Whether you’re a homeowner who needs to clean your gutter or a tradesperson who works at height, choosing the right ladder is important. Whatever job you need to do, telescopic ladders are a great choice. Let’s look at why a telescopic ladder is the ladder you need.
What is a telescopic ladder?
It is a ladder that’s made up of overlapping sections that enable the ladder to extend and collapse on itself.
Why choose a telescopic ladder?
You can adjust a telescopic ladder can to the exact length you need for the job. The ladder’s design allows you to pull out the number of sections you need. This makes it a versatile choice, whether you’re climbing into the loft or pruning a tree in the garden. The fact that its length can be customised gives it an advantage over other types of ladders. There are other benefits too, like:
They are versatile
As we mentioned, a telescopic ladder is useful for loads of different jobs, no matter the height. It’s also suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Whether you need it for painting, cleaning your gutters or cleaning windows you are covered.
Telescopic ladders are easy to transport and store
This is one of the biggest selling points of a telescopic ladder. The rungs collapse on each other so it’s easy to fold up and store. Some models can retract to a small enough size to fit in a car boot or a cupboard under the stairs. This makes them a perfect choice for space poor homeowners or for workmen who don’t want a ladder taking up their entire van. Made from aluminium, they are strong but lightweight enough to move between jobs.
They’re a durable choice
They will last you a long time as long as you store them somewhere clean and dry. Because they are easy to fold up and store out of the way, they are much less likely to incur damage too.
Using a telescopic ladder safely
Because of the moving parts, there are some things to pay attention to when using a telescopic ladder. Follow the usual pre-use safety checks like:
- Checking the stiles, rungs and feet
- Stabilising the ladder before you climb
- Setting it at the right angle and making sure the feet are secure
But pay particular attention to the locking mechanisms:
- Make sure they lock in place before using the ladder
- Don’t touch the mechanisms while you’re on the ladder
Buying a telescopic ladder
When you’re buying a ladder, safety is the number one priority. Always buy from a reputable company and look out for ladders that meet the EN-131 standard. It is not legally required, however, it does show that a ladder is safe and fit for its purpose.
We hope that we’ve answered some of your questions on why a telescopic ladder is the ladder you need. If you’d like more tips and articles on all things ladders, check out the rest of our blog.