What is the safe/correct way to work on gutters? From a ladder or from the roof?

Question

I am very comfortable working on the gutters (usually just cleaning them) from one story up by just sitting on the roof. I do this on my own home over the garage and at my parents one-story home.

I noticed some debris in the gutters on my 'big roof' on the two story part of my home. From past experience I have not been comfortable working on gutters from the roof on two story houses.

I am generally comfortable with heights and safety harnesses. I get to go climbing and rappelling a few times a year. I would prefer that if I fall to my doom, it happens doing something cool on a mountain. Not cleaning my gutters and falling on my shrubberies.

What is the correct (safe) way to address gutter problems? From a ladder? From the roof?

If either is acceptable what precautions need to be taken?

BMitch · Accepted Answer

Given the choice, I'd put the ladder 2-3' to the side of the downspout.  That should allow you to safely reach the downspout and a majority of the problem area without getting off the ladder.  Using a stabilizer bar so that you aren't resting on the gutter helps:

This also minimizes wear and tear on the shingles.  If you do need to walk on the roof, stay low with your feet always lower than your body, wear shoes/boots with a good grip, and if possible, have a rope attached to something fixed.  If you're going to be on the roof a lot, you may want to invest in a harness.

uSlackr · Answer

When I work on the porch roof gutters from the roof, I'm leaning forward on a slanted roof. While the pitch is low, it feels as though it would be easy to misjudge where my center of gravity is and roll right over the edge. On a 1 story roof, this may not cause much injury, but I wouldn't feel safe on a second story roof. Ladder it is for me

Answered by uSlackr on April 16, 2021

Ecnerwal · Answer

From an industrial safety point of view, none of the above. A work platform (staging, or a manlift) is the proper thing to work from. Ladders should only be used to get to one, (and for certain designs two ladders can serve as a support for one) not as a work platform. Admittedly few homeowners go this way, but if you want to know what's "right" from a safety point of view, that's it.

Answered by Ecnerwal on April 16, 2021

What is the safe/correct way to work on gutters? From a ladder or from the roof?

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