Your gutters are one of your home’s most important components. By catching the rainwater flowing down your roof and channeling it away, they keep your home safe and intact against damage. But gutters are not exempt to issues given their exposure to the harsh elements. If you suspect there’s something wrong with them, you might be tempted to climb up there and check things out.
Before making that climb, however, make sure you have everything covered in regards to ladder safety.
1. Take ladder material into account. Ladders are available in different materials, and you’ll want to pick one that’s durable and can sufficiently handle your weight. Steel ladders, for instance, are tough and resilient, but are more ideal for heavy-duty use. Wood ladders are heat-resistant (when it’s not open flame) and non-conductive of electricity, but are prone to rot and warp. Fiberglass ladders might be your best choice since they can offer the advantages of steel and wood but none of their weaknesses. The only downside is that they’re usually costlier.
2. Use the ladder carefully. This means observing the necessary safety precautions, such as:
- Making sure the ladder is set up on level ground.
- Staying off the top two rungs of a stepladder or the top three of an extension ladder.
- Checking that the ladder is locked in place.
- Avoiding the use of the ladder during inclement weather.
- Wearing slip-resistant shoes and non-loose clothing.
- Never using ladders that are in bad shape.
3. Stay off ladders unless absolutely necessary. The safest way to use a ladder is to not use one at all. If your gutters appear to be clogged or damaged, call a professional like Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota for high-quality solutions. Our Gutter Helmet systems continue to earn rave gutter guard reviews because of their reliable and efficient performance. Thanks to a patented nose-forward design, Gutter Helmet gutter protection sheds off leaves, pine needles and debris over your gutters, and allows only water to pass through. With these guards in place, you’ll be able to keep your gutters clean and clog-free without needing to climb any ladders.
Give Us a Call Today
Gutter Helmet of Northern Minnesota is your one-stop for exceptional gutter protection. Call us today at (866) 937-3508, or fill out this contact form to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve homeowners in Duluth, MN, and other areas in St. Louis County.
