Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Stoots on December 11, 2019, 11:01:13 pm

Title: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Stoots on December 11, 2019, 11:01:13 pm
Can anyone tell me what are good brands when it comes to ladders? Also what height for a normal house to get to gutter level.?

I want some for roof cleaning, applying biocide and scraping etc.

No idea what are good ladders

Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Elfyn on December 12, 2019, 08:52:00 am
Don't go for a domestic grade ladder.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: zesty on December 12, 2019, 08:59:07 am
Don't go for a domestic grade ladder.

I’ve used abru ‘domestic’ ladders for over 12 years, both double and there triple ladders. I was trad for 8 years and never had a problem, ever.

Being WFP I rarely use them now, but still have them, and still use them when needs be.

For the most part, ladders are ladders. Kept in good nick, and keeping the feet maintained, there should be no reason not to use them.

Having said that, trade ladders aren’t much more, they are usually just a bit heavier.

My old work mate who’s been window cleaning over 20 years, has always used the abru ladders and still does, no issues. They slide easy, balanced well on the shoulder when carrying, and are lightweight, with comfy ladder rungs.

So basically Adam, they all work, they all pass safety tests, they all comply with the law, so just choose a set that works best for you mate, have a gander in B&Q or wickes, or buy online.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: nathankaye on December 12, 2019, 12:19:35 pm
Get some  swivel feet as well on them and also invest in a lean away
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: deeege on December 12, 2019, 01:36:05 pm
Werner 3m Triples, great ladders. The guys at browns are very helpful also.

https://www.brownsladders.co.uk/extension-ladders/en131-professional-extension-ladders/werner-triple-en131-professional-extension-ladders.html
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Ooooooog on December 12, 2019, 03:07:06 pm
You ideally have want an ankalad and microlight stand off.

We use 15 round triples but probably too long for your use. Maybe a 13 round triple is most suitable.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Elfyn on December 12, 2019, 03:33:17 pm
Fall off a domestic standard ladder and your insurance won't pay out. If you're looking to do any commercial work, then the domestic ladders won't be allowed.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: dazmond on December 12, 2019, 03:59:44 pm
Don't go for a domestic grade ladder.

I’ve used abru ‘domestic’ ladders for over 12 years, both double and there triple ladders. I was trad for 8 years and never had a problem, ever.

Being WFP I rarely use them now, but still have them, and still use them when needs be.

For the most part, ladders are ladders. Kept in good nick, and keeping the feet maintained, there should be no reason not to use them.

Having said that, trade ladders aren’t much more, they are usually just a bit heavier.

My old work mate who’s been window cleaning over 20 years, has always used the abru ladders and still does, no issues. They slide easy, balanced well on the shoulder when carrying, and are lightweight, with comfy ladder rungs.

So basically Adam, they all work, they all pass safety tests, they all comply with the law, so just choose a set that works best for you mate, have a gander in B&Q or wickes, or buy online.

domestic ladders are rubbish......i bought a pair when i first started off in 1993 from B&Q.......very lightweight and flimsy,certainly not up to the job at all........bad advice IMO.....

trade ladders every time...id also get  a decent ladder safety device like an ankalad device if your getting up to gutter height Adam without someone footing your ladders for you.....
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: nathankaye on December 12, 2019, 04:09:51 pm
Can anyone tell me what are good brands when it comes to ladders? Also what height for a normal house to get to gutter level.?

I want some for roof cleaning, applying biocide and scraping etc.

No idea what are good ladders

Ive forgotten,  where are  you based again?
I was going to push for roof cleaning around Doncaster and look into training for using scissor lifts / cherry pickers etc.  Yet many didnt like the quotes just for g/s/f cleaning and so I gave up on the idea in my areas.    Keen to see how you get on
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Splash & dash on December 12, 2019, 04:11:15 pm
Can anyone tell me what are good brands when it comes to ladders? Also what height for a normal house to get to gutter level.?

I want some for roof cleaning, applying biocide and scraping etc.

No idea what are good ladders


Have a look on midland ladders site they have a good choice lyte ladders are good
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Stoots on December 12, 2019, 04:29:34 pm
I have some domestic double ladders and they are scary   :o

I definetly want something sturdy and good quality.

And yes I will be getting an ankalad and some other safety gear I just don't know what is a good ladder and what isn't.

There's some werner ones in b&q but didn't know how good werner are. They seem to be about £150 to £200 don't know if that's cheap or expensive when it comes to ladders?
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Stoots on December 12, 2019, 04:33:02 pm
Don't go for a domestic grade ladder.

I’ve used abru ‘domestic’ ladders for over 12 years, both double and there triple ladders. I was trad for 8 years and never had a problem, ever.

Being WFP I rarely use them now, but still have them, and still use them when needs be.

For the most part, ladders are ladders. Kept in good nick, and keeping the feet maintained, there should be no reason not to use them.

Having said that, trade ladders aren’t much more, they are usually just a bit heavier.

My old work mate who’s been window cleaning over 20 years, has always used the abru ladders and still does, no issues. They slide easy, balanced well on the shoulder when carrying, and are lightweight, with comfy ladder rungs.

So basically Adam, they all work, they all pass safety tests, they all comply with the law, so just choose a set that works best for you mate, have a gander in B&Q or wickes, or buy online.

Cheers mate, lightweight, carrying and how easy they slide doesn't bother me. I want solid, heavy things lol.. I  want to feel like they are not going anywhere. I'm not great with heights but I'm getting better and feel a really good ladder will help. My domestic double shakes like a shi*ting dog.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Stoots on December 12, 2019, 04:42:47 pm
Can anyone tell me what are good brands when it comes to ladders? Also what height for a normal house to get to gutter level.?

I want some for roof cleaning, applying biocide and scraping etc.

