Extension Ladders – What to Look For (Part 1 – DIY)

Extension ladders are commonly made from aluminium (fibreglass versions are also available for most heights – these are specially made for people working around electricity as they do not conduct charge.) Aluminium is a strong, but workable metal that resists corrosion very well and is lightweight at the same time. It is the perfect material for long extension ladders, as tall heights can be accessed without the ladder becoming too heavy and unwieldy. Extension ladders come in two or three sections, the taller models requiring the three sections to provide the extra height. Some three section extension ladders also have a rope and pulley system designed to aid with extending and putting up of the ladder. Some of the industrial standard two section extension ladders also have this feature. The sections on an extension ladder are usually secured together using the rungs of each section as the locking point, meaning when the ladder is in use it cannot be unfixed, but when on the ground, moving the ladder sections is easy. Extension ladders are ideal for most tradespeople and DIYers, as they extend to so many different heights and can be used indoors and out for maintenance and decoration tasks. Generic ladder accessories such as paint shelves and safety feet/leg levelers fit onto these ladders, adapting them for any task you can think of. The criteria you might be considering when purchasing an extension ladder include: 

Height when closed: will it store in my garage/on the roof rack/in the cupboard?

Extended length: will it reach the roof/guttering or will I need extra height for the really tall jobs?

Weight: will I be able to safely carry this ladder and extend it without injuring myself or causing damage to property?

Load rating: is this ladder strong enough to take both me and my equipment? Will it stand up to regular use?

Safety features: does this ladder come with non-slip feet? Are the feet adjustable for different slopes and surfaces? Are there any safety add-ons available with this ladder?

Cost: is this ladder the best value for money for my needs?

We will take a look at some of the extension ladders on the market and compare the features of each to give you an idea of the best type of extension ladder for your needs. Before we begin, please remember that if you are intending to access a roof with your extension ladder, the ladder should extend past the roof line by three rungs in order for maximum stability and a smooth transition between the ladder and the roof surface, so please bear this in mind when looking at ladder heights (three rungs is approximately three feet). Please also bear in mind that if you are not experienced in using ladders, anything over 15 feet is not recommended unless proper training has been sought. We have more information on ladder training elsewhere on this blog.

Lyte Extension Ladders

Lyte are a trusted and respected ladder manufacturer and their DIY range has something for everyone. The range runs from a 2.2 metre double extension ladder to a 3.3 metre triple section extension ladder, with the price range between £59 and £130, including VAT and free delivery. The best thing about this range at the moment is that Midland Ladders are offering half price accessories with the Lyte DIY range, so a ladder bucket (for holding paint), stand off bracket, leveling pads and clamps for securing it to a roof rack are all half price when you buy the ladder. The Lyte DIY range are all certified to BS 2037 class 3 (domestic use), which gives a maximum load rating of 125 kilos (19.5 stone). The rungs are D shaped with a flat top for comfort and have a deep anti-slip pattern for good grip when climbing. The ends of every section have moulded PVC feet for stability on the ground and the sections come apart so they can be used independently. This means a double section ladder can be used as two single ladders and the triple section models can be used as three straight ladders. The 2.2 metre double extension ladder extends to 3.7 metres, with a maximum working reach of 4.2 metres, and weighs in at just 6.5 kilos. Each section is 2.2 metres long (seven rungs per section) and this is the closed height of the ladder. It costs just £59. The next size up has 9 rungs in each of the two sections, each measuring 2.7 metres, giving an extended height of 4.7 metres and maximum reach of 5.2 metres. It weighs 8 kilos and costs £65. The 3.3 metre model has 11 rungs to both sections, giving an extended height of 5.9 metres and maximum reach of 6.4 metres. This model weighs in at 11 kilos and costs £77. The last two double section ladders really should only be used by an experienced ladder user, as they are very long when fully deployed. The 3.8 metre model has 13 rungs per section, weighs 14.5 kilos and extends to 6.9 metres (working reach of 7.3 metres) and costs £92. The 4.4 metre double extension ladder extends to 8.1 metres, giving 8.4 metres of working reach and weighs 16 kilos. This has 15 rungs per section and costs £112. Of the double section extension ladders, the 3.3 metre model is probably the most suitable, as it is mid range in price and height, allowing access to guttering but still a good length when the sections are used independently. It is not too heavy, but will need storage out of the house (in a garage, shed or locked to an external wall) due to the closed height of 3.3. metres. It would not be so suitable for indoor use as the independent sections are taller than most ceiling heights. However, this range definitely offers value for money, good safety features and the offer for half price accessories means you can kit yourself out with a decent ladder system for very little money.

Triple Section Ladders

The triple section extension ladders come in 2.2 metre (£85), 2.7 metre (£99) and 3.3 metre (£130) sizes (closed height and independent section length). The triple section design of the ladder means it can be used as three single ladders, a double extension and a triple extension ladder, making it a very versatile choice for the homeowner and DIY enthusiast. The 2.2 metre model extends to 5.2 metres with all three sections (using two it would extend to 3.7 metres), giving a maximum working reach of 5.7 metres, comparable to the 3.3 metre double extension ladder from the same manufacturer, at less than £10 more. It weighs 8.5 kilos, lighter than the double section model that gives comparable reach. The triple section 2.8 metre extension ladder has nine rungs per section and a fully extended height of 6.7 metres (extended height 5.9 metres when using only two sections), which is a maximum working reach of 7.2 metres. Weighing in at 14.5 kilos, it weighs the same as the double section model of comparable length but does not cost much more. The 3.3 metre triple section model extends to 8.5 metres (working reach of 8.7 metres), weighs 19 kilos and has 11 rungs per section. Used as a double extension ladder it will extend to 5.9 metres. Titan Ladders also have a comparable range of double and triple extension ladders, which are slightly more expensive, but have rubber feet instead of PVC ones. Rubber provides more grip, but if not cared for, over time they can be become dry and brittle, so the Titan ladders may require more regular inspections. Out of this DIY suitable range, the Lyte triple extension ladders are probably a better investment, as they offer a far greater range of heights due to being detachable for use as single or double ladders. The cost of the triple section models is slightly higher than the double section ones, but the extra money is a worthwhile investment even if you never use all three sections at the same time; you are effectively buying a double extension ladder and a single ladder that can be fitted together to make a much longer ladder. You could lend one or two sections to a friend or family member and still have enough ladder for yourself. The triple section models are heavier, but if all three sections are not being used at the same time, then the weight is the same as the double section models. Adding the half price accessories to a triple section extension ladder means you can get a really comprehensive, versatile set of ladders for not much money and you will be unlikely to need a longer ladder than these. In part two we will look at extension ladders for trade use, and part three will cover heavy duty industrial use.