Roof access ladders
When you need to clean your gutters or your roof, owning a ladder will help you avoid the cost of outsourcing the task. Unsurprisingly, owning a stable ladder that is the right height makes all the difference in whether or not you will feel confident to get the job done yourself.
Ladders are mostly self-explanatory, but some have additional features and add-ons that will help you meet your specific needs.
What kind of ladder do you need to clean your roof?
First, consider how much weight the ladder can hold. Ideally, you want to look for a ladder that can hold up to 300 pounds, so almost anyone can use it and you can carry items safely up and down it.
Then, look at the materials it is made of to figure out its durability. Most quality ladders are made of fiberglass, steel or aluminum. Fiberglass is extremely strong and doesn’t bend, even when exposed to high heat. It is waterproof and won’t conduct electricity. Typically, steel ladders are more durable than aluminum ladders, but they are heavier. Steel is the best choice for industrial and commercial use, so opt for this if you have a tall roof or plan on moving a lot of heavy materials. If your roof isn’t as high, pick an aluminum ladder; it will be more affordable.
Types of ladders
While features like durability, stability and length all play an integral part in choosing the right ladder to get the job done, you also want to consider the type of ladder. There are three standard types:
Telescopic ladders: These ladders can extend and collapse, ranging from lightweight to heavy-duty. Some even have a button that can easily retract your ladder, so it’s much easier to store and put away.
Extension ladders: These types of ladders only have two sections that can be moved and extended. You can also separate the ladder into two smaller ladders if you don’t need that much height.
Step ladders (folding ladders): As the name suggests, these ladders are generally foldable. Thanks to the compact design, you can use them for multiple chores and tasks around your home, while easily transporting and storing the ladder between jobs.
The best ladders for cleaning your roof
Xtend & Climb 2020 Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder, 15.5 Feet: available at Amazon Our take: The Xtend telescoping ladder is made with airplane-grade aluminum alloy, so it is a strong and durable choice. This easy-to-open ladder is great for multiple tasks around your home. What we like: It’s portable and lightweight, so it’s easy to carry and store. The Angled Thumb Release ensures proper hand position when opening the ladder, preventing injury. It can expand up to 15.5 feet. What we dislike: This ladder is more ideal for cleaning the roofs of one-story homes. It isn’t recommended for homes with two or three floors.
Little Giant Ladder Velocity with Wheels, 22 Feet: available at Amazon Our take: When you think of the best of the best, look no further than the Little Giant aluminum-alloy extension ladder. Thanks to additional features and high-quality material, this ladder can withstand up to 300 pounds. This will keep you safe and secure no matter the task.
What we like: The ladder can be used in a number of different configurations, including A-frame, extension, staircase and 90-ladder shapes. It also comes with the Velocity Trestle Brackets to convert into a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system.
Max Extension Height: It is a little heavier than competitors and might be too heavy-duty for the average homeowner.
Louisville Ladder Fiberglass Extension Ladder, 28 Feet: available at Amazon Our take: Undeniably sturdy, the fiberglass material can withstand up to 300 pounds. What we like: Available in seven options, you can purchase this ladder from 16 feet up to 40 feet to ensure you can reach the entirety of your home’s roof. The swivel shoe, which is the foot of the ladder, also comes with an anti-slip grip to make sure your ladder stays firmly in place. What we dislike: This extension ladder is quite heavy and is harder to store than its competitors.
Ohuhu Premium Aluminum Telescoping Ladder, 12.5 Feet: available at Amazon Our take: This telescoping ladder is ideal for cleaning the gutters and roofs of one-story homes. What we like: If you’re worried about wobbles, this ladder’s extra-wide rungs will help you feel stable and secure whenever you climb up. It also has a slow-descending system. You can easily retract and store your ladder with just a push of a button. What we dislike: This is only ideal for homes or garages that are one-story.
WERNER Aluminum D-Rung Ladder, 32 feet: available at Amazon Our take: Thanks to extra heavy-duty L-beam side rails, the WERNER 32-foot extension ladder is a must-have for any around-the-house duties. It’s able to hold up to 300 pounds, so you can clean your gutters and roof in no time.
What we like: You can purchase this ladder in multiple heights. Designed with aluminum and slip-resistant rungs, you’re sure to keep steady and stable as you climb. The shoe of the ladder also rests flat, keeping you from wobbling.
What we dislike: Due to its size, it’s a little harder to store. It also requires a wall or surface to lean against when in use.
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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