Understanding ladders and how to choose the right one

With a good ladder, you tackle all your tasks easily. A ladder is a structure with rungs on hinges or rails used as a step for climbing up or down. It is a must-have item for homeowners and construction professionals. Ladders can be used for various purposes, such as getting to the top and repairing things from the ground. But before buying a ladder, it is important to consider 5 factors that you should be kept in mind while purchasing one.

6 factors to understand before buying a ladder.

1. Ladder use: When buying a ladder, it is important to think about its use and place of use. The use of ladders varies from person to person. Some people may use ladders for cleaning windows while others may use them for transportation and organizing. Place of use: Some ladders are best used indoor, outdoor while others can be used both indoors and outdoors.

2. Height of the ladder: Many people underestimate the importance of considering ladder height when buying a ladder. Height is an important consideration, especially when it comes to ladders that are to be used in different places. The upper limit for a standard 8-foot ladder is about 12 feet. This means that no matter how tall you are, there's a safe place for you to stand at that height. However, if your use case requires a ladder with a shorter upper limit, there are options available on the market like a 10- foot and a 9-foot ladder. The available heights of ladders sizes are 3,4,5,6,7,8,10,12,14,16,20,24,28,32,36, and 40 feet.

3. Ladder type: Popular ladders available in the market are Stepstools, straight ladders, extension ladders, multi-purpose ladders, and multi-position ladders.
a. Step stools: Step stools can range from under 1' to just over 3' in height. They can have just one small step or up to three broad steps. Step stools are perfect for quick use rather than long-term use – they're great for grabbing out-of-reach items from tall cupboards or replacing light bulbs.
b. Step ladders: A step ladder is the most common type of ladder for everyday household use. These versatile, folding ladders have wide steps and a selfsupporting design, which means they don't need to be leaned against anything to stand. Step ladders generally come in a range of heights of up to 8'.
c. Straight ladder: A straight ladder is always straight rather than foldable. Straight ladders need to be leaned against something to stand. Unlike extension ladders, straight ladders have fixed heights of 4' to over 20'. Straight ladders are useful for a wide variety of general household tasks that require moderate to a significant height.
d. Extension ladder: This type of ladder is collapsible and extendable (hence its name), making it versatile and easy to store. Extension ladders are often used for outdoor projects that might require accessing significant heights, like the roof. These ladders are not self-supporting, so they must be propped against a sturdy wall.
e. Multi-position ladders: These types of ladders combine the functions of stepladders, straight ladders, and extendable ladders, making them the most versatile option out there. They can be folded or extended to be either selfsupporting or straight ladders, allowing them to reach a wide range of heights and support a wide variety of tasks.

4. Material of the ladder: The four most common ladder materials are aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and wood.
a. Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a plastic material reinforced by glass fibers that can be introduced in a flattened sheet, interwoven, or randomly. Fiberglass is an incredibly strong, sturdy material.
b. Aluminum: Light, affordable, and durable, aluminum ladders are an excellent choice for homeowners in need of a versatile ladder for everyday use. Because they are so lightweight, they are easy to install, transport, and store.
c. Steel: Steel ladders are a considerable choice for the casual home improver and the home improvement professional. They compete well with aluminum and fiberglass ladders on sturdiness and strength.
d. Wood: Traditional in appearance and design, wood ladders are a good decorative choice. Though they are solid and sturdy, many wood ladders can't hold as much weight as metal ladders. They're ideal for indoor use, as they are very susceptible to moisture damage.

5. Load Capacity: The load capacity is the maximum weight a ladder will hold. Ladders fall into five categories based on how much weight they support: Type IAA ladders (Extra Heavy Duty) hold up to 375 pounds. Type IA ladders (Extra Heavy Duty) hold up to 300 pounds. Type I ladders (Heavy Duty) hold up to 250 pounds. Type II ladders (Medium Duty) hold up to 225 pounds. Type III ladders (Light Duty) hold up to 200 pounds. When determining the load capacity needed for a project, you should factor in the user’s weight, plus the weight of the tools and supplies needed to carry up or store on the ladder (if it has a built-in tray or shelf).

6. Structure of ladder: There are two structures of ladders available: foldable or non-foldable. When choosing the right ladder, you should keep in mind where you want to store it.
As you may expect, your cost will vary depending on your ladder choice. When using ladders, it’s important to understand how to use them. Some safe ladder use includes: • Use the right ladder for the job. • Inspect the ladder before and after use. • Always keep three points of contact with the ladder: two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. • Don't climb while carrying tools; use a tool belt or pull-up bucket on a rope from below. Contact us to get an affordable tool belt. • Wear slip-resistant shoes. • Never have someone climb up to bring you something; only one person should be on a ladder at a time. For more information about ladders, call or send a message, we will be happy to help.