Choose a ladder that matches the dimensions of your home and allow for at least one meter above the highest point at which you expect to work. A ladder that reaches 7-8 meters is ideal, and the best overall option is the Gorilla 22-Foot MPXA 2.0 Multi-Position Ladder. The Rubbermaid 3-Step Aluminum Stool With Project Tray is also a great buy.
To make the right decision for your project, consider factors such as the size of the ladder, the materials used, the duty rating of the ladder, and the style. Type 3 ladders start at a weight capacity of 200 pounds and are recommended only for indoor household use. Type 1AA is the most sturdy ladder with a load capacity of 200 pounds.
The Lyte EN131-2 Professional 2 Section Extension Ladder has different sizes, including open height (3.30-9.90m) and closed height (2.46-25.42m). For indoor tasks like pruning trees or trimming hedges, a small stepladder is often enough. For roof access, a ladder that is at least 20-24 feet in length should suffice.
When choosing an attic ladder, it is important to reach at least one meter further than the highest point you intend to work at. For an average two-story house in the UK, the normal height to the eaves will be 4.7m, so an extension ladder between 6.5m-8m long is needed. Different projects and tasks may require ladders of varying styles, sizes, grades, and materials.
In summary, choosing the right ladder depends on the specific task and the dimensions of your home. By understanding the four key elements when choosing the right ladder, you can ensure your ladder is sturdy, easy to store, and suitable for your needs.
📹 The BEST Ladder for DIY!
In today’s video I will be showing you what I think is the best combination ladder on the market. You can buy me a coffee here …
What is the 4 to 1 ladder rule?
The 4 to 1 rule stipulates that the base of a ladder should be situated at a distance of one foot from the building for every four feet of height from where it rests against the building.
What size ladder for a 2 story house?
The recommended ladder size for two-story houses is a 6 or 7 metre double extension ladder, which allows for safe access to windows, gutters, and other exterior maintenance tasks. However, every house is unique, and a 7 metre ladder may not be sufficient for all tasks. If your house is exceptionally tall or has a unique architectural design, a triple extension ladder may be necessary. Consultation with a professional is recommended to assess your specific needs and recommend the appropriate ladder size.
Safety is the top priority when working with ladders, so follow manufacturer’s instructions, inspect the ladder for damage, and ensure it is placed on a stable and level surface. By choosing the right ladder and using it correctly, you can complete your two-story house maintenance tasks efficiently and safely.
How do I work out what size ladder I need?
Choose a ladder that matches your home’s dimensions, aiming for a height of 7-8 meters. Double-extending ladders can be up to 4. 5 meters long when closed, while triple-extending ladders are ideal for limited storage space. Combination ladders are suitable for various household tasks like decorating and cleaning, and can be used in various formats like steps, short ladders, stairwell work platforms, or low-level staging.
When using a combination ladder on a staircase, ensure it is securely fixed and clamp strips of scrap wood across the stair treads to prevent ladder feet from slipping off. This will make it easier to match your ladder to the task at hand.
What size ladder is best for home use?
A 6-foot step ladder is suitable for most homes, with a reach height of about 4 feet higher than a stepladder. Extension ladders, which lean against a house and can reach very tall heights, are suitable for tasks along the exterior of a house or up on the roof, such as painting, window and gutter cleaning, siding work, or roof repair. They consist of two identical ladders, nested within a base section, and can extend upward and lock at the desired height using an integrated pulley system.
A 28-foot extension ladder is sized for a typical two-story house, with a maximum reach of 27 to 28 feet. It works with roofs that are 21 feet high or less, as three rungs need to extend beyond the roofline to act as a handhold. Werner offers a chart to help determine the correct ladder length if your house does not conform to those heights.
How do I choose a ladder for my house?
The use of slip-resistant ladders with rungs or steps is an effective method for preventing accidents. The height of the ladder is contingent upon the specific undertaking, such as a roof-based or kitchen cabinet-based project. In the context of roof-based projects, it is recommended to consider the use of extension, multi-position, or platform ladders. Alternatively, a step stool may be a suitable option for accessing kitchen cabinets.
What is the 4 foot rule for ladders?
The 4 to 1 rule stipulates that the base of a ladder should be situated at a distance of one foot from the building for every four feet of height from where it rests against the building.
What is the 41 ladder rule?
The 4-to-1 rule for ladders is a safety measure that compares the distance of the base from the wall to the height it reaches. For every four feet the ladder reaches, the base must be one foot away from the wall. OSHA has strict requirements for ladder safety, as falls from any height are the second leading cause of workplace fatalities. All ladders must be maintained and free of structural and stability-related hazards. Regular inspections are necessary to check for defects that could affect their safe use, and if found, the ladder cannot be used again until repaired or replaced.
What size ladder do I need for a 3 story house UK?
To ensure safety, it is recommended that your ladder should reach at least one meter further than the highest point you plan to work at. For instance, if you need to access a gutter of a 9-meter tall house, your extension ladder should be at least 10 meters tall. If you only need to access a third-floor window, 8 or 9-meter ladders should be sufficient. However, if you plan to work on the roof of your property, a roof ladder is recommended due to its specially designed hook edges for extra stability.
What is the 41 rule on ladders?
It is recommended that the base of the ladder be positioned one foot away from the wall for every four feet of height, with a 75° angle maintained between the wall and the ladder. This will ensure a safe and level working environment.
What size ladder do I need to paint my house?
It is recommended by contractors that extension ladders extend 8-10 feet longer than the highest area for painting, as every rung below the 4th highest is considered safe. Furthermore, it is of paramount importance to utilize ladders with non-slip feet in indoor settings to mitigate the risk of slippage on tile or hardwood floors during tasks that require working at elevated heights.
What ladders should a homeowner have?
