How do I choose the right extension ladder? While step ladders are self-supporting, extension ladders are leaning ladders or non-self-supporting ladders, meaning they must be positioned against a solid stable surface for support. Extension ladders are used most commonly for exterior work because they can extend to greater heights than step ladders. Extension ladders are assigned the same duty ratings as step ladders to help determine the suitability of the ladder for a specific job (see ratings below.) When selecting your extension ladder height, always factor in the following rules concerning ladder safety:

Never step on the top three steps of an extension ladder. If you will be working outdoors and positioning a ladder against a roof, the top of the ladder should extend three feet above the edge of the roof where the ladder rests (gutters are not a stable surface.) When I'm painting an exterior, I generally use a 16-foot extension ladder for a one-story house and a 24-foot ladder for a two-story house. A two-story house with gabled peaks may require a 28-foot or 32-foot ladder. (Persons inexperienced with ladder use should BEWARE of these heights and consider hiring a professional.) The angle at which to place a ladder should be measured from the bottom of your ladder, which should be positioned approximately one quarter of the ladder's height from the wall (or other stable solid supporting surface.) Always put safety first, as a fall from a ladder can quickly result in severe injury or death. Please refer to the official OSHA website for additional rules of ladder safety.

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Do I need a wooden, fiberglass or alumimum ladder?

Ladders are made from three primary types of material: wood, fiberglass and aluminum. The material from which a ladder is made affects its performance in terms of stability, durability and ease or awkwardness of movement when repositioning the ladder. Since frequently extension ladders are higher (longer) than step ladders, weight and maneuverability become more of a consideration. Fiberglass ladders are heavy and somewhat awkward to move but are stable and durable. Aluminum ladders are lighter and more maneuverable but can in my experience be more prone to flexing, particularly the taller ones. Aluminum ladders also have the undesirable trait of conducting electricity, a major deterrent if you are working around power lines, electrical boxes or uncovered outlets. Fiberglass, a non-conductor of electricity is the safest material for those conditions. For a more thorough discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of ladder materials, see our section on Step Ladders.

Ladder accessories

Accessorize your ladder: Go to any hardward store and it quickly becomes evident that the line of equipment and accessories designed to increase the ladder's safety, versatility and effectiveness is expanding. What's hype and what's helpful? Here are our tips. Do I need leveling feet on my ladder? Yes, it is a good idea. All of my extension ladders are fitted with leveling feet. The leveling feet are somewhat pricy but well worth it if you have to postion your ladder on anything other than perfectly level, stable ground. The feet are easy to put on and greatly increase stability and safety. They are well worth the investment. Werner and Louisville offer ladder levelers for between $50 and $75.

Need a Step Ladder?   How to Pick the Best Step Ladder for the Job

Ladder pads, ladder mits and ladder covers: Ladder pads, also known as ladder mitts or ladder covers, are made of spongy material that fits over the top end of an extension ladder to prevent the ladder from scraping the wall against which the ladder is leaning. Ladder pads and mitts, or covers as they are sometimes called, can be purchased for as little as $10 to $15 and are worth it. Ladder mitts, pads and covers can potentially decrease a painting work load by preventing damage to the job.

Ladder jacks: Ladder jacks are heavy-duty metal clamps that are mounted onto the rungs of each of two parallel ladders for the purpose of linking the ladders with a perpendicular plank, creating a simple form of scaffolding. Ladder jacks are adjustable and can accommodate planks up to 20" wide. Ladder jacks are not inexpensive, commonly ranging from $80 to $200 and up, but they do provide a viable alternative to long hours of working off a ladder. Werner, Louisville, Northern Tool and Qual-Craft are a few of the makers of ladder jacks. Ladder jacks are adjustable and fit both flat and round ladder rungs. Werner makes Short Body Aluminum Ladder Jacks for up to 14 inches in width and Long Body Aluminum Ladder Jacks for up to 20 inches in width. Either sets of jacks works with Werner's telescoping aluminum plank. The 8-foot to 15-foot expandable plank has a 250-pound duty rating and costs around $250.

Duty Ratings: Always remember that the maximum load referred to in these ratings includes your body weight in addition to the weight of your tools and materials.

Type III--200 pounds--Household;

Type II--225 pounds--Professional;

Type I--250 pounds--Commercial;

Type IA--300 pounds--Industrial;

Type IAA--375 pounds--Industrial