House Painting Height Tips

Ladder Handling

• When using a ladder, always allow yourself plenty of time to be intentional in the way you come up and down. Balance and support should always be your first concerns. Having someone hold the ladder will reduce the likelihood of painful or expensive mistakes, such as falls or spilled paint. Choose someone who will stay focused on the job at hand. Set up a rope and bucket for moving small things to the top of tall ladders. Having a way for your helper to send up an extra brush or roll of masking tape can speed up the process.

  If you don't have the ladder you need to do the job safely, rent one from your local tool rental rather than improvise. Check into getting braces to hold the top of the ladder steady against the house as well.

Avoiding the Climb

• Some high spots can be reached from the ground with a little ingenuity and the right tools. Extendable roller handles can reach as high as 20 feet, which is tall enough for many two-story homes. Attach your roller well and load it up with paint to cover as much ground as possible. A brush clamp, or second hand, can be attached to the end of your pole to support a brush. This will allow you to paint edges and details from the ground . Look for them in the paint department of your local home center. Long wands are available for some paint sprayers; check your local tool rental centers. A sprayer can make quick work of house painting; however, they tend to coat thinner than brushes or rollers.

Other Ways to Get Up There

• Some spaces can't be reached from a ladder, and working from a single rung for long periods of time can be impractical. Here are a few suggestions for other ways to reach those hard-to-get-to places.

  Scaffolding can be rented or purchased for use in house painting. Scaffolding provides a much more stable platform to work from, especially in areas that require a lot of sanding or minor repairs, such as caulking. Windows can be used to reach some hard-to-get-to areas. Tie yourself off with a climbing harness before dangling out with your brush in hand. Examine the sill and frame closely to make sure it will support your weight. Working from a lower part of the roof is another way to get where you need to be. Be sure to move slowly and carefully as shingles can be slick. It is a good idea to use a safety harness and rope tied to something sturdy to prevent falls.