How to keep a ladder steady on a two-storey exterior.
To keep a ladder steady on a two-storey exterior, level the base, secure the top at the eave, extend the ladder enough to hold on, and move it often instead of reaching sideways. Painting means long stretches on the ladder with a brush or roller in one hand, so the setup has to stay put without you noticing it.
Where Painters’ Ladders Move
A painter’s ladder is usually at work for longer than most trades, and it tends to move in the same places:
- At the top, sideways. Reaching for the next section of fascia or weatherboard pushes the top along the gutter or wall.
- At the base. Garden beds, sloping paths and drop sheets give the feet a poor footing, and drop sheets can slide on smooth paving.
- In the middle. On a two-storey job the ladder is long, so it flexes more, especially if the angle is wrong.
- When you climb down and back up with paint, tools or a different brush.
“Always set up the ladder on a flat, stable surface. If this isn’t possible then use a ladder that includes ladder safety devices like leg levellers, anti-slip gutter guards and stabilisers.” — SafeWork NSW
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
Securing at Eaves
At the eave, the top of the ladder usually rests on either the gutter or the fascia. Each needs a different approach.
| Top rests on | How to secure it | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| A sound metal gutter | A gutter clamp holding the ladder rail to the gutter lip | Only if the gutter is stable enough to take the ladder |
| A plastic, loose or damaged gutter | Tie to a rigid support on the structure, or use a standoff | Don’t rest the ladder on the gutter |
| The fascia or wall (no gutter) | Tie to a rigid support, or use a standoff to hold the ladder off the surface | A standoff also keeps the ladder off fresh paint |
Gutter setups
Lock Jaw Ladder Grip is one gutter clamp option. It locks on in seconds and comes off just as quickly, which suits painters who move the ladder along the house all day. Use it only if the gutter is stable and you are prepared to rest a ladder on it.
Two gutter clamps holding the ladder to the gutter
Fascia setups
If you’re painting the fascia or gutter itself, the ladder and any clamp will be in the way of the section you’re working on. Work in sections: paint either side of the ladder, then move it and come back to the gap once the paint is dry. Where there’s no gutter, secure the ladder to a rigid support or use a standoff rather than leaning it on the fascia.
Level base and the right extension
- Level the base on firm ground. Use leg levellers on sloping ground rather than bricks or timber, and keep drop sheets out from under the feet.
- Set the angle: SafeWork NSW says extension ladders should be angled at a ratio of 1:4, with the base 1 metre out for every 4 metres of height.
- Secure the top, bottom or both, as SafeWork NSW says for extension ladders.
- Extend above the eave if you’re stepping onto the roof. SafeWork NSW’s pocket guide says at least 1 metre above the landing.
“Do not climb or work past the second-last rung of a ladder, and never straddle the top of an A-frame ladder.” — SafeWork NSW
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
Avoiding Over-Reaching
Over-reaching is the habit that moves ladders on painting jobs. One more stroke to the side shifts your weight off the centre of the ladder and pushes the top sideways.
“Never lean or reach away from the ladder while using it.” — SafeWork NSW
“Always maintain three points of contact when climbing or descending the ladder. This means two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.” — SafeWork NSW
- Keep your body between the rails. If your belt buckle goes past a rail, you’re reaching too far.
- Paint the width you can reach comfortably, then move the ladder.
- Use an extension pole for the roller rather than stretching out from the ladder.
- Keep three points of contact. Hang the paint tin from a hook on the ladder rather than holding it.
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
Moving the Ladder
Moving the ladder often is what stops you reaching. Make it routine:
- Climb all the way down before moving it. Never “walk” or shuffle the ladder while you’re on it.
- Release the top first, then lower or carry the ladder to the next spot.
- Reset the base and angle at every new position. The ground changes as you go around the house.
- Secure the top again before climbing. A clamp that comes off quickly and locks on in seconds keeps this from slowing the job down.
- Look up for overhead lines every time you raise the ladder, not just at the start of the job.
“When climbing down, remain facing the ladder and climb to the bottom rung before stepping off.” — SafeWork NSW
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
Regulator Guidance
SafeWork NSW’s ladder guidance sums up the points that matter most for painters:
| Topic | SafeWork NSW guidance |
|---|---|
| Base | Set up on a flat, stable surface, or use safety devices like leg levellers and stabilisers |
| Securing | Secure an extension ladder at the top, bottom or both |
| Angle | 1:4, with the base 1 metre out for every 4 metres of height |
| Height | Don’t climb or work past the second-last rung |
| Reaching | Never lean or reach away from the ladder |
| Contact | Keep three points of contact: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand |
| Load | Only take small items up or down, and stay within the ladder’s working load limit |
Source: SafeWork NSW: Ladders (last updated December 2025, checked September 2026)
FAQs
How do painters stop a ladder sliding along the gutter?
Secure the top with a gutter clamp on a sound gutter, or tie it to a rigid support, and move the ladder rather than reaching sideways.
What if there’s no gutter, only fascia?
Tie the ladder to a rigid support on the structure, or use a standoff to hold it off the surface. Don’t rely on the ladder resting against the fascia alone.
How far can I reach from a ladder?
SafeWork NSW says never lean or reach away from the ladder. If you need to reach further, climb down and move the ladder.
How far should the ladder extend above the eave?
If you’re using the ladder to access the roof, SafeWork NSW’s pocket guide says at least 1 metre above the landing. While painting, don’t climb or work past the second-last rung.
Can I move the ladder while I’m on it?
No. Climb all the way down first. SafeWork NSW says to stay facing the ladder and climb to the bottom rung before stepping off.
Can I use a gutter clamp on any gutter?
No. Use it only if the gutter is stable and you are prepared to rest a ladder on it.
Related Reading
Moving the ladder along the house all day?
