To check for hail damage, worn flashing, moss, and many other issues, a home inspector needs to climb up on the roof to evaluate it during a house inspection.
In order to get the work done quickly, safely, and efficiently, you’ll need the correct roof inspection equipment.
That’s why we have got the best ladders for a home inspection in the market for you.
Best Ladders For Home Inspection
| Image | Ladder | Max Lenght | Weight | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Louisville Fiberglass Stepladder | 6 Feet | 20 Pounds |  |
  | Telesteps 1600EP Telescopic Ladder | 16 Feet | 19.5 Pounds |  |
  | Little Giant Velocity Ladder | 13 Feet | 25 Pounds | |
  | Jiahe Aluminum Telescopic Ladder | 12.5 Feet | 24 Pounds | |
  | Ohuhu Upgraded 12.5 FT Aluminum | 12.5 Feet | 25 Pounds | |
But the discussion doesn’t end there.
An understanding of how to safely use a ladder is an asset while inspecting or fixing a roof.
A simple do-it-yourself project might cost you a lot of money and effort if you don’t have the correct ladder and don’t know how to use it.
As a result, this guide discusses everything you need to know while using the best ladders for inspection.
So let’s get started!
Which Is The Best Kind Of Ladder For Home Inspection?
Home inspectors benefit greatly from the use of combination ladders. A combination ladder combines the functionality of a step ladder with that of an extension ladder. Using just one ladder to evaluate a home is a huge time-saver.
No doubt that other kinds of ladders are also used. However, a combination ladder would make your task easier. When it comes to evaluating a home of any size, this is a big help.
5 Best Ladders For Home Inspection: Top Picks With Review
- Louisville extension fiberglass stepladder
- Telesteps 1600EP Fully Automatic Telescoping Ladder
- Little Giant Velocity ladder
- Jiahe12.5FT/3.8M Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder
- Ohuhu Upgraded 12.5 FT Aluminum
1. Louisville 6 Foot Extension Fiberglass Stepladder
Roof repairs and inspections need a lot of time spent on a ladder.
You’ll need a ladder composed of more durable materials for that purpose.
For a safe and productive workday, this ladder’s fiberglass structure might be the answer.
An extension ladder with a height of 29 feet can be used for roof work.
The ladder’s weight capacity is 300 pounds, so you may use it with a few tools and not worry about it tipping over.
The heavy-duty steel shoes on the steps reduce the risk of tripping or falling. The mar-resistant rail end caps, on the other hand, help to prolong the life of the landing surfaces.
Steel-plated swivel safety shoes are also included in the Louisville FE3232 Extension Ladder.
Heavy-duty steel shanks and wide rubber treads on the shoes provide some support and stability.
Pros
- It is safe to use near electrical connections because of the fiberglass construction.
- Extends the ladder using a simple rope and pulley system
- To move the ladder, you just lift it up and down.
Cons
- Inaccuracies in quality control and transportation damage
- Storage Problem
Find out more about this ladder on Amazon.
2. Telesteps 1600EP Fully Automatic Telescoping Ladder
The Regal concepts Inc.-developed Telesteps Engineered Climbing Ladders are among the most cutting-edge, adaptable, and dependable ladders on the market today.
All of Telesteps Engineered Climbing products are made using aircraft-grade aluminum alloys to make them light and easy to transport.
It is a Type 1 Multi-Functional Ladder rated for 250 pounds and extends to 16 ft; retracts to 32 inches Open to the Full Extent.
You need not feat stumbling while performing the duty and inspection since it is equipped with Anti-Slip Pivoting Feet made of 100% Silicone.
By adhering to OSHA regulations, ANSI 14.2, and EN131 testing, this Telesteps 1600EP ladder has your back and ensures complete safety.
Pros
- It’s lightweight, portable, and easy to store.
- It’s sturdy, safe, and trustworthy.
- Having a ladder that can be used at numerous heights saves time and money.
Cons
- At times, the ladder’s rapid latch system for expanding and collapsing fails.
Check its current price on Amazon.
3. Little Giant Velocity Ladder
With the ladder completely extended, it measures 13 feet in height. It’s not quite as high as the Louisville ladder’s 29 feet, but it’s close enough for most homes’ rooflines.
You may want to consider this ladder if you are looking for a ladder that can be used in various locations. The Little Giant Velocity Ladder may be used as an A-frame ladder, a 90-degree ladder, or a scaffold ladder when it is folded up and stored.
It may be used in a wide range of building projects because of its many different locations.
When it comes to lightweight and strength, the Little Giant Velocity ladder has it all. It’s lighter than steel and fiberglass, therefore it could be more convenient to carry about.
Using dual-pin hinges and Rock Locks, the ladder may be easily adjusted in length. Unlike the Louisville ladder, the runs in this unit are substantially longer. It is simpler to climb a ladder with wide rungs that minimize fatigue and improve your balance.
