Always account for one metre above the highest point you'll expect to work so you'll never be left ladder-less. Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer double, triple and rope operated extension ladders, all of which are incredibly easy to use.
What does GRP stand for? It's strong, incredibly lightweight and, as we discussed previously, highly non-conductive and incombustible. This means that GRP ladders are ideal for industrial use or for use around electrical or fire hazards. As far as compact ladders go, you can't get more compact than a telescopic ladder! Working in a similar way to binoculars or a telescope where the name originates , these ladders can be packed down to a very small size when they're not in use. This style of ladder is perfect for people with limited space, or for people who need to reach tall height on the move.
They can fit comfortably into most car boots, cupboards and vans. If you're going to need to use your ladder regularly and for a range of different jobs, then a combination ladder is ideal for you. Combining the functionality of a step ladder, an extension ladder and a stairwell work platform, you're really investing in a good all-rounder.
Both parts of the combination ladder can be adjusted to suit different heights and can even be spread across multiple levels for access above stairways, something that most other ladders are unable to offer!
The Werner Reform Ladder shown above is one of our favourites because it features comfortable D-shaped rungs and can be used in any environment. View all of our combination ladders by clicking the button below. Here are some other important things to remember:.
If the surface is soft, lay down a large wooden board to spread the load. Shop step ladders. If you need a steady platform to work just above head height, a simple step-up is a good solution. They're sturdy and easy to handle, and some come with a handle - which is ideal if you feel unsteady. When you need to go beyond the reach of your trusty stepladder, it's time to buy, hire or borrow a ladder. If you need to put your ladder on an uneven patch of ground, try bolting some stabilisers to the bottom of both sides to stop it rocking.
It's also very dangerous to rest your ladder against guttering. Instead, hook a metal stand-off to the top of the ladder to hold it away from the wall, so that it's weight doesn't rest on the gutter.
A proper roof ladder is a must, even if you're just planning some minor repairs for your roof. It has wheels on one side and hooks on the other. Stand on an ordinary ladder and push the wheeled side of your roof ladder up the roof. Then turn it over and slide the hooks down onto the ridge tiles to hold it in place. Don't be tempted to walk across the tiles or slates though, as this will damage them - and you could slip off.
For larger jobs on a roof, you must - by law - put up proper scaffolding. If you need to work at height, but not on a roof, a simple extension ladder can be a good solution as this will allow you to safely reach a number of working heights outdoors. For example, steps on some 6-foot stepladders—the most popular type—bent under a higher-weight version of the industry's step-strength test we used to account for the stresses of climbing and weight-shifting.
And we found that even the most stable stepladders twisted enough for their feet to "walk" slightly when we stood on them and simulated the weight shifting typical when painting or sanding. Some telescoping and multi-use ladders could also crush hands and fingers, and had feet that slid out easily. Which type of ladder you choose should depend on the chores you do most often, inside or out. If you clean your own gutters, you'll need a taller ladder than you would if you are dusting a chandelier.
Here are the types of ladders to consider. Stepladders These uncomplicated and relatively light A-shaped ladders are best for tasks relatively near the ground maximum standing height ranges from about 45 to 54 inches for 6-foot models. A folding shelf typically holds tools or paint. But stepladders tend to be less rigid than multiuse ladders, and you can't use them on stairs.
Some may have pinch points at the spreader bars. Multiuse Ladders These multi-folding ladders are designed to be versatile: They can act like a stepladder or an extension ladder and even a scaffold, and can be used on stairs. Multiuse ladders typically reach 12 to 15 feet as straight ladders and tend to be more rigid than stepladders while requiring less storage space than an extension ladder.
But they're relatively heavy and pricey, and harder to set up with their multiple locking points. Models that extend beyond 17 feet can also be extremely difficult for one person to safely lift, maneuver, and fully extend. Extension Ladders These are your first choice for projects more than 17 feet off the ground.
Extension ladders typically are light for their length and relatively easy to set up. And they're more rigid than multiuse models used as straight ladders.
