Whether you have a single-story home or a double-story one, getting on the roof is something you’d do once in a while. At least after every fall to check on the gutter and roof shingles.
What comes into the transition is damaging the gutter while putting the ladder against it. Since the gutter is usually made of flexible, flimsy, and delicate materials, they’re likely to damage from the weight.
So, can you reach the roof without gripping the gutter? Or, is there a way to reach the roof without touching the gutter at all? Turns out, yes, you can.
Extension ladders offer the easiest way to reach the rooftop, and you can do it without crushing the gutter. Let’s talk about how to get on the roof without damaging the gutter.
Is It Safe To Put A Ladder Against The Gutter?
The straightforward answer is no. You can’t put a ladder directly on the gutter as it won’t give sturdy support for the ladder.
Notably, gutters are designed to keep away the water from the roof. To do that, they don’t need to be heavy, and over time, they also get several weak points.
Using the wrong ladder on the gutter also can damage your home, and you can get yourself hurt. So, make sure you have the right ladder for cleaning gutters and roof maintenance. The pressure of the ladder combined with yours will make the gutter weaker, potentially breaking it.
Therefore, you have to either use a ladder that doesn’t need the support at all or get a rail that keeps the ladder away from the gutter
Besides, ladder gutter guards and standoff protectors can be handy to keep the pressure off it. Also, a ladder stay on the ladder can be helpful with HSE guidelines for ladder support to the sections of the gutter.
6 Ways To Get On The Roof Without Damaging Gutters?
Although a ladder is the most efficient way to reach the roof, it can damage the gutter with the pressure of your weight on it. Therefore, you must follow some tips to get to the top of the ladder. Here they are:
1. Be Precise On The Ladder Size
Sometimes we buy shorter ladders so the maintenance becomes easier and fits inside a small space. But if you’re up for keeping both the gutter and your roof intact, it must be precise. We will suggest you buy a 15 to 17 feet long extensive ladder for regular homes.
It can differ by the size of the house you are going for with it. So, use the same ladder to bring you to the roof and keep the support and pressure on the wall.
2. Don’t Use The Gutter As Support
Always use the wall as the support of the ladder. It will keep the gutter safe and help you to reach the roof with solid backing. Now, what will you do if it’s uneven ground under the ladder? Well, using a ladder leveler can sort out the issue, and you can put the ladder anywhere then.
3. Position The Ladder Accurately
Another issue is the positioning of the ladder. It depends on the height of the roof to the ground. Just measure the area and place it somewhere; the ladder stays sturdy and supports your weight till the top.
Also, the best angle will be moving the ladder 4:1 ratio. For instance, if the height is 16 feet, then the distance of the ladder from the wall would be 4 feet by the ground. Hence, you can use ladder stand-offs on the last step to keep it steady till you are done.
4. Secure The Gutter
Using gutter guards is the best way to stabilize the ladder and secure the gutter. Also, it restricts all bent and scratch issues when you are on the ladder. Get a heavy one if it fits on your gutter as it can provide more support than the flimsy ones. But if your gutter line has faced several summers, then the lightweight guard will be perfect.
5. Attach The Tools With You
Home maintenance is a regular job if you are a homeowner. Inspecting the leaky roof in regular intervals is the primary part of it. Therefore, you have to carry multiple tools with you. So, use a tool belt and pack all the tools before hopping on the ladder. It will save your time without any additional downspout.
6. Get Down Slowly
Your gutter line can get damaged even on end with the falling of the tools on it. So, you have to be careful till you get on the ground, ensuring the ideal weight and balance. Also, the ladder might slip off the guard when you are getting down if not doing it right. Hence, you can use a rough piece of cloth between the gutter and the ladder.
Final Verdict
Your gutter line saves your home’s roof from the water flow and dirt. So, when you are up to getting on the top, the safety of the gutter is a significant matter. As the guide about how to get on the roof without damaging the gutter is on your hand, act through it.
Also, secure the ladder by putting it at a 75° angle which calculates into the 4:1 ratio mentioned before. And don’t forget to inspect the flat roof on a hot and sunny day for extra care of the gutter.
