Working on the roof is a task that entails much more risk than any other general work. This is both due to the greater height and lack of proper footing. However, when buying the best ladder to get on roof, this approach does not work.
This guide looks into all the points you must cover when buying and using a ladder to work on the roof.
6 Best Ladders To Get On Roof
| Image | Ladder | Size | Weight Capacity | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Story | ||||
  | Little Giant Revolution M17 Multi-Position Ladder | 17 Feet | 300 Pounds |  |
  | Xtend & Climb Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder | 15.5 Feet | 250 Pounds |  |
| Two Story | ||||
  | Louisville Ladder FE3232 Fiberglass Extension Ladder | 32 Feet | 300 Pounds | |
  | Little Giant 26 Feet Multi-Position LT Ladder | 26 Feet | 300 Pounds | |
| Three Story | ||||
  | Werner D1540-2 Ladder | 40 Feet | 300 Pounds | |
  | Louisville AE2240 Extension Ladder | 40 Feet | 300 Pounds | |
Calculate The Ladder Height To Reach The Roof
When you calculate the height of the ladder you need to buy, you must take into account the kind of ladder you are using.
Here is the formula you can use to calculate the length of the ladder to get on the roof.
| Required lenght of ladder = Roof height + 2 + Roof height/6 (rounded to whole number) |
The 2 feet here account for the three steps at the top that you should never stand on or you will lose your balance.
The last factor takes into consideration the height reduction due to the 4:1 rule or the 75° pitch or angle of inclination that the ladder must have against the wall for support.
Best Ladders to Get to The Roof
For One-Story Houses
Little Giant Revolution M17 Multi-Position Ladder
The Little Giant Revolution is one of the most versatile articulating ladders in the market today.
The Rock Lock adjusters and Quad-Lock hinges are made of metal, making them damage-resistant and smooth-operating. Its base features wide, flared legs that provide extra stability.
This ladder meets or exceeds all ANSI and OSHA standards, making it absolutely safe and reliable to use.
Features
Leg Levelers
This is the only ladder in the list that has leg levelers built into its design.
These ratchet levelers allow you to adjust the height of the individual legs of the ladder up to 8.5 inches so that you can easily balance it and set it up horizontally even on uneven ground.
LiteWave Technology
The body of the ladder is manufactured using LiteWave Technology.
This uses aluminum and the production process used is the same as that for special aerospace-grade constructions.
This makes the ladder especially hardy, durable, and resistant to damage.
Trestle Brackets
Trestle brackets come in the package with the ladder, which is just another one of the advantages of choosing this product.
Thus, you can quickly build your own trestle and scaffold system without having to get another ladder as long as you have a scaffold plank.
Specifications
Dimensions: 57 x 25 x 9 inches
Weight: 38.5 pounds
Height: 17 feet
Maximum Reach (Step ladder): 11 feet 4 inches
Maximum Reach (Extension ladder): 17 feet 11 inches
Heights Available: 17, 22, 26 feet
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: Type IA (300 lbs)
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Click here to check out its latest price on Amazon.
Xtend & Climb Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder
A telescoping ladder can be a tricky buy because good-quality ones are less available than other types like step ladders or extension ladders.
It is manufactured using True Telescoping Technology for unmatched performance.
Made of airplane-grade aluminum alloy, it is aerospace engineered to give extra strength and durability, a necessity in a ladder with so many moving parts.
The Clean-Touch anodized finish makes it easy to clean and resistant to corrosion.
The double over-molded feet provide full traction and stability on any kind of ground and does not get weathered easily.
It also includes an integrated carrying handle that ensures easy carrying without any stress on the hands.
Features
No-Pinch Closure
The main concern with most telescopic ladders is that the closure system for the separate stiles or sections are so placed and operated that it can cause injury to the hand when the stile collapses.
But this ladder sports an angled thumb release and can be locked and extended by the foot.
Meets Latest Safety Standards.
It was only recently that the safety standards for telescoping ladders started getting added and updated in the same manner as other common ladder types.
Accordingly, this ladder meets the newest 2019 ANSI and OSHA standards which makes it secure for usage.
Compact.
As with any telescopic ladder, this one also contracts down to a compact size that is a fraction of its extended size. Consequently, it becomes very easy to store and transport this ladder without taking up too much space.
Specifications
Dimensions: 19.75 x 4.5 x 36 inches
Weight: 37.9 pounds
Height: 15.5 feet
Working Height: 12.5 feet
Reach: 19.5 feet
Retracted Height: 36.5 inches
Heights Available: 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 15.5, 16.5 feet
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: Type I (250 lbs)
Warranty: Limited (free for manufacturer or workmanship defects for 5 years from the date of purchase).
