Roof ladders do exactly what it says on the tin: you use them when you need to work on your roof!  A roof ladder is simply a ladder with two hooks attached on the end, which allow you to attach the ladder to the peak of a roof thereby securing it, allowing you easy access around your roof top. They often have wheels at the bottom, which allow you to wheel your ladder into position without dislodging or causing any damage to roof tiles. It also stops you from having to use any unnecessary force at a height. What a roof ladder will not do, is get you to your roof; you will still need your extension ladder for that!

How to Use Roof Ladders

When preparing to set up, make sure that you check the roof ladder over completely and do all adjustment of its length from the ground. Once you are happy that you have achieved the correct length and you are at the point of the roof where you wish to work, turn your roof ladder over so that it is supported on its wheels and carefully roll it up the roof to the point where the ladder's hook is beyond the peak or ridge of the roof. Then, turn the ladder back over so that the hook is situated on the other side of the ridge and will grapple on, with the ladder's spacer bars resting on the roof tiles. Now you are all set up and ready to go!

So – What's a Good Roof Ladder?

Purpose built roof ladders are normally made from strong, lightweight aluminium and you should purchase a ladder that conforms to EN 131 standards to ensure that it is safe. Now, working on your roof can be a dangerous business at the best of times, so it is advisable to do your research and purchase a ladder that will best suit your needs. There are a number of designs to choose from, and you should check that they conform to the very exacting safety standards as set out by the UK ladder industry. We supply both LYTE and PROCAT roof ladders, two of the major players in the game. In both cases, your ladder will be lightweight, durable, with all of the features that you would expect. These include strong hooks to grapple onto the roof securely whilst you are working and rubber covered bearing bars to prevent any damage to the roof that can be caused by the added weight of the worker. The LYTE range offers excellent value with a variety of usable lengths and the option to try out an extending model. These ladders have been built specifically to supply the needs of the digital aerial installation industry, so you can rest assured by the fact that they have been tested to the max for the job at hand! Equally impressive is the PROCAT range which, depending on the length needed comes in either 2 or 3 pieces for ease of transport and manoeuvrability. The lengths available range from 12ft to 20ft, with the option of adding extra sections to if you have a particularly long roof. Last, but not least, there is always the Universal roof hook. This accessory clamps onto a normal ladder enabling it to be used as a roof ladder – perfect for those who rarely ascend to the lofty heights of their own house and therefore don't want to invest in a ladder specific to that task.