No idea what are good ladders

Ive forgotten,  where are  you based again?
I was going to push for roof cleaning around Doncaster and look into training for using scissor lifts / cherry pickers etc.  Yet many didnt like the quotes just for g/s/f cleaning and so I gave up on the idea in my areas.    Keen to see how you get on

Just in wakefield mate.

No I'm the same, my area I've quoted a couple and they won't have it but I managed to get one the other week and I really enjoyed it and the gear you need is minimal so it's not like spending 2k on a pressure washer, all I need is some decent ladders and some scrapers.

I've not thought about a cherry picker but even a scaffold tower isn't that expensive if it were to take off.

I have started working in York a few days a month and the area is much better for prices.

I'm thinking with roof cleaning I can target a much larger area, from North Leeds to Harrogate to York etc.

I will be giving it a shot next year.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: zesty on December 12, 2019, 04:59:11 pm
Don't go for a domestic grade ladder.

I’ve used abru ‘domestic’ ladders for over 12 years, both double and there triple ladders. I was trad for 8 years and never had a problem, ever.

Being WFP I rarely use them now, but still have them, and still use them when needs be.

For the most part, ladders are ladders. Kept in good nick, and keeping the feet maintained, there should be no reason not to use them.

Having said that, trade ladders aren’t much more, they are usually just a bit heavier.

My old work mate who’s been window cleaning over 20 years, has always used the abru ladders and still does, no issues. They slide easy, balanced well on the shoulder when carrying, and are lightweight, with comfy ladder rungs.

So basically Adam, they all work, they all pass safety tests, they all comply with the law, so just choose a set that works best for you mate, have a gander in B&Q or wickes, or buy online.

domestic ladders are rubbish......i bought a pair when i first started off in 1993 from B&Q.......very lightweight and flimsy,certainly not up to the job at all........bad advice IMO.....

trade ladders every time...id also get  a decent ladder safety device like an ankalad device if your getting up to gutter height Adam without someone footing your ladders for you.....

Perhaps you bought rubbish ones daz, they’re not all the same. I love mine. Hate heavy uncomfortable trade ladders. Each to there own boyo!
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: zesty on December 12, 2019, 05:03:09 pm
Don't go for a domestic grade ladder.

I’ve used abru ‘domestic’ ladders for over 12 years, both double and there triple ladders. I was trad for 8 years and never had a problem, ever.

Being WFP I rarely use them now, but still have them, and still use them when needs be.

For the most part, ladders are ladders. Kept in good nick, and keeping the feet maintained, there should be no reason not to use them.

Having said that, trade ladders aren’t much more, they are usually just a bit heavier.

My old work mate who’s been window cleaning over 20 years, has always used the abru ladders and still does, no issues. They slide easy, balanced well on the shoulder when carrying, and are lightweight, with comfy ladder rungs.

So basically Adam, they all work, they all pass safety tests, they all comply with the law, so just choose a set that works best for you mate, have a gander in B&Q or wickes, or buy online.

Cheers mate, lightweight, carrying and how easy they slide doesn't bother me. I want solid, heavy things lol.. I  want to feel like they are not going anywhere. I'm not great with heights but I'm getting better and feel a really good ladder will help. My domestic double shakes like a shi*ting dog.

The triple ladders I use are heavy mate, and very comfy under foot. I used to work 3 story houses off them for years (looking back I wince) and never had a problem.

Just go for what makes you feel safest mate, you’ll want wider ladders, or use a stand off for gutter height work.

When I do roofs I use a cherry picker, but then again I pressure wash them.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: deeege on December 12, 2019, 05:26:04 pm
If they are just for the occasional job the Werner professional ladders I linked aboveare perfect. I wouldn’t want to be doing a full traditional round with them as they are heavy (and sturdy), but who would want to be doing a traditional round anyway? 🤷‍♂️
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: Spruce on December 12, 2019, 05:51:46 pm
Don't go for a domestic grade ladder.

I’ve used abru ‘domestic’ ladders for over 12 years, both double and there triple ladders. I was trad for 8 years and never had a problem, ever.

Being WFP I rarely use them now, but still have them, and still use them when needs be.

For the most part, ladders are ladders. Kept in good nick, and keeping the feet maintained, there should be no reason not to use them.

Having said that, trade ladders aren’t much more, they are usually just a bit heavier.

My old work mate who’s been window cleaning over 20 years, has always used the abru ladders and still does, no issues. They slide easy, balanced well on the shoulder when carrying, and are lightweight, with comfy ladder rungs.

So basically Adam, they all work, they all pass safety tests, they all comply with the law, so just choose a set that works best for you mate, have a gander in B&Q or wickes, or buy online.

domestic ladders are rubbish......i bought a pair when i first started off in 1993 from B&Q.......very lightweight and flimsy,certainly not up to the job at all........bad advice IMO.....

trade ladders every time...id also get  a decent ladder safety device like an ankalad device if your getting up to gutter height Adam without someone footing your ladders for you.....

Perhaps you bought rubbish ones daz, they’re not all the same. I love mine. Hate heavy uncomfortable trade ladders. Each to there own boyo!

Unfortunately H&S has changed the situation.

All ladders used in a commercial environment have to meet EN131 standards. It will have this marked on the side of the ladders.

Domestic ladders can still be used if you are a home owner using them on your own property. Use them commercially you fall prey to the latest regulations.

True, I doubt there are any ladder police that will enforce this. But if you have an accident and a claim, there could be an issue with regard to your insurance being invalid - something like driving a vehicle without having the appropriate drivers  license.
Title: Re: Best ladders for gutters/roofs?
Post by: JandS on December 12, 2019, 07:38:09 pm
Cleaning a roof from a ladder sounds dodgy or are you using them to access the roof?