Click here to learn more about this ladder. (link to Amazon)
For Two-Story Houses
Louisville Ladder FE3232 Fiberglass Extension Ladder
When it comes to extension ladders, this Louisville is a model one. It has every feature that you should expect from a top-of-the-line product.
Starting from the top, its mar-resistant rail end caps ensure damage protection both to the support wall and the rail ends.
The slide guides at the top of the base section prevent over-extension of the ladder with the help of the stops on the side rails of the fly section.
The slide guides also make the process of moving the sections smooth and jerk-free.
The D-shaped rungs are directly connected with the rails to provide full support.
They are serrated to give a firm foothold to the climber.
They are also highly comfortable to stand on.
Features
Non-conductive
It is well-known that fiberglass is a costlier material for ladders but its pros outweigh its cons by a large margin.
One of these is the issue of electrical conductivity.
Electricity safety is a big issue when climbing the roof of a building. Being made of fiberglass, this ladder adds an extra element of safety from electric shocks to the user.
Stabilizing Swivel Shoes
Swivel shoes that can adapt to any kind of ground is a huge advantage when used outdoors.
This ladder consists of plated steel swivel shoes with metal shields, spikes, and thick treaded rubber soles.
It is made for intensive usage and can give full stability in any kind of ground, even soft and slippery ones.
MaxLock
The MaxLock is considered to be the standard in ladder rung locks because it is highly durable in spite of being light and easy to operate.
It is made of a special polymer that imparts such properties and allows it to handle a large load without any strain or indentation.
Specifications
Dimensions: 19.75 x 4.5 x 36 inches
Weight: 62 pounds
Height: 32 feet
Maximum Extended Height: 29 feet
Reach: 31 feet 5 inches
Maximum Standing Height: 24 feet 10 inches
Heights Available: 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 feet
Material: Fiberglass
Duty Rating: Type IA (300 lbs)
Warranty: Limited
Check-out its latest price and customer reviews on Amazon.
Little Giant 26 Feet Multi-Position LT Ladder
This is another articulating ladder from Little Giant that can be set up in a variety of configurations like step ladder, extension ladder, 90-degree ladder, staircase ladder, and a trestle and scaffold system.
By adjusting the length of the rails on either side, you can achieve a number of heights too, making this a highly versatile ladder.
The Rock Lock system allows quick set-up simply by pushing to release and tapping to lock.
At the same time, the dual-pin hinges make the pivoting of the two sides smooth and easy.
The ladder also exceeds all OSHA, ANSI, as well as CSA standards, making it one of the safest in the market
Features
Lightweight
The ladder is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that makes it very light and thus, easier to lift and carry around.
In fact, it weighs 20% lighter than other industrial-grade ladders of the same type and height.
Tip and Glide Wheels
There is another feature in this ladder besides its lightness that makes it easier to transport from over short distances.
It has Tip and Glide wheels.
If you need to move the ladder around, all you have to do is slant it and roll it using the wheels at the base.
There will be no more need for dragging and scratching over the ground.
Wide Flared Base
A ladder needs to have a stable base to make it safe to climb without tipping or losing balance.
The wide base of this ladder is possible due to the flared legs which reduce the chances of the climber’s center of gravity shifting beyond the axis of the ladder, thus protecting them from falls.
Specifications
Dimensions: 19.75 x 4.5 x 36 inches
Height: 26 feet
Heights Available: 13, 17, 22, 26 feet
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: Type IA (300 lbs)
Learn more about this ladder on Amazon.
Three-Story Houses
Werner D1540-2 Ladder
The Werner D1540-2 was created for intensive usage and all its features point in that direction.
It has I-beam rails that are made for heavy-duty use and engage firmly with the rungs via Aflo joints.
rungs themselves are D-rungs that are traction-tread to provide slip-resistance.
The shoes of the ladder have a rugged base for overall ladder stability.
Thick guide brackets fitted to the base section fully encompass the fly section and allow smooth operation.
When you need to set the ladder to a specific height, the rugged spring-loaded locks help make the process easy.
The rope and pulley system is also designed for effortless working.
A quick lock keeps the rope twist-free and in place while the pulley is enclosed to prevent damage.
Features
Aflo Rung Joints
The rungs of the ladder are connected to the rails via Aflo rung joints.
The special property of this type of joint is that it prevents any twisting of the rungs under heavyweights, ie, when you climb on it. As a result, the chance of slipping from the rungs is reduced manifold.
Separable Sections
It is a common feature in multi-use ladders to have separable sections.
But this ladder is unique in terms of the fact that its base and the fly sections can be separated too, which is hardly seen in simple extension ladders.
