"Jules Richardson" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 20 Oct 2011 06:55:32 -0700, Andy wrote:

On Oct 20, 7:51 am, dgk wrote:
I have an aluminum extension ladder that I use every other year or so
to get on the roof, otherwise it takes up space in the garage. Can I
just leave it under the deck in the backyard? It will get wet but
shouldn't rust although I guess the rope that operates the extension
will rot and need to be replaced. Will the mechanism itself develop
problems?

Andy replies:

I leave mine outside and , after many years, have noticed no
deterioration in the metal.... HOWEVER, I use mine mostly for cleaning
out gutters, and have some shag carpet duct taped around the top 2 feet
so it won't scratch the gutter that U set it against..... That
deteriorates.... I am considering just making some carpet "sleeves" that
I can slip on an off.....

You can get rubber 'boots' that slip over the ends of the ladder for just
that purpose (although I suppose, being at the top, they should be called
gloves :-)

I normally just tie some cloth or something around the ends as/when
needed, though.
Jules

The boots are for if the ends are leaning against the structure. You should
always have the rungs _above_ the gutter if cleaning gutters. Having the
end of the ladder against the gutter, is a disaster waiting to happen. In
other words, the boots are pretty much useless when cleaning gutters.