Extension Ladders
- Thread starter Soft Cars
- Start date
If you weigh less than 100 kilos, you could do with a 30 foot ladder so that you keep most of the length needed covered by 2 layers of ladder - keeps the ladder rigid and trust me, you don't want it flexing when you're up there.
A 28 foot would do it, but I like my 1AA 32 footer, a lot less flexing/bending.
A 24' ladder will be fine. Keep in mind while a longer ladder is a more stable when it's not extended far, but it is heavier, and if you're moving that ladder around all day the added weight takes its toll. A type 1A 24' ladder is rated for 300 lbs. and is nice and stable, unlike the typical homeowner grade garbage ladders are. If you're over 300 lbs, or afraid, get a type 1AA ladder, that's rated to 375 lbs. Type 1A and 1AA ladders aren't cheap, but they're worth it if you use a ladder a lot.
24 footer. I agree with all the feedback around bending flexing and a better rated 1A or 1AA ladder. That said I hate heights and have the middle grade homeowners ladder and it’s not terrible at my weight 170 lbs to 190 lbs.
Edit: Correction, mine is a heavy duty type 1 aluminum. Rated to 250lbs (24 footer). I would have sprung for a 1A or 1AA at the time but this was a crazy deal IIRC.
https://www.wernerco.com/us/support/how-to-choose-a-ladder/ladder-height
Edit: Correction, mine is a heavy duty type 1 aluminum. Rated to 250lbs (24 footer). I would have sprung for a 1A or 1AA at the time but this was a crazy deal IIRC.
https://www.wernerco.com/us/support/how-to-choose-a-ladder/ladder-height
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Use a ladder brace/standoff for stability, safety and to prevent gutters from being damaged.
They can help. A couple of things to keep in mind though, they add weight, and if the ladder is extended as you climb the ladder, it twists slightly with each step you take because it is off of the house. That can spook someone who is not familiar with using a ladder stabilizer. If you climb it fast it can feel like it twists and bounces, depending on how high the ladder is extended.
If you work on grass or dirt make sure it is level and firm. Fold the ladder shoes up so the spur tip is facing the ground, place the ladder where you want it and drive those tips into the ground and bottom the ladder. Test it for stability before climbing.
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A 24’ foot ladder is long enough, easily found and not nearly as heavy or expensive as a 32 footer.
I had to laugh…….it reminded me of the eternal question:
”What……is the air-speed velocity of an unladen Swallow?”
Sorry, I digress………
I have a 24' fiberglass 1AA ladder for almost the same height. It works very well for things like clearing the gutters of leaves & debris. To ensure it would be level, I installed a self-leveling leg kit. Otherwise, the ladder would be worthless on any kind of bump or unevenness in the landscape.
I use ladders all the time in my aviation job. DO NOT cheap out. I know a number of folks who have fallen (including myself, from just a few feet). I was exceptionally fortunate to have ducked and rolled.
