Can You Lean a Ladder Against Vinyl Siding? The Surprising Answer

There are many benefits covering your wall with vinyl sidings stand to offer you. They are durable, affordable, quick to install, and easy to maintain.

However, during the process of installing the vinyl siding, our equipment, especially the ladders, might damage the surface of the siding by scraping or scratching it. Nobody wants brand new vinyl siding that is already scratched and may have lost its appeal or attractive features.

Your vinyl siding may not dent, but if you expose it to sharp edges and objects, it can crack. Your vinyl siding may also crack if it comes in one of the most common reasons it will crack is because it is hit with a heavy object, like hail or something the wind carried through during a storm.

Avoid storing heavy items near your siding, where they could make contact and crack it. If you have a crack in your siding, it’s best to have that piece replaced right away to avoid further damage.

Don’t forget, you should also keep tree limbs and shrubs away from the siding because their branches tend to scratch nearby surfaces.

Can You Lean a Ladder Against Vinyl Siding?

Is there a way around this? Can you install your siding and at the same time protect it from being scratched?

If you are one of those that may have no other option than to lean either your fiberglass, wooden, or aluminum ladder on the surface of the siding to install it, and you are worried about damaging your siding, you shouldn’t worry anymore.

There are ways you can attach your ladder to the vinyl siding without damaging the surface or it leading to occupational hazards.

How Do You Attach an Extension Ladder to Vinyl Siding?

Using ladders to install your vinyl siding often seems to be the easiest and most feasible way. Luckily, the process does not have to spell doom for your siding.  There are two very common ways of preventing vinyl siding damage.

The first involves fashioning a soft cloth like a towel at the top of the ladder for it to cushion the effect of the ladder on the vinyl siding and prevent it from scratching the surface.

You must however be very careful when using this method while you are at the top of the ladder, or whether you are in the process of climbing it. Ensure that the ladder is balanced and without any danger of slipping or falling.

In some cases, it is not only the edge that causes scratches on your vinyl siding. Different sharp or protruding points on the ladder could also scratch the vinyl while you climb.

To avoid this, you can also use sufficient tape to wrap every sharp edge or protrusion of the ladder. Although this method is not 100% scratch-proof as the edge could tear through the tape at any time, it significantly reduces the scratches on the surface if there are any at all.

How to Lean a Ladder Against Vinyl Siding without Damaging?

This involves strict adherence to the proper use of ladders and ensuring that you follow every safety precaution in the book to avoid tumbling from the top of the ladder which may also result in vinyl siding damage.

Below are steps on how to use your ladder without damaging the vinyl siding;

1. Select the Right Ladder for The Job

Many vinyl siding damages result from using ladders that are either shorter or significantly longer than the target point and can result in scratches and cracks on your siding. You must measure the height of the target and select either a self-supporting ladder or an extension ladder to complete the project.

2. Pad the EdPad the Edges of The Ladder with Any Soft Cloth

To avoid scratches, pad the tips of the ladder with any soft towel or cloth. Ensure no tip or edge of the ladder that can scratch the siding is protruding.

3. Set the Ladder Properly

Now you have padded the ladder, setting it up at the right angle and on the right footing is the next important step. Begin by placing the ladder in a 4:1 leaned position.

A simple way you can check if you have properly set up the ladder in the best position is to stand by the ladder with your feet touching its base and then extending your arm fully and checking to see if your fingers touch a ladder rung.

4. Use the Ladder Properly

You must use the ladder properly to protect your vinyl siding. When you climb the ladder, do not be distracted or attempt any fancy moves. Any equipment or carry-on you need to complete the project must be properly attached to the ladder or be let away from the siding so as not to damage the siding.

Read More: Do You Need Someone To Hold A Ladder

How Can You Protect Your Siding?

Using the best vinyl protectant is important in ensuring your vinyl siding keeps its new look and remains crack-free. When you do decide to buy, ensure you go for a standard vinyl protectant.

This can often be a little tricky as there are numerous vinyl protectants out there in the market. Most of these products come with harsh chemicals that end up destroying your siding rather than protecting it.

Do not fret however, there’s an easy way to avoid buying products with dangerous chemicals in them. All you have to do is take a look at the ingredients section and look out for alcohol or any harsh abrasives.

If the protectant comes with either or both, then be rest assured that instead of protecting your siding you will weaken it or scratch it.

Conclusion

Finally, if after doing all you could to avoid cracks or scratches and still your siding ends up being damaged, ensure you replace it as soon as possible.

It is far easier and cheaper to repair just a section of your siding rather than replacing the whole thing. Also, ensure to periodically clean stains or remove any dirt that may stick to your sidings.