Pros
- Lightweight and strong aluminum is used to construct it.
- It’s rated for roofing work, so that’s good to know.
- It may be used in a variety of ways by folding into different shapes.
- Improved stability and traction can be gained by wide legs with rubber grip feet
Cons
- After a short period of usage, this ladder may lose its sturdiness.
- It may be difficult to set up at first.
Find more about this ladder on Amazon.
4. Jiahe12.5FT/3.8M Aluminum Telescoping Extension Ladder
You can easily carry the Jiahe ladder with only one hand because of the lightweight and compact design, which makes it easy to travel and store. A heavy-duty fastening strap keeps the ladder firmly in place.
You may easily modify the rung-by-rung height in one-foot increments with inward sliding locks, and a protective spacer prevents bumping and friction during retraction.
In addition to the 30-day return policy, the telescopic ladder comes with a 12-month warranty and pleasant customer support.
Pros
- Portable and convenient
- Can be folded and has a retraction design
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Easy to store even in small spaces
Cons
- Some users questioned its stability
Click here to check it out on Amazon.
5. Ohuhu Upgraded 12.5 FT Aluminum
It’s easy to retract the Ohuhu Telescopic Extension Ladder at the push of a button thanks to the ladder’s sleek design.
Consider this progressive design if you don’t like the pulley and rope extension/collapse system.
A collapsible version of this roof ladder might fit in the trunk of your vehicle.
When fully extended, the 12.5-foot height allows you to climb a long way up the roof to repair shingles.
Alloy aluminum is used in the construction of the Ohuhu Telescopic ladder.
As a result, you may anticipate a device that is extremely light and portable. It can support a maximum weight of 330 pounds.
Individuals with little storage space would appreciate the Ohuhu Telescopic ladder.
Only 40.2 inches long, the device can be swung around by an average-sized person with one hand.
Pros
- With a simple push of a button, you may extend and retract
- It has a weight capability of 330 pounds, making it both light and durable.
- You’ll be able to reach the roof of an RV or a single-story home if you’re tall enough.
- In a collapsed form, it is extremely compact.
Cons
- It’s difficult to lock into place and isn’t as robust as it should be.
You can see its current price here. (link to Amazon)
How To Correctly Set Up The Ladders For Home Inspection
Sure, you could just hurl your ladder against anything and hope for the best now that you’ve obtained the proper one, but that’s probably not going to end well. Invest the time in making sure it’s set up correctly.
Remember The 4:1 Ratio
A 4:1 ratio is the ideal starting point for ladder leaning. This implies that the base must be one foot away from the structure you’re leaning on for every four feet of height between the base and where the ladder makes contact.
How To Ensure That?
Standing with your toes touching the ladder’s base is a simple method to check if you’ve placed it up at the right angle. When you stretch your arm to touch a rung with your fingertips, you know it’s in the right place. When climbing the ladder, this will keep it from toppling over.
What Sort Of Ground Will You Be Working With?
It’s best to keep your feet on the ground while you’re on a flat, firm surface. Ladder stability is improved by these feet ‘ flat bottoms. Ladders can be more stable if their feet are tipped up and their tips are buried firmly in the ground on a spongy surface.
Secure the ladder once you’ve fixed the angle and feet. Make sure you have at least one additional person on hand to hold the ladder stable until the operation is completed.
Ensure That The Ladder Is Authentic And Certified
When securing your ladder, make sure you’re using an OSHA-compliant ladder. The idea of trying to do the right thing and then falling short of compliance because of poor product choices is a disgrace.
Follow The Three-foot rule
In order to prevent the ladder from collapsing during your ascent, make sure it extends three feet over the current level. A quick peek at the top of the ladder will tell you if it’s set up correctly if the rungs are about a foot apart.
The three-foot rule prevents a person descending a ladder from a higher level from having to lean over the edge of the roof in order to grab hold of something to hold onto.
Final Thoughts
Inspection using ladder climbing is a dangerous occupation. If you’re working on a roof, it’s equally critical that you’re dressed appropriately for the conditions. Moreover, Investing in well-rated, high-quality ladders like those we’ve shown above, is the most crucial thing you can do to ensure your own safety.
FAQs
Do home inspectors have to scale the rooftops of homes?
Inspecting your roof for missing or warped shingles, as well as checking the condition of the flashing and gutters, is a standard part of the inspection process for most home inspectors.
With no ladder, how can you perform an inspection on a roof?
A ladder is a must. Use the top three rungs of the ladder to assist you to walk onto the roof if the ladder reaches at least three feet above the deck. Take a test step on the roof while holding onto the ladder to make sure the surface isn’t slick and can support your weight.
Are ladders used by house inspectors?
As part of a standard home inspection, the inspector may often mount a ladder and walk on the roof to check for leaks and structural defects.