This article outlines the top 10 types of ladders for every homeowner in 2023, including step ladders, extension ladders, telescoping ladders, platform ladders, attic ladders, multi-position ladders, folding ladders, and rolling ladders. Step ladders are a must-have for homeowners, offering a stable and versatile solution for various tasks. They have a self-supporting A-frame design, allowing them to stand independently without leaning against a wall or support structure. This makes them ideal for indoor tasks like changing light bulbs or reaching high shelves.
Step ladders are known for their stability, as they have wide, flat steps that provide a secure platform for users to stand on. The A-frame design ensures the ladder will not tip over or wobble, and many have safety features like non-slip treads and handrails. Additionally, step ladders come in various sizes, from compact models easily stored in a closet or under a bed to larger models up to 20 feet high. Some models even come with added features like trays for holding tools or paint cans, making them an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts.
In conclusion, choosing the right ladder type for your needs is crucial for safety and efficiency. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top 10 ladder types for homeowners in 2023, ensuring that you choose the right ladder for your needs.
📹 Werner – D1200-2 Extension Ladders
The D1200-2 Aluminum Extension Ladders have a duty rating of 225 pounds and interlocking side rails. The TRACTION-TRED® …
Hi Charlie am a window cleaner of forty years and still going up ladders and fo the life of me can’t understand why ladder manufacturers still put the rungs at that awful angle so you are standing on the point of the rungs.all they need do is rotate them slightly and then they would be much more comfy on the feet.just my two pennies worth Charlie.tim in notts
Great article! Personally I avoid sticking my leg through ladders. My reason being that no matter how study it feels, there is always a slight chance of falling and if you have your legs wrapped around the rungs your chances of avoiding injury are slim. But maybe that’s just coz I’m being too sketchy in the first place. Sure lots of h&s bozos will jump down your throught for that one eh!
Thanks for another very informative article. That looks like a great ladder providing the ground is reasonably even and flat. I frequently find I need to pack under one side of a ladder to get it vertical and prevent it rocking. Have you tried any of the ladder accessories that provide a stabilising/levelling feature?
After seeing your article I bought the 3m version, my gutters are 5m high and I can not get far enough back to use a conventional extension ladder. It feels very unnatural to step up past the top of the step ladder part. How many steps can you safely go up beyond the top of the steps or how do you build the confidence to climb up to the 2 steps above the step ladder part ?
Oh goodness me, ladder not fixed or tied to guttering at top ( can see on article how it moves!). No feature for using on sloping ground at bottom, it is bound to move when using above head height. Locking your leg through rungs means you will fall down with the ladder on top of you, yes you will break an arm or leg which is probably survivable, but when you hit your head on the ground, suffering a fractured skull – is a different story. When climbing a ladder above your head height you should always wear a tightened safety helmet or even a bicycle helmet ! Do you know how many fractured skull occur each year from falling off ladders be you a DIY or ‘professional’ ??
It does look interesting but you standing on the first small ladder on the top rung had me wondering. standing near the top at 5:58 did not build confidence without a ground spotter. Had this ladder had two wide stabilizers on both footings I would have felt better. I had some sure foots on my roof today, they could walk up anything and be safe in my book. This unit is very close to being right but missing a leg and not enough spread for the average consumer/person tilt wise. The real pro; ladder wise; does not need any of this. Although the real ladder pro would buy it and use it when needed. Tweaks and a ladder I would purchase. Two stabilizers rather then one and an option to have much wider stabilizers; not the one as shown. Security for the faint of heart and more sales. Options for a ladder. Options for the ladder.
Very informative article once again, Charlie. I’ve been contemplating buying a ladder for some time but they were either too long/heavy or too short/light. I need it for pruning climbing plants as well as maintenance over a canopy at the front of my home. Nothing I’d seen previously looked like it would do all of this until I spotted your review. I’ve checked its price here and as someone else mentioned in the comments below, it’s around €220. Thanks again for posting the review…I’ve gotten some fabulous insights and gems of wisdom from your experience for which I’m eternally grateful. By the way, nice haircut… 😉👍🏼
Charlie I agree they look like a pretty sturdy ladder, as you know a lot of Ladder accidents happen through sideway slipping by over reaching, that could happen even with those Ladders you are higher on them, so a pair of sideway support arms would be a good addition, what do you think Charlie. (I know your not support to over reach sideways, but who hasn’t; at some time or other).
Little Giant Extreme i have the 26ft version, so just shy of 8m. Can be used as trestle/scaffolding for when working in conservatory’s, the thing is expensive, but far more stable than most ladders we have used. Also can fit in my 2014 Nissan Leaf, at a squeeze, so ideal when need visit customers and carry out surveys of window systems
Hey Charlie, based upon your recommendations I have just taken delivery of my Youngman Combi 100. I opted for the larger version as I need to get up to a gable end that is about 7m up. The instructions say that the safe working height is 7.47m, so I should have some height to spare. Having said this, I will use extra stabilisers on the legs and maybe put an eye bolt on the wall to make sure. Thanks for your reviews, they really do help.
I would take a little giant ladder over that. The ladder was visibly rocking a bit in the extended step ladder position. And you were just standing on it. Now imagine pulling or tugging on something you were working on something. No thanks. That rocking can make you lose your balance. Why is it rocking versus a little giant, because it only has a wide stance on one side of the ladder unlike the little giant where all 4 legs are wide and made of aircraft aluminum making it far more rigid and stronger. Plus optional leg level standoff and platform to stand on.
Best ladder advice I was given is that if the ladder is going to fall (when you are not on it and there is no-one else around!) then don’t try to stop it – get out of the way and let it fall. Because the damage it does to whatever it lands on will be trivial compared to the damage it will do if it lands on you!