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I have some really simple work to replace some rotted wood window trim. It is too basic to hire a pro. Simply pry out three planks per window, and nail in pre-painted planks. However, it is on the second story. One window requires climbing up 15 feet on a ladder. Three other windows are second story dormers, where i would need to hang out a window while standing on a 40 degree roof with a 10 foot drop.
Attached is a photo for the front of the house. I would need to tackle those 4 upper windows.
I was thinking about buying a decent extension ladder to get to the far right window. As for the dormers, I am not sure. Standing on the roof and holding myself by the window frame seems like a disaster. The windows are all split in half down the middle, and open out, which prohibits access to the perimeter trim pieces while standing inside the house. I could probably replace the upper window trim from inside the house, but need to replace the left and right hand trim from the outside.
What do you recommend?
Last edited by ThermonMermon; 06-13-2017 at 09:49 AM.
it doesn't look like that steep of a pitch, you can easily just balance yourself on the roof and doing the dormers... as for the other window, get an extension ladder... the little giants are good and adjustable...
i just climbed my 25ft house to the roof to do the sun tunnel last weekend... it's not so bad as long as you aren't afraid of heights...
I have a Gorilla ladder that I use for pretty much everything. Believe I got it at Home Depot years ago and think it was around $180. When folded and collapsed it is just shy of 6' tall, fully extended, I believe it is around 22'. I've never used it this way but can be separated and become two smaller ladders as in a scaffolding.
I would think you can do it yourself if you buy the right ladder. That being said buying a good extension ladder won't be cheap and also will you have a place to store it as well.
hmmm...i could use the ladder for future projects...i dont mind investing 200 in a ladder...maybe i could get something on amazon and have it shipped. transporting the ladder in a sedan is no go.
Hmmmm. There are 31 of them at the 4 Home Depot's within 15 miles of my house. Not sure where in NYC you are but I put in zip code 10001 and it shows availability on Long Island and a couple of stores in NJ. I looked at shipping and it's 50% the cost of the ladder. If you go to a local HD store, I bet they can get one in for you within a few days, but can't tell you if it will fit in your car. Any access to an SUV or PU?
+1 for Little Giant. I have the predecessor from Costco and have used it extensively to get to my roof. Very convenient to have around and collapsible, UNLESS (a) you are weak as it is pretty heavy or (b) you plan to do a lot of electrical work as it's aluminum.
Another option is Roof Jacks. I have them, i used them when we built our lake home. That roof is a 12/12 pitch and have used them since on simple repair work and when i repainted all the cedar trim a few years back. You can get them pretty cheap and most home improvement stores, and many rental stores have them too.
Carefully pry up a shingle/tab with a putty knife/flat prybar and nail it down. When done tap the jack up and pull it out and just pound nails down and put a dab of tar under shingle help insure it stays down. All nails are hidden and fully covered.
Place 2x6 on it and you have a stable support to stand/brace yourself on to safely work.
Little giants are great but you are paying more for the name than anything else. There are any number of other companies that make the same thing for less. I have a Werner multipurpose ladder that does everything the LG's can for about 75% or less (bought on black friday) the cost.
Your roof is actually pretty steep and I would be concerned about balancing up there. I'd definitely look into a pro to do this for you as it'll be much safer since they have the right equipment to do the job.
06-13-2017, 09:42 AM
stogie
If you go to a local HD store, I bet they can get one in for you within a few days, but can't tell you if it will fit in your car. Any access to an SUV or PU?
