I never cleaned gutters before. I need ladder. I have 2story house. I'm guessing gutters are 15-20ft above ground...
I've seen my neighbors cleaning gutters standing on a high ladder using leaf blower and power washer with bent pipe.
Is there any ladder you recommend?
What is the best method to clean gutters?
You would usually want to use a typical extension ladder but use a standoff (ladder stabilizer) that gets mounted to the ladder.
The type you use depends somewhat on the depth of your soffit. With narrow soffit you can put the stabilizer against the siding and use a little shorter ladder. But if you want to be up higher or have wide soffit, you want the type of stabilizer that goes on the shingles, just above the gutter. It keeps the ladder from denting or scratching the gutter and puts you out at an optimum working height/location.
Cleaning gutters is a PITAA, should think about some type of gutter protector to minimize the need to clean.
Over the years I have tried every brand and style, the best, and one I have been using for the past 12 years with excellent results, and yes I have heavy tree/leaf drop, is Gutter Stuff!
Simplest material, about $1 liner ft, and an easy DIY install!
While I'm partial to Werner the brand name isn't all that important, what is important is the duty rating! A type III ladder is homeowner duty and the flimsiest ladder sold, the older it gets the more wobbly it gets. I typically won't buy anything but a type I if it's much longer than 20' in length although for limited use you could stretch it 4'-8' [type II] You'll probably need a ladder about 5' longer than the height you need to reach. That accounts for the 3' overlap and and standout.
is Gutter Stuff! Simplest material, about $1 liner ft, and an easy DIY install!
Hey Marq, never heard of this stuff. How often do you need to clean out the media or replace? Doesn't the roof granules clog up the media? How well does it handle heavy downpours and does it interfere with snow and or ice? Price is right and it looks easy to install.
We had really heavy rain about a month ago and a ceiling leak happened close to the chimney. It has rained hard since then but there was no water leak.
This is on a hip roof, new shingles 18 years ago. There is a ridge vent in the center of the roof so is it possible the water got in that way?
I'd have to hire somebody to check this out, not sure who that would be.
Thanks.
Hello,
Trying to learn about all that's involved before starting to contact Contractors to re-shingle our
roof. Typical Colonial in New England.
I remember from years back that it was always suggested to Never re-shingle new over the old existing ones. That they should all be stripped off first.
Why is this "so-important" ?
If they are still flat, why not just put and fasten the new ones on top ?
What else should I be asking the potential Contractors ?
Are there different quality levels, e.g. ?
Are GAF still considered the best ? Different thicknesses and qual. levels avail. ??
Do they still put rubber sheeting up from the gutters to some distance ? How far is good ?
What should I be sure to get, brand, qual level, etc., and what might
be good to avoid ?
As always, thanks for help.
Great Forums here.
Regards,
Bob
07-23-21, 02:32 PM
