How to Safely Clean Gutters Using a Ladder

September 20, 2024 | Nate Cord

Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can lead to leaks, damp, mould, bacteria and even issues with the foundations of your house if not dealt with. Thus, you should clean your gutters on a regular basis, with experts recommending you clean them at least twice a year (Spring and Autumn) for optimum perfiormance.

Cleaning your gutters might seem like a simple task, but it can be dangerous if not done right, with increased risk of height-related accidents and exposure to harmful debris. The good news is that we are here to help! In this step-by-step guide, we share how to safely clean your gutters using a ladder, starting with how to choose the right ladder for your house.

1. Choose the Right Ladder

First, choose a ladder that’s the right height for your home. You should choose a ladder that has a working height which matches the height of your gutter. However, a ladder that extends at least three feet above the gutter line is recommended to provide the most stable working platform.

As a general rule of thumb, an extension ladder tends to work best for two-story houses, while a step ladder is ideal for single-story houses or lower roofs. However, a combination ladder (or a multi-purpose ladder) can often merge the functions of both a step and extension ladder, allowing you to tackle high and low roofs in one go. This is useful for those who need to account for height differences between several houses or roofs.

 

Building Type	Average Height to Guttering	Ladder Type	Ladder Height
Single-Storey Bungalow	2.5 to 3.3m	Stepladder or Telescopic Ladder	9 to 12-tread step ladder.
Two-Story House	5.4 to 6.4m	Extension Ladder or Combination Ladder	Extended height of at least 7m and an extended A frame of 7m
Three-Storey House	6.4m to 8.1m	Extension Ladder	Extended height of at least 7m.

 

In addition to height, you need to consider the load. Choose a ladder with a load rating that can handle your weight and any tools you’re carrying with you. The European Ladder Certification Standards (EN131) can help you determine the maximum load of the ladder based on their classification.

 

Classification	Maximum Load	Duty Rating	Application
Class EN131	150kg	115kg	Commercial
Class 1 (BS2037 / BS1129)	175kg	130kg	Industrial
Class 3 (BS2037 / BS1129)	125kg	95kg	Domestic

 

Climbing ladders or working on elevated platforms without adequate precautions can lead to serious falls, injuries and even death.

Need additional help choosing a ladder? Read our Ladder Buying Guide for more advice.

2. Gather Appropriate Tools

There are several tools we recommend to make cleaning your gutters easier and safer. You should prepare these before ascending the ladder.

• Gutter Scoop or Shovel: A special gutter scoop makes it easy to remove leaves and debris. These tend to have a narrow, flexible end to fit in most gutters, and a high back to hold more debris. If you don’t have one, a small shovel will do the trick.
• Gutter Cleaning Wand: If you’re uncomfortable with heights or have sections of the gutter that are difficult to reach, consider using a gutter cleaning wand. These can extend over 10 feet, with a rotating nozzle to help flush out debris.
• Garden Hose: To flush out remaining dirt after the bulk of the debris is removed. A high-pressure nozzle on a pressure washer helps remove small particles. However, be careful using a pressure washer as it can blow you off a ladder if you are not prepared for its force.
• Bucket: Use a sturdy bucket with a handle or a lightweight bucket with a gutter hook to gather the debris. If you don’t have one, secure a bin bag to your ladder.

3. Set Up Your Ladder

Place the ladder on a flat, stable surface, and ensure it is leaning at the correct angle (approximately 75 degrees or a 4:1 ratio – 1 unit out for every 4 units up). For example, if you’re using a 16-foot ladder, the base should be 4 feet from the wall.

You should avoid leaning the ladder against the gutters themselves as this can cause damage or create an unstable base. Instead, you should consider using a gutter ladder stand-off (or ladder stay) to give you an easier working position without putting pressure on the gutter. A stand-off attaches to your ladder and keeps it from the wall (roughly 250-400mm), giving you more space. This is also useful if you have gutters that are built close to the roof tiles.

Whenever possible, tie the ladder off or use a stabiliser, leveller or safety base to prevent slipping. This is extra important if you’re working on soft soil or uneven terrain, as a stabiliser can prevent the ladder from tipping or sinking into the ground. If this is not possible, securely wedge the ladder or foot it as a last resort.

4. Wear The Right Gear

As well as choosing the right ladder, you also need the right gear. To ensure you stay safe before ascending the ladder, we recommend that you wear:

• Safety Goggles: To protect your eyes from debris or splashes, especially when flushing the gutters with a cleaning wand or garden house.
• Non-Slip Footwear: Choose shoes with a rubber sole to prevent slipping when on the ladder.
• Gloves: To protect your hands from dirt, sharp debris and insects, wear puncture–resistant gloves with good grip.
• Helmet: Wearing a basic helmet or hard hat can provide an extra layer of protection.
• Mask: When working with gutters that have harmful bacteria, mould and pests, workers might wish to wear a mask to protect them from allergens and pathogens

5. Remove Debris

When ascending (and descending) the ladder, always keep three points of contact on the ladder. This means you should always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder at all times. Once you’re safely on the ladder, you can start to clean your gutters.

Begin by scooping out the leaves, twigs, and dirt using your gutter scoop or shovel. Drop the debris into your bucket or bag as you work along the length of the gutter. If you need to move your ladder to reach another section of the gutter, descend first—never try to lean over to reach a different spot, as this can cause the ladder to tip over.

Once most of the debris has been removed, flush out the finer dirt using a garden hose or power washer, starting from the opposite end of the downspout. Direct the water toward the downspout to clear out any remaining debris. Ensure the water flows smoothly through the downspout—if it doesn’t, recheck for clogs and repeat the process if required.

For particularly dirty or grimy gutters, you can also use a gutter cleaning solution or mild detergent to scrub the insides, followed by a rinse with the hose or pressure washer.

6. Inspect Gutters for Damage

Now that your gutters are clean, check for rust spots, holes, or cracks in the metal that need to be dealt with. In addition, check the fasteners; if gutters are sagging or pulling from the house, you might need to tighten or replace the screws or brackets that hold your gutters in place.

Final Advice

Finally, we recommend that do not clean gutters in bad weather as wet or windy conditions can make ladders unstable, increasing your risk of slipping. Having someone nearby to spot you, hand you tools, or assist in case of an emergency regardless of the weather is also a good idea.

By following these detailed steps and ensuring you have the right tools and safety measures in place, you can clean your gutters with confidence. Remember that regular gutter maintenance helps protect your home from damage in the long-run, so it’s a worthwhile task and investment in the right tools.

Looking for a reliable ladder, scaffold tower or other premium access equipment? At Ladders4Sale, we offer a range of ladders, platforms, steps, towers and accessories for all trade and do-it-yourself jobs at unbeatable low prices.  Better yet, all of our products come with lifetime support – after your initial purchase, we continue to provide ongoing support and assistance for free.  In addition to this, all orders come with free shipping to mainland UK.

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