What size ladder do I need to reach my gutters?

Author: Elijah Jacobs  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

What is the working height of a ladder? The recommended safe working height of a ladder for gutter cleaning is 4ft above the step you're standing on. This means you're not overstretching to reach above you and can quite comfortably work whilst maintaining three points of contact.

What size step ladder to clean gutters?

24-ft ladder should be plenty. 1:4 rule means your ladder base should be 5-6 feet from the wall, a 24-ft ladder will give you plenty of ladder above the gutter line.

What size ladder to reach eaves?

For an average two story house in the UK, the normal height to the eves will be 4.7m, so you would need an extension ladder that is between 6.5m-8m long. This could be either a double or triple extension ladder, or even a combination ladder, which can be used as a step ladder as well!

What ladder to use to clean gutters?

An extension ladder is usually fine for working on gutters, with a stand off so that you're not resting on the gutter or fascia and ideally someone footing it.

How tall does a ladder need to be to reach gutters?

What is a good ladder for gutter cleaning? For a single storey house a leaning ladder with a height of 4m or more would be sufficient, taking into account that you should not be standing on the top 3 treads. For a two storey house you would need an extension ladder with an extension of around 7m.

3 MUST-HAVE safety accessories for extension ladders

How to reach high gutters?

Telescoping ladder: A telescoping ladder is a versatile tool that can be adjusted to the desired height. It is especially useful for reaching high gutters.

How to position a ladder to clean gutters?

Tips for using ladders

When cleaning your gutters, you should make sure your ladder is set up at the correct angle. Look out for the safety mark on the side of the ladder, as this indicates the best angle to use. You should also be looking to move your ladder along the guttering as you clear it.

How to determine what size ladder you need?

To work safely, your extension ladder needs to be pitched at a ratio of 4:1. So for every 4 feet up, you need to move the ladder 1 foot out. This is known as the '1 in 4' rule. So, if you want to work on a 20ft wall, the ladder needs to be moved 5ft out.

How to clean 2nd story gutters without a ladder?

What are the best tools to clean out gutters without a ladder? The best tools are gutter cleaning wands, extended poles that attach to gutter scoops or brushes, high pressure sprayer wands, and wet/dry vac attachments made specifically for gutter cleaning from the ground.

What is the rule for gutters?

Your new gutters should be installed at a certain angle to ensure rainwater is diverted to the drains. As a rule of thumb, gutters should have a slope of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet.

How high will a 24 foot ladder reach?

Fiberglass Extension Ladder (23 ft. Reach Height) with 300 lb. Load Capacity Type IA Duty Rating.

What type of ladder for gutters?

One of the most versatile and useful ladders for cleaning gutters and doing several other household jobs is the combination ladder. Combination ladders can function as both a stepladder and an extension ladder.

What size ladder for a 2 story house?

A ladder that extends around 7 metres (23 feet) is typically suitable for a two-storey house. Always ensure the ladder extends at least three rungs (approximately 1 metre) above the work area. Follow the 1-in-4 rule for ladder positioning: the base should be 1 unit away from the wall for every 4 units of height.

Will ladder crush gutters?

Avoid Leaning on The Gutter if You Can…

While you can put a ladder against a gutter, they can buckle and get damaged in the process. That's why using a ladder standoff will allow you to work on the side of your home… Or get up to your roof and gutters like this without touching the gutter…

What is the 4 2 1 rule for ladders?

Follow the 4 to 1 ratio ladder rule: set the base 1 foot out from the wall for every 4 feet it reaches up. This can be estimated by counting rungs, which are about one foot apart.

What is the 4 to 1 ladder rule?

A ladder safety standard, the 4-to-1 rule state that the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet the ladder rises. This allows for maximum stability. So, for instance, if the ladder touches the wall 8 feet off the ground, the base of the ladder should be 2 feet away from the wall.

What is the 6 foot ladder rule?

Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.

How do you reach your gutters?

How to clean gutters and downpipes
  1. Set up your ladder - Place your ladder at a stable angle, about 75 degrees from the base of the wall. ...
  2. Climb the ladder with your bucket and hose - Once your ladder is secure, grab your bucket, S hook and hose, and climb the steps to the appropriate height so you can reach your gutters.

How do you clean gutters you can't reach?

Blow Out Debris

Blowing out debris with a leaf blower or other specialized attachment, such as a gutter vacuum or a wet/dry extension to your vacuum, is often the easiest way to clean gutters from the ground.

How do you clean gutters too high for a ladder?

To clean high gutters with a ladder, you'll need to ensure the ladder is stable and then methodically clear the gutter by hand. To clean gutters from the safety of the ground, make a homemade gutter vacuum using a wet/dry vacuum, then pass the gutter vacuum over the gutter to remove debris.

How can I reach my gutters without a ladder?

Gutter Vacuum: Gutter vacuuming allows the user to clean out gutters safely from the ground without the need for ladders or other access equipment. Some gutter cleaning systems can reach gutters up to 40ft high, which is ideal for cleaning out gutters on two, three, and four storey buildings.

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