Ladders come in various sizes and types. And using the right type and right size of the ladder for the job is crucial. One, it will help you get the job done efficiently. And two, it can help prevent accidents.
A lot of ladder-related accidents are due to using the wrong type and size of the ladder. And to know the size of the ladder that you should use for your one-story house, it loves a simple computation.
Keep scrolling and we’ll help you find out what size of ladder your need for your one-story house.
How tall of a ladder do I need for a bungalow?
There are three tasks you would often need to do with your bungalow or one-story home. And the site of the ladder that you need would depend on it.
1. Roof inspection or roof repair
An extension ladder of 16-18 feet is what you need. Oftentimes a 2 extension ladder is first for the job.
2. Cleaning the gutters
Gutters are usually 3.3 meters from the ground. So for this task, you need the ladder to extend several steps beyond the gutter. Hence, a ladder that measures 3.95 meters is the ideal choice.
What type of ladder is best? Since you’re going to spend some time wiping off the dirt from the gutter, a combination ladder is the most viable option. It should be a combination of a stepladder and a staircase ladder.
3. Accessing the roof
If you just need to access the roof, a two-section extension ladder or a step ladder would suffice.
Recommended Ladders for Bungalows
These ladders are the best choices to access your one-story home.
1. Werner D1116-2 Extension Ladder
This 16-foot, 2 extension ladder is made of sturdy aluminum material. It’s lightweight, yet durable. And it’s quite easy to maneuver so you’ll be bae to fix your roof problem right away.
It is stable and stays put. And you don’t even have to go over budget for this extension ladder. It can be a go-to ladder for homeowners for simple repair and cleaning jobs.
2. Ohuhu Telescopic Ladder
This telescopic ladder is compact and lightweight. So it’s perfect for those who don’t have much storage space to spare for a ladder. With its non-slip end caps, the ladder is pretty stable and won’t slip. Thus, it’s a great lightweight yet durable ladder that you can use to access the roof.
Remember These
A ladder that’s either too short or too tall are accidents waiting to happen. You can be opening an invitation to accidents should you insist on using the wrong ladder size.
So to spare yourself from a sudden expense and a hospital bill, take note of these.
- Ladders should be placed at a right angle. And you have to follow the 4:1 ratio rule for that.
- The height of the ladder is not indicative of the working height. Thus, a 16 ft leader doesn’t mean that you can use it for a 16 ft bungalow.
- An extension ladder should be 5 or 6 feet longer than the highest resting point of the structure that you’re working on.
- The safe staining level for an extension ladder is 4 rungs down from the top rung.
- If you’re doing extensive work, it’s advisable to tie a ladder on top.
- Always have someone hold the base of the ladder while you’re working on it
- Avoid resting the ladder on a gutter. It can be flimsy. So find a strong supporting structure instead.
How to Calculate the Proper Angle Using the 4:1 Ratio
You have to place the ladder at a proper angle against the wall. It should not be too far away nor too close to the supporting structure. So how would you know?
Use the 4:1 ratio.
Say you’re using a ladder that’s 20 feet. Following the 4:1 ratio, the ladder should be 5 feet away from the wall.
Computation:
20 feet / 4 (4:1 ratio) = 5 (feet )
You can also check this manually by staining the base of the ladder then reaching out your arm towards the rings. You should be able to reach the ladder at shoulder height.
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Tips When Cleaning the Gutter Using an Extension Ladder
- Use the 4:1 ratio to set the ladder at a proper angle.
- If you’re using paint pots or tools, you can get a ladder paint tray.
- Take extra caution if you’re using a pressure washer to clean the gutter. The sudden burst of force can make you off balance.
- Take a regular 30-minute break when cleaning the gutters. And regularly resize and re-angle the extension ladder.
- Do not overreach, it’s easy to forget this if you’re busy cleaning the gutters. So it’s wise to tie a belt buckle in between the stiles.
- Never use a short ladder. It should be three rungs from the top of the supporting structure.
- If you’re using a step ladder, your knees should be below the steps.
FAQ’s:
What’s the danger if a ladder is placed too steep to the wall?
There is a high risk of the ladder tipping over.
What will happen if the ladder is placed too far away from the wall or supporting structure?
If the ladder is too frayed away, it can slip backward.
What are the best ladders to use for one story house and bungalows?
A 2 section extension ladder or a telescoping ladder are great options. Alternatively, you can also use combination ladders that can be used as a platform and a stepladder.
Conclusion
When cleaning the gutters and fixing basic problems with your roof, you don’t necessarily commission a pro. Most homeowners do DIY repair on their roofs. And to get the job done safely and efficiently you need to know the right ladder height for the structure that you’re working on.
So, What size of the ladder do you need for a one-story house? Our simple guide will help you determine that.