Thus, you can use it as a single extension ladder or obtain two single ladders from it.
Shu-Lok
Another great feature of this ladder is the presence of Shu-Lok.
This allows the swivel shoes of the ladder to rest on the ground horizontally to allow free oscillation of the rails or to be locked into the spur position for immovable stability.
Thus, the user can make easy adjustments to the angle of the inclination of the ladder and then lock it into place.
Specifications
Dimensions: 6.8 x 19.5 x 244 inches
Weight: 89.5 pounds
Height: 40 feet
Working Height: 35 feet
Rail Width: 3 inches
Flange Width: 1 ⅛ inch
Rung width: 1 ¾ inch
Base Width: 18 ⅛ inches
Heights Available: 10, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 feet
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: Type IA (300 lbs)
Read complete specifications on Amazon.
Louisville AE2240 Extension Ladder
The Louisville AE2240 is an example of strength and durability.
It uses modified I-beam rails with 3-inch extrusions that interlock with the rungs for full support.
The shoes can be set in tread down or spike position as you may need for a certain task.
The thick rubber treading of the shoes ensures that the ladder stays in one place.
Slide guides at the top of the base section along with the stop on the fly section prevent over-extension of the ladder and separation of the sections.
It also has a rope and pulley system for extra locking the ladder at the required height.
Features
Mar-resistant End Caps
The presence of mar-resistant end caps in this ladder overrides the need to spend money on ladder mitts.
Impact-resistant caps are fitted not only on the tops of both the fly and base sections but also on the bottom of the fly section.
This prevents any kind of scratches, chips, or dents when the ladder is being used.
QuickLatch Rung Lock
Handling a big ladder like this can be difficult, especially locking the two sections at the desired extended height.
The QuickLatch lock makes this easier with its one-finger operation.
It keeps the base and the fly sections secured in its extended position so that the user can climb without any problem.
Meets All Safety Standards
The ladder is exceptional in that it meets or exceeds all required standards.
Be it OSHA, ANSI 14.4, or CSA grade 1, it fulfills all the necessary safety requirements to make this a secure and reliable ladder for usage at great heights.
Specifications
Dimensions: 248 x 19 x 6 inches
Weight: 86 pounds
Height: 40 feet
Maximum Extended Length: 35 feet
Reach: 16-30.5 feet
Step Ladder Size: 12 feet
Rail Width: 3 inches
Flange Width: 1 ⅛ inch
Rung Width: 1.5 inches
Heights Available: 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40 feet
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: Type IA (300 lbs)
Warranty: Limited
Check-out its latest price on Amazon.
What Accessories Should a Ladder for Getting on The Roof Have
We already mentioned that when you buy a ladder for getting on the roof, you should look out for some special features.
But if you do not get a ladder that comes with the necessary add-ons, you can always go ahead and buy your own.
However, one thing that can make a big difference here is that you should try to buy these additional accessories from the same company as the ladder itself.
It is the best way to ensure a proper fit and quality parity.
Stabilizing Base
The base of a ladder should be such that it provides extra stability and balance as a person climbs it. This could be established in many ways.
The ladder could have a widened base to spread out the weight. It could have swivel shoes or spurs or both to help the ladder stay put in its place.
Another common method is the addition of a horizontal stabilizing bar to widen the base of the ladder, most commonly seen in telescoping ladders.
Levelers
Levelers are important when you are working in a place where the ground is not even.
In such cases, levelers help to make up for the difference in the height of the ground among the spots where the ladder legs are placed.
A user will have the greatest level of control and safety if levelers are present on all the legs and they can be operated independently.
Standoffs
When you are using a ladder to get on the roof, you need to support the ladder against some surface.
Standoffs are used for two reasons here. The first is so that the ladder does not damage the surface.
More importantly, they anchor the ladder stably so that there is no sliding movement when you are mounted on it. If you need to use the ladder at a corner of the house, you should use special curved standoffs.
Hooks
Hooks are a necessity if you want to hoist and position the ladder on the roof and hang it over a ridge or parapet.
While you might be tempted to use a single hook to save money, the safer option is to use double hooks.
This not only distributes the pressure over the ridge or wall but also to keep the ladder steady when climbing it.
Wheels
Wheels are usually used along with hooks for moving or hoisting the ladder.
It prevents any kind of damage to the roof surface when dragging the ladder and makes the movement easier despite the weight of the ladder and the friction between the surfaces.
Work Station/Tool Tray
If you are doing a job that requires you to carry tools and equipment, a work platform or tool tray is an essential addition.
Some ladders come installed with them out-of-the-box. In case yours does not, you should get one attached separately.
