Ladder damage to gutter sectionIf your shingles or gutters are damaged after you put a ladder on the roof, or worse yet after you HIRE someone to put a ladder on your roof, then there's something wrong.  Obviously fixing the damage has been missed, but more specifically you're missing a ladder stablizer!

 

The image to the right shows what damage can be done to gutters when a ladder is placed directly on the gutters.  Gutters aren't meant to hold the weight of a person, just the weight of the water that enters them!  So naturally, putting a ladder against a gutter is almost certainly going to damage the gutter.

 

As an aside, you may also note the gutter guards here that are not installed correctly.  Most gutter guards you can purchase at the local stores are not able to be angled specifically for your roof pitch, and they will end up pushing the shingles up and ramping water directly over the gutter.  A double whammy if you will in this instance!

 

Ladder stablizer over the same gutter sectionA ladder stablizer is a rather inexpensive addition to your ladder.  It allows one to place the ladder on the roof without touching the gutter.  It also allows you to put your ladder up at a window, and be supported by the walls on either side of the window.  Here you can see how our ladder stabilizer allowed us to go above this same section of gutter without denting it more than the guy before us did!

 

Gutters are only supported by thin aluminum hangers.  Formerly they were supported by large aluminum spikes and ferrules.  But these are no longer used by most gutter professionals, and one of the reasons is the spikes put such large holes in the fascia they actually led to water damage in the fascia and subfascia!

Gutter hangers

 

 

As you can see from this picture, those hangers are not meant to support any weight at all above the weight of the gutter with water in it.  Almost like canoe thwarts really, it keeps the gutter from collapsing inward, as the aluminum gutter is very flexible.

 

 

Ladder stabilizer

 

 

 

 

 

So if you're planning on getting on your roof, or if you're planning on hiring someone to get a ladder up to your gutter, make sure that a ladder stablizer is used.  Then your gutter and shingles will stay in good shape!

 

 

 

 

 

--
Jeremy Wrenn
Wrenn Home Improvements, Inc.
919-608-0776
www.wrennhomeimprovements.com

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Post is included in group: BananaTude

15 Comments on Protect your shingles & gutters: use a ladder stabilizer!

OCT
10
2011
628,220 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Jeremy-I can't tell you how many times I have put the ladder in an awkward position under the gutters to prevent damaging them. This is really a good tip. Thanks.
9:39am • #1
168,793 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Sure, Adrian!   You can get a stabilizer for a Werner ladder for around $25, and it's worth it!
11:18am • #2
537,918 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good Morning Jeremy, an excellent tip for home owners.  It should also make the ladder experience a little safer!
1:10pm • #3
168,793 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Dan, I think it does both, as you stated!  What I can't believe is "professionals" that don't use a stabilizer when one is needed.

Thanks for stopping by!
1:15pm • #4

Thanks for the tip to help stay safe. Climbing ladders can be very dangerous, but the gutters must be cleaned! : )
5:07pm • #5
168,793 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Exactly!  And that's a WIN for us all!  :)
5:12pm • #6
293,069 Points 66 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jeremy,

 I am guilty as charged ; ) I try to be very careful putting my ladder up. I use a werner "little giant knock off" so the standard stabilizer may not work. Not a bad idea though.
6:34pm • #7
917,068 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeremy, I like the idea of a ladder stabilizer too---although I must say I have never damaged a gutter by putting a ladder against it.  Most people do not keep the ladder steep enough---which may account for some of the damage---also I don't weight anything and getting lighter every day :)
6:51pm • #8
OCT
11
2011
168,793 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Donald, it does help to be careful.  And good point; these stabilizers only work on extension ladders.

Charles, seeing that you've now turned into a duck, I can see why you don't damage any gutters.  But I'm quite amazed that you can carry a ladder in that state!
10:28am • #9
917,068 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Who needs a ladder when you have wings?  It is hunting season that worries me:)
11:06am • #10
168,793 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Exactly, Charles!  No wonder you don't dent gutters.  And I'd bet staying on the roof keeps you safe in hunting season.
11:15am • #11
OCT
12
2011
917,068 Points 178 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jeremy, I am VERY careful---do my best to only be on roofs that have a chimney I can hide behind :)
4:08pm • #12
168,793 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Nice!  :)
4:43pm • #13
OCT
21
2011
1,139,183 Points 154 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Congrats on the 100,000 and the button.  Way to go!!!!!!!!
2:00pm • #14
168,793 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks, Debbie!!!!  :D
2:18pm • #15


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Jeremy Wrenn--Wake Forest & Raleigh Home Improvements, Repairs, Handyman Services

Wake Forest, NC

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Wrenn Home Improvements

Address: 1725 S. Main St., Suite 202, Wake Forest, NC, 27587

Office Phone: (919) 608-0776

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