When choosing ladders, there are two things to look for; is it right for the job and is it the safest choice? Whether you’re cleaning the guttering or cleaning the windows, there are a few things to consider. For instance, what size ladder do I need for a 2-storey house?
If you live in a bungalow, you’ll have an easier time of it. Your humble stepladders might be enough to get the job done. But most people live in 2-storey houses, so stepladders just won’t cut it. 2-storey properties are between 4.7 and 5.8 metres (15.5-19ft) tall, so you’ll need a ladder that allows you to safely reach that height.
What size ladder will I need?
You can’t exactly whip out a tape measure and measure the distance from the ground to your roof or first-floor windows. So how do you work out what size ladder you will need? Well, consider the height of your ceilings. The average ceiling height is about 2.35m, so double that for a 2-storey house for a ground to eaves distance of 4.7m. However, for safety remember to add about a metre to the height you’ll be working at so you don’t overreach.
What’s the perfect ladder for a 2-storey house?
As well as checking that your ladder extends to the right height, you need to think about what you’ll be using it for.
For example, will you be using it near electrical wiring or similar hazards? Then you might want to think about choosing a fibreglass extension ladder. Standard extension ladders have an aluminium frame that conducts electricity whereas fibreglass ladders are insulated to keep you safe. So as well as considering what size ladder you’ll need, you need to think about the materials it’s made from
Another thing worth thinking about is the ease of use and whether the ladder is easy to store. Many ladders designed for 2-storey houses like double or triple extension ladders extend and collapse easily. They also fold up for compact storage in the garage or a works van, unlike single ladders.
When thinking about what size ladder you might need for a job, extension ladders are a sensible investment. They are so versatile that they might end up being the only ladders you need for your 2-storey house.
I’m going to be working on my roof a lot – what size ladder do I need?
For most jobs, you can opt for a versatile all-rounder like an extension ladder. However, if you’re going to be doing a lot of work on your roof, it might be worth investing in a roof ladder. Roof ladders have a hook that keeps you secure while you work, and bearers that spread the load across your roof tiles.
We hope we’ve helped you decide on what size ladder you need for your 2-storey house. For more advice and interesting articles on all things ladders, check out the rest of our blog.