But they work only in a straight configuration and require ample storage space. What's more, some telescoping models can pose a crushing hazard to hands and fingers if you let them collapse too quickly. After deciding on the type of ladder you need, consider the ladder features you'll want. Here are the major ones to consider. What They're Made of Aluminum ladders weigh the least, but they conduct electricity and should never be used near power lines or other voltage sources; choose a fiberglass or wooden ladder for those situations.
And remember that any ladder, regardless of material, can conduct electricity when it's wet. Size Choose a ladder high enough for the job—one that doesn't require you to reach up in a way that destabilizes the ladder.
Indeed, stepping above a ladder's labeled maximum height significantly increases the odds of an accident. An extension ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the roofline or work surface.
We found that both setups are successful and very stable. Werner is a well-respected name in ladders, and the D has stellar customer feedback on the Home Depot site.
This reception is not surprising, as the majority of the ladders I used in construction were Werner models. The Werner costs a serious chunk of change, but a ladder, even one that you use only a few times a year, is worth the investment.
The Werner D has the length, build, and weight rating to handle any household task and perform in an emergency. The ladder weighs 60 pounds, so most roof racks should be able to handle the weight.
We recommend using a strong tie-down system, such as ratchet straps, to prohibit any movement of the ladder during transportation. Like any foot extension ladder, the Werner D is heavy.
Our recommendation is to educate yourself on the proper techniques for carrying and setting up an extension ladder. Storing a foot ladder can pose difficulties, as well. The two ladders have the same weight rating, the same general build, and similar safety shoes. Where the Werner model edges out the Louisville model is in its availability in stores. If you want delivery and need to purchase online, the Werner and Louisville ladders both cost more. You can find a number of add-on accessories that make an extension ladder easier and safer to use, including stabilizers, ladder mitts, and leveling legs.
A stabilizer is a particularly useful accessory to have for an extension ladder. This wide U-shaped bar attaches to the top of the fly ladder and braces the ladder off the house, preventing damage. Ladder mitts are nothing more than little rubbery end caps for the rails on the fly section.
The Werner AC pair is well worth its typically minimal investment. If the ground around your house is uneven, levelers can be helpful. These accessories attach to the feet of the ladder and extend independently, so you can position the ladder properly.
The LeveLoks are the only levelers we found that offer a pivoting safety shoe, and they have fantastic customer feedback at Amazon. Since the legs can accommodate adjustments up to 10 inches, you could set the ladder perpendicular on a flight of stairs. Either option is better than the lazy fix—setting a ladder leg on a couple of bricks—which Wirecutter editor Harry Sawyers once used to ascend from a lower roof to an upper roof on a historic house he was restoring. He survived. The Little Giant King Kombo Articulating Fiberglass Step Ladder available in sizes ranging from 4 to 8 feet and the Werner Leansafe available in sizes ranging from 4 to 12 feet are both step ladders that can be simply converted into extension ladders.
The Little Giant Flip-N-Lite stepladder weighs just 12 pounds about 6 pounds less than the Gorilla but is only aluminum and omits a tool tray. When folded, the Little Giant MicroBurst stepladder is notably thin at just 3 inches thick 1 inch less than our pick.
It also has a Type IA, pound weight rating. Also, the current cost of this model is slightly higher than what the Werner typically sells for. The reach on this ladder is also only 9 feet, not 10 as on the Gorilla.
The rung locks are typically much more user-friendly on the Select Step. When compared with a regular extension ladder, they have a lot less length adjustability and they tend to flex more. This is the extension ladder we tested for this article, and the truth is, this model would be enough for many people. One significant drawback is that heavier people may go over that weight limit, either on their own or once they get loaded with tools.
All things considered, we decided that stepping up to the pound rating simply makes more sense. Lastly, overall sturdiness appears to be an issue: In this video , a professional window washer gets on one, and you can easily see how much it flexes under his weight as he goes up and down. If you do install a stabilizer on your ladder, it is important to be aware of how much width the accessory adds to the top of the ladder; make sure to give any nearby power lines an extra-wide berth.
How to Choose a Ladder , Werner.
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