Best Ladder(s) for Northeast Florida Homes

**Kurt Stein** · 08-10-2017, 06:59 AM

Hi guys,

I know this post has probably been discussed a dozen times or more by now, but I'm wondering what you all would suggest regarding which ladder I should purchase. I'm new to the business, and located in Florida so there are mainly 1-story ranch-style homes, but quite a bit of newly built 2 story homes as well. I would like a ladder that is lightweight and as maneuverable as possible, and preferably easily stored.

The lightweight aluminum telescoping type caught my eye. What do you guys think? And what do you guys think about carrying 2 or 3 different ladders for different applications?

Looking for the best bang for the buck.

Thanks guys!!
Kurt

Similar Threads:

**Gunnar Alquist** · 08-10-2017, 08:17 AM

Kurt,

As you have indicated, best bet is to do a search here in the archives. Lots of information.

I used a type III aluminum extension ladder and a 6' fiberglass stepladder for probably 13-14 years. These are the lightest of the bunch, but the extension ladder will require a rack. I carried one on my CRV for years. Length of the extension will depend on how high your 2 story homes are.

I have since switched to two Little Giant ladders. The 17' classic and 13' Alta. Not nearly as lightweight, but both fit in the back of my CRV and will probably fit in a large number of crossover and SUVs. Not as tall as a 24 extension, but gets me on the vast majority of roofs.

The Telesteps and Little Giant ladders are pretty hefty, but have versatility advantages over extension and step.

Seriously consider getting some fall protection equipment. Guardian makes the 10808 which attaches to a rafter tail and prevents the top of the ladder from moving when you get on and off at the roof.

**ROBERT YOUNG** · 08-10-2017, 04:18 PM

Hello, Kurt.
Best to your enterprise.

I recommend staying far away from telescoping ladders.
1: Poor foot stability. 2: Locking mechanism failure.

Mr. Jeffrey posted about there poor safety record in 2010. http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i...g-ladders.html

Extension ladders. class II is what I mostly used over 40 years.
Now I use Little Giant style ladders. 13' or 17'.

Remember, we do not have to mount roof tops. A good camera will do.

Best.
Robert

**Jerry Peck** · 08-10-2017, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

Remember, we do not have to mount roof tops. A good camera will do.

Many inspector will disagree with you on that.

Now, if you had said 'SoP do not require' getting on roofs ... that would be one thing, but "do not have to" is a different animal and means different things to different people, and in many markets, not getting on a roof is the fastest way to go out of business before you even get started.

Especially single story houses. And two story houses with easy to reach second story roofs.

**ROBERT YOUNG** · 08-11-2017, 01:42 AM

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Many inspector will disagree with you on that.

While some may agree, while others not, SoP is Sop. All that's required. A/The minimum required when doing a home inspection.

Note: There is no minimum height requirement for mounting roof tops.

If that/the many, you refer to, mount rooftop's of all angles/slopes/pitches and coverings, with ice, snow, when raining, I would disagree with you, but again.

All that's required, as well as in dangerous or where conditions may lead to damaged surfaces, SoP is all that is required. Those whom wish to do SoP, are covering their liability.

If can observe a roof, have a good camera with zoom, and know what to look for/at, SoP is all that is required. The rest is covered under, limitations.

**Jerry Peck** · 08-11-2017, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

While some may agree, while others not, SoP is Sop. All that's required. A/The minimum required when doing a home inspection.

Note: There is no minimum height requirement for mounting roof tops.

If that/the many, you refer to, mount rooftop's of all angles/slopes/pitches and coverings, with ice, snow, when raining, I would disagree with you, but again.

All that's required, as well as in dangerous or where conditions may lead to damaged surfaces, SoP is all that is required. Those whom wish to do SoP, are covering their liability.

If can observe a roof, have a good camera with zoom, and know what to look for/at, SoP is all that is required. The rest is covered under, limitations.

You changed from "don't have to" to using "required", two different things, and that is what I was pointing out.

**Roy Lewis** · 08-11-2017, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

I recommend staying far away from telescoping ladders.
1: Poor foot stability. 2: Locking mechanism failure.

I disagree! I have been using one for very many years I use the Xtend and Climb .

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

Remember, we do not have to mount roof tops. A good camera will do.

I disagree again. I get on every roof that I can. Nothing is better than the human eye for doing roof inspections.
I have 2 Xtend and Climbs with 3 Gorilla ladders of different lengths.

**ROBERT YOUNG** · 08-11-2017, 01:11 PM

Roy L, you are allowed to disagree.
http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i...g-ladders.html

Jerry, where have I contradict myself in the above post?

**Roy Lewis** · 08-12-2017, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by ROBERT YOUNG

Roy L, you are allowed to disagree.
http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i...g-ladders.html

Jerry, where have I contradict myself in the above post?

You can fall off any kind of ladder if it isn't properly set up.

**Jerry Peck** · 08-12-2017, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Roy Lewis

You can fall off any kind of ladder if it isn't properly set up.

You can fall off any kind of ladder, even if it is properly set up.

**ROBERT YOUNG** · 08-12-2017, 03:13 PM

Roy, I think the point members are trying to make is the frequently of accidents as compared to, and there are several comparisons to make, comparing extend telescoping ladders to traditional extension ladders.

A comparison of how many of each ladders are being used, how long, how many years or decades in the marketplace, using ascendants as the statistic.

**Jerry Peck** · 08-12-2017, 03:37 PM

I concur that the Telesteps and Extend-N-Climb (whatever the name is) are flimsy and not up to my liking.

I have a Telesteps, after using that 'wet noddle' a couple of times on inspections, it went into the motorhome to use there, and after using that 'wet noodle' a couple of times on the motorhome then it stayed in the motorhome basement compartment not to be used again.

**ROBERT YOUNG** · 08-12-2017, 05:20 PM

I agree with you Jerry, there rigidity leaves much to be desired. Telescoping ladders have more deflection than traditional extension ladders when traversing.

A sixteen foot ladder has 16 moving sections and two side locks, per rung.
A sixteen foot telescoping ladder has 32 sidelocks to maintain during erection and decent. That means you have to be focused to insure the side locks are engaged and disengaged. Also means more required maintenance.

Come to think of it, that is more than the six hand movements required to disconnect a service.

Traditional ladders typically have one fly section, sometimes two for greater reach, that you operate on the ground via pulley and cord. The fly section's 3rd rung has a spring loaded lock assembly mechanism, rung locks, that operate as you pull or release the fly section.
The feet/shoe/heel on the ladder base can articulate as well as rotate 180°. The foot/shoe/heel has a rubber base, one flat end, and one picketed end that can be moved to an angle allow greater better stability.