The Best Ladders for Cleaning Gutters Safely

You want to find the quickest and easiest ways to manage messy tasks like cleaning out your gutters. We hear that! At LeafFilter, we love solutions that result in not having to spend a lot of time on gutter maintenance (more on that later!).

We usually recommend cleaning out your gutters from the ground, since climbing a ladder poses some safety risks. However, we’re often asked, “What is the best ladder for cleaning gutters safely?”

Read on to learn how to choose the right ladder type and size, some of our favorites, how to stay safe when using a ladder, and how to prevent those pesky clogs from forming in the first place.

Attention homeowners! 🏡 Did you know that LeafFilter offers FREE estimates for your gutter protection needs? Say goodbye to clogs and hello to peace of mind with LeafFilter!✅ To learn more and get started today, visit https://t.co/6tWbQ0wMvX #ClogFree #FreeEstimate #LeafFilter pic.twitter.com/9JOuBzi7Mp

— LeafFilter Gutter Protection (@LeafFilter) July 18, 2023

In this article:

• Choosing the Right Ladder Type and Size
• The Top 3 Reviewed Ladders
• Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
• How to Keep Clogs Out of Your Gutters
• Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the Right Ladder Type and Size

With such a wide variety of ladders available, how can you know which is best for cleaning out your gutters?

The answer will come down to both convenience and the height of your house.

If you live in a single-story home and your gutters are easily accessible, a step ladder might be the right choice, as these are very stable and have a broad base. You can even get a step ladder with a platform to hold your bucket and tools, reducing the need to go up and down.

An extension ladder is often needed for two- or three-story homes, as you can adjust the ladder to achieve the right height. Fiberglass is a good material to choose, as it’s both lightweight and sturdy, and you can often find these with stabilizers that make them safer to use if your yard is a little uneven.

You can also find a multi-position or a telescoping ladder, both of which offer more versatility and can be extended as needed, depending on the height of your home. You’ll want to look for those with solid locking mechanisms for safety. Finally, for added safety, choose a ladder with slip-resistant rungs to ensure safety.

When deciding what size ladder you need, you’ll want to take into consideration that you should stand at least two steps down from the top of a step ladder, and at least four rungs down from the top of a taller ladder.

If you have an extension or telescopic ladder, the sections need to overlap between three and five feet. You’ll find more information about this on Lowes.com.

The Top 3 Reviewed Ladders

Here are three ladders for cleaning out gutters that have great reviews.

The Louisville Ladder is a six-foot fiberglass step ladder that extends to 10 feet. It has a 300-lb capacity and is great for those who want to clean out the gutters of a single-story home. Reviewers have commented that it’s a nice, sturdy ladder that folds and unfolds easily.

If you’re looking for a multipurpose ladder with a moderate extension, the Little Giant fiberglass ladder might be the right choice. It extends to 10 feet and can also be used as a 6-foot A-frame ladder, making it ideal for a single-story building.

If you have a taller house and need an extension ladder, the Werner aluminum extension ladder is available in heights up to 28 feet. Despite being lightweight, it has a 200-lb capacity, and the brand also offers ladders that can accommodate greater weights.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

When using a ladder to clean out your gutters, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Remember that a fall is always possible, so you’ll need to use caution at all times.

• Check the ladder before climbing. Rungs might have gotten bent, or a screw could have come loose since the last time you used it, so perform a thorough visual ladder inspection before beginning.
• Wear the right footwear. You should have non-slip shoes for good traction and to prevent slipping.
• Place the ladder on solid ground. Don’t set a ladder up on a gravel driveway or in a patch of mud, for example. Check the stability by gently pushing and pulling on it once you have it in place.
• Work with a partner. At the very least, someone should be aware that you’re going to be cleaning out your gutters from a ladder, so they can check to be sure you finished the job injury-free. It’s even better if you have another adult actively helping you, as they can pass you tools or hold the ladder as needed.
• Watch the weather. Don’t clean out your gutters if it’s snowing, icy, raining heavily, or very windy. Keep your feet on the ground (and preferably indoors) during these conditions.

How to Keep Clogs Out of Your Gutters

Trimming overhanging branches will help keep leaves, twigs, and bird droppings out of your gutters. Regular maintenance is another way to keep clogs at bay; if you don’t have gutter guards, plan on cleaning out your gutters at least twice per year.

Once you’ve cleaned out your gutters, you might wonder how to prevent clogs from forming inside them. After all, preventing debris buildup in the first place is certainly easier than scooping the goop out of the gutters later!

Our top tip is to use LeafFilter gutter guards. These are a permanent solution to clogged gutters, and they come with a clog-free guarantee and a limited lifetime transferable warranty. You’ll save a ton of time and money in the long run when you no longer have to deal with clogs inside your gutters.

Call us today at 1-800-290-6106 to learn more about our patented, award-winning technology and how it can benefit your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rest the ladder against the gutters while cleaning them out?

No, don’t do this. The gutter might not be sturdy enough to support a ladder, and you risk not only breaking the gutter but also damaging the ladder and falling to the ground.

How can I clean out my gutters without getting on a ladder?

We’ve published a guide to cleaning out your gutters without using a ladder that you should check out!

Should I climb on the roof to clean out the gutters?

We do not recommend this. First, you could damage the roof or slide right off it. Secondly, you’d be reaching down into the gutters, and this is not only less effective but also more dangerous than cleaning the gutters from either the ground or a ladder.