[paul alan]

What steps do you take to protect gutters when putting ladders against them?

Like when gaining access to a flat roof with gutters around it, would it be safe to just lean the ladders on the gutter or would you maybe put something like a block of wood inside the gutter to prevent it from cracking/breaking?

[chris turner]

If careful then it's generally fine to lean ladders against gutters.
In over 10 years iv only ever broken a gutter once by leaning a ladder against it, and that was just by being careless and rushing because the job was taking longer then I'd hoped.
Often the gutters pop out of the brackets but they are easy enough to pop back in.

[Shrek]

Sometimes a bit can snap off the edge if they are old and brittle , just gotta try and get the bracket in the middle of the ladders

[G Griffin]

I put a lump of wood in if I have to do it.
Gutters crack and snap more when the weather is cold as well. The plastic hardens and is less likely to give.

[nathankaye]

Sometimes the only thing you have is common sense.
I had feet (sorry forgot the name of them its been so long since i got them) put onto my ladders so the ladders wouldnt slip. Also rubber mitts/guards on the top which aided in them not sliding to the right or left. They also protect from marking the brick work or marking the gutters.
I would also test the ladder on the gutter to see if there was any give, because if not the chances would be the edge would snap and dont rest them on the brackets because sadly from experience, they do snap.

(On my rounds when trad working, all my rounds are compact and so i would park the car in the morning and return to it when i had finished. So i wouldnt be carrying a lump of wood in my pouches for houses that i used to put ladders up to climb up n over)

[paul alan]

Wouldnt like to have to find a replacement for a broken gutter.

I suppose putting some wood in there is best but l suppose it may still break when on way up with the wood.

Just bought one of them combi ladders from screwfix and plan to do a flat roof climb tomorrow, whos idea was it to put the gutter there?

[G Griffin]

Wouldnt like to have to find a replacement for a broken gutter.

I suppose putting some wood in there is best but l suppose it may still break when on way up with the wood.

Just bought one of them combi ladders from screwfix and plan to do a flat roof climb tomorrow, whos idea was it to put the gutter there?

The piece I use often protrudes over the gutter, so the ladder rests on the wood and not the gutter.
I don't use it very often though.

[Og]

I use a stand off all the time. Great bit of kit. Ankalad too for higher stuff.

[Bryan_Dolby]

Hi

Try looking for microlight ladders stability device

You should not put ladders on guttering not a safe system



Bryan

[Matt.]

Tbh I wouldn't put ladders on the gutters,  if u do ya would defo need to have them footed, if it kicks wen u at the top u will come down very quick. 

If It's single story maybe pick up a step ladder that can be left on van roof

[dazmond]

ive always put my ladders on gutters for flat roofs if theres no other way.just dont put them on the brackets or they will break.