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Which ladder do I need to reach my guttering?
A two-section extension ladder with an extended height of 3.95m or more is a wise option for single-story houses since the gutter on a single-story house is usually about 3.3m off the ground.
The average height of your ceilings will almost always be 2.35m which means that a two-story home will have an average height of 4.7m. There are no appropriate stepladders for two-story house gutters, as you might have guessed. Instead, look for an extension ladder with a maximum extension height of at least 5.8m, this is to account for the angle of the ladder when in use.
So as above we now know that:
A single-story house's gutter height is approximately 3.3 metres.
A two-story house's gutter height is approximately 5.7 metres.
That means you'll need a ladder with a working height that suits the height of your gutters. In the case of a single-story home, this means a 10 tread or 12 tread step ladder or a two-section extension ladder with an extended height of 3.95m or more may be used. There are no appropriate step ladders for two-story house gutters; instead, an extension ladder with an extended height of about 8 metres should be considered. This takes into account the ladder's angle as well as differences between two-story house heights.
If you're unsure of your heights, weigh a brick and one mortar strip, then count how many bricks are in the guttering.
Why is cleaning your guttering important
Cleaning your gutters may not be at the top of your list of home maintenance and enhancement goals, but it is important to do so regularly. Gutters catch and direct rainwater off the roof, down into the drain, and away from the structure, avoiding possible structural damage. Gutters that are clogged or damaged can cost a lot of money to fix, so even if they are out of reach, they should never be forgotten!
Why do gutters get blocked?
This can be a collection of fallen leaves, moss, twigs, and other debris collected over time. Blowing leaves onto the roof and depositing them in the gutters is a common occurrence. When leaves are wet, they can stick to gutter walls and floors, and rainwater can get trapped in corners and downpipes.
Leaves can decompose into an overcapacity over time, providing the ideal breeding ground for seeds, moss, and weeds blown onto the roof or dropped by birds. These invasive weeds will take over your gutters, blocking the natural flow of water, plugging the downpipe, and causing rainwater build-up and potential overflow if left unchecked. Gutters must be in good working order for the winter to ensure that water flows freely and that snow and ice don't cause harm.
Can blocked guttering cause property damage?
Yes, if they aren't dealt with quickly, they may cause significant property harm. Rainwater damage can cause rotting fascia boards, as well as water damage to walls, windows, ceilings, insulation, and even foundation damage. Water will permeate through the internal walls if left unchecked, resulting in damp and mould spores. If you have cast iron, pressed steel, or plastic gutters, they must be maintained and tested regularly to ensure that water is flowing freely and debris is not clogging them.
How often should I clean my gutters?
This is highly dependent on the surroundings, environmental factors, and age of your house. Overhanging trees, particularly pine trees, and properties with moss growth should be checked regularly, especially after bad weather, to ensure gutters are clear of fallen debris.
Ideally, properties should be inspected in the autumn, after the leaves have fallen, to ensure that they are in good working order and free-flowing in preparation for the winter's heavy rain, snow, and ice. When spring comes, it's worth getting them tested again to make sure they weren't affected over the winter and that any biodegraded leaves and moss have been removed to avoid grass and weed growth.
How to clean and maintain gutter
DO
- Set up your extension ladders at the proper angle - most modern ladders have a safety mark on the side that shows the best angle to use.
- If you don't already have one, invest in a Ladder Paint Tray for storing paint pots and equipment.
- If you are not trained and in control when using a pressure washer, it will blast you off a ladder.
- Reposition the ladder as required when moving along the guttering and taking 30-minute breaks.
DON'T
- Overreaching is one of the most common causes of people falling off ladders when cleaning gutters. As a general rule, work with your belt buckle (or belly button) in between the stiles.
- Using a ladder that is appropriate for the task. You can never be more than three rungs from the top of an extension ladder. Your knees should be below the top of the steps or the safety rail on platform steps while using a step ladder.
Further Information
If you have any further questions regarding which ladder would be perfect to help you clean/ mend your guttering then please feel free to contact one of our expert team to help you find the best solution for you!
Give us a call on 01204 590 232