves that are sitting on the shingles can make their way down. You don’t want to clean the gutters only to have new leaves in them a few days later.
Clear the downspouts – If your water collection system has ever been clogged, there’s a good chance it was the downspout. This device runs down each side and brings water away from the house. Clear the downspout in addition to the gutters for optimal drainage.
Get on a schedule – Cleaning your gutters doesn’t have to be a long task if you get on a regular cleaning schedule. Once a year should be fine, but you could clean them twice a year if your house is surrounded by trees. This kind of routine maintenance will help keep your home functioning properly.
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