Support Bars
Supporting handrails in ladders provide the extra support you need when doing any task. In some cases, they also help prevent the user from over-reaching.
Many ladders come with in-built support bars. But you can also install your own to attach the ladder to the support surface.
What To Consider When Buying A Ladder To Get On The Roof
When you use a ladder to get on the roof, you would be working at a good height.
Even in a one-story house, a fall or accident at that height could be fatal.
Much of such incidents can be avoided by using the right ladder in the right manner.
Buying the right ladder is the first part and the things you must look out for are given below:
Height
Perhaps the most critical factor here is buying the ladder of the right height.
A ladder that is too low will cause you to overreach which can result in losing your balance and falling.
A ladder too high can not only cause balance problems but the extra ladder height can come in the way of your work.
If you are going to be working at several heights, a self-supporting ladder or a ladder with adjustable height is the best option.
Type
The type of ladder you buy should be decided not only by the kind of work and support structure but also by your own comfort levels.
That means if a certain kind of work or building structure is easier and safer to manage with a certain kind of ladder, it makes sense to use it.
But a user must not compromise their own feelings of ease and security when using a ladder, especially for non-self-supporting ladders.
If a certain kind of ladder does not feel safe to them, they should refrain from using it.
Weight Capacity
Buying a ladder of the right weight capacity is important for all tasks, but it is especially so when you want to climb the roof.
It is wrong to think that the duty rating of a ladder only puts restrictions on the weight you can carry onto it.
It also puts a restriction on the height of the ladder that you can get.
A ladder that is too high for its duty rating will not be stable enough to support your weight, which can turn out to be fatal..
Safety Standards
Any ladder that you buy must have gone through all the required safety standard tests for the ladder of that type and the location of manufacture and/or use.
For US citizens, ANSI and OSHA standards are the minimum requirements to be fulfilled by a ladder to be considered safe for usage.
Material
The most common materials used for making a ladder are wood, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Each comes with certain pros and cons.
Wood is non-conductive but not weather-resistant.
Aluminum is light and resistant to rust but can conduct electricity and develop corrosion.
Steel is corrosion-resistant but heavy. Fiberglass is non-conductive and weather-resistant but heavy and costly. You should choose based on your priorities.
Safety Precautions When Using a Ladder to Get to The Roof
Using a ladder is an inherently risky task. It is more so when you use the ladder to work on the roof.
The significant height that must be scaled adds to the risk involved. Minimizing the risk at all points of using the ladder should be the number one concern in a person’s mind.
The following will aid in the process:
No Damage In The Ladder
Before using the ladder, make sure that there is no damage in any part of the ladder, including corrosion, breakage, cracks, loose or wobbly parts, jutting sections, or anything else that might cause an accident or injury to the person.
If you detect any damage after you have already started climbing the ladder, alert your companion and start descending immediately.
Ladder Stably Set
The ladder must be so set on the ground that it does not wobble or slant before or after you are on it.
Make sure you use all the necessary accessories like harnesses and levelers to provide full safety to the climber.
Also of importance is maintaining the 4:1 rule when using non-self-supporting ladders. By this rule, for every 4 feet of height, the base of the ladder must be 1 foot away from the supporting surface.
Body Balance While Climbing
Always make sure that you are not using the ladder in a way that will cause you to lose your balance and fall. This includes faults in the ladder or its set-up as well as the climber trying to overreach.
Top Steps Not For Climbing
Under no circumstance should a user climb onto the top steps of the ladder that are off-limits by ladder safety rules.
Using the top steps are highly dangerous as they will cause the ladder to get imbalanced and make you fall.
Three-Point Contact
When climbing the ladder, make sure your body is always in contact with the ladder in at least three points.
This applies even when you are using a self-supporting ladder. The reason is that it helps maintain balance and stability for the user at all times.
Appropriate Clothing And Shoes
If you are going to climb on the roof, make sure to wear clothing and shoes that will not come in the way of climbing and movement.
The materials should not be inflammable or silky. The shoes should have threading on the soles and the soles itself should be made of a material that provides good traction.
Electricity Safety
Last but not least, always ensure that you will not be working in the proximity of any electric lines.
But if there is no other option, keep the local electricity board informed, take extra precautions, and always look out for any wetness that can increase the chances of transmission.
Conclusion
Any work on the roof involves risks. It is a good idea to always ensure that you are at least safe on the ladder front.
It will give you the freedom to concentrate on completing the task at hand without having to worry about climbing up and down the ladder.
Using the right ladder in the right way is of the utmost importance here.
This guide on the best ladder to get on roof should help you not only choose the correct ladder for this purpose according to your needs but also use them in the proper manner.