Buying the right size ladder is a very important decision to work on any project at home or for any construction work. And If thinking of buying a ladder but are confused what size ladder for 1 story house do you actually need then this article will help you find the best ladder.
4 Best Ladders For 1 Story House
| Image | Name | Weight | Height | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Little Giant Revolution Multi-Position Ladder | 38.5 Pounds | 17 Feet |  |
  | Xtend & Climb Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder | 37.3 Pounds | 15.5 Feet |  |
  | Louisville Ladder FBA_AS1016 Step Ladder | 72 Pounds | 16 Feet | |
  | DeWalt DXL3020-16PT 16-Extension Ladder | 30.9 Pounds | 16 Feet | |
What Size Ladder For 1 Story House
Getting the height of your ladder right can be complicated if you do not know exactly what factors to take into account and the right way to calculate the height depending on those factors. The exact height of the ladder that you need depends on the following:
There are many factors to be considered when calculating the required ladder size, but ideally, the size of ladder required for a one-story building is 14 to 16 feet in length.
Height of a One-Story House
The height of a one-story building may vary depending on the type and purpose.
For example, residential buildings are usually 8 feet or at the most 9 feet in height. Thus, taking into account the ceiling thickness, sloping roofs, and other HVAC allowances, the maximum height comes around 10 feet.
But building regulations in retail and office buildings require the height of the story to be at least 14 feet in total.
Thus, unless there are any specific rules or regulations in the specific place the building is constructed in, the height of a one-story building is between 10 and 14 feet.
Type of Ladder
The short working height ensures that you can use literally all types of ladders when working on one-story houses.
Before you calculate the height of the ladder, you need to find out the working height.
Once you do, you can use that to calculate the ladder height.
For non-supporting ladders like single ladders, telescopic ladders, and extension ladders, you can use this formula for calculation:
Height of ladder = Maximum Required Reach + 3 + Reach/4 (rounded to whole number)
All measurements are in feet. Here, the last factor pertains to the 4:1 rule of ladder usage while the 3 feet added before it is to account for the height of the extra part of the ladder that must be kept above the support point for safety purposes.
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Table 7: Height of Ladder Required by Type |
||
|
Ladder Type |
Height (feet) |
Maximum Reach (feet) |
|
Single/Extension/Telescopic |
16/18/20 |
10/12/14 |
|
Step/Platform |
6/8/10 |
10/12/14 |
|
Trestle – Extension Trestle |
6/8/10 |
10/12/14 |
4 Best Ladders For 1 Story House
Here are 4 recommended ladders you can buy for your 1 story house.
Little Giant Revolution Multi-Position Ladder
Right off, the first thing that you notice about this ladder is the fact that it is a multiway one, that allows you to use it in a number of configurations.
These allow you to adjust the height of each leg of the ladder individually by nearly 8.5 inches so that you can work on all kinds of ground or surface and in all orientations.
Besides that, the Rock Lock adjusters, aided by the Quad-Lock hinge, help you change the configuration of the ladder in a matter of seconds.
It has been manufactured using LiteWave aluminum technology, which is used for airplanes.
The Tip-and-Glide wheels make transporting the ladder easy without tiring the person or scratching the ground.
Since the ladder exceeds or meets all ANSI and OSHA standards, you can use it safely without any risks.
Features
Versatile
Since the ladder is multi-way, it can be used in multiple configurations based on the need of the user.
This ladder can be used as a stepladder, extension ladder, in trestle-and-scaffold formation, as a 90-degree and also a staircase ladder.
Thus, all your needs for your one-story house can be fulfilled by this one.
Heavy-duty
Being made of aluminum and with a duty rating of 300 pounds, this ladder is built for intensive and extensive usage.
You can use it for light tasks as well as heavy tasks. Even the most rigorous usage will not affect this ladder.
Fall-resistant
Wide flared bases of the ladder give it full stability when in use.
The user can work on it safely without any fear of sidewise tipping or undue shifts. Hence, even at great heights, the user has no risk of losing balance and falling.
Specifications
Dimensions: 57 x 25 x 9 inches
Weight: 38.5 pounds
Height: 17 feet
Usable Height Range: 5-15 feet
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: 300 pounds (Type IA)
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Available Models: 17, 22, 26 feet
Check out this ladder on Amazon.
Xtend & Climb Pro Series 785P+ Telescoping Ladder
A lot of people are squeamish about using telescoping ladders and for obvious reasons. This ladder is for those people because it rightly addresses every concern about telescoping ladders.
It features the angled Thumb Release in a no-pinch closure system that allows extension, collapse, and locking by the foot and ensures a safe hand position during operation.
Besides that, the ladder contracts to a meager 36.5 inches and comes with an integrated
carrying handle that makes transportation and storage easy. The double over-molded feet of the ladder give it even more stability and allows you to work on all surfaces.
Besides that, it also sports a clean touch anodized finish that makes it easy to clean and thus, prolongs its life.
Features
Fully Height-adjustable
A telescopic ladder is always the best when it comes to the adjustability of height.
In this ladder, you can give increments of one foot to the height with the extension of each telescopic stile.
This allows you to use it at any level of the story.
Long-lasting
Telescopic ladders often have a notoriety for a short life due to a greater number of moving parts.
But this ladder is made of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy that is meant to provide full hardiness and durability to the ladder.
Even with constant usage, there is no erosion or damage to the moving sections.
Safe to Use
The ladder complies with the latest and updated ANSI and OSHA guidelines and standards, as per the changes of 2019 with regard to telescopic ladders.
This ensures that this ladder is fully safe to use and will not cause any hazard to the user.
Specifications
Dimensions: 19.75 x 4.5 x 36 inches
Weight: 37.3 pounds
Height: 15.5 feet
Maximum Safe Working Height: 12.5 feet
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: 250 pounds (Type I)
Warranty: Limited 5 years
Available Models: 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 15.5 feet
Click here to learn more about this ladder(link to Amazon).
Louisville Ladder FBA_AS1016 Step Ladder
Louisville has always been known for safety, comfort, and convenience and this ladder is no different. It definitely meets or surpasses all OSHA and ANSI guidelines.
Also, the ladder sports replaceable rubber treading on its feet, all of which are angled, to provide leveling on all types of ground.
Its curved front makes working on it comfortable and ergonomic.
The steps are wide and have double-rivet construction and heavy-duty steel gusset bracing on the back steps and front bottom step to make them safe to stand on.
The molded top not only provides space to keep your tools but also has reinforcement plates as well as front and back doublers under it for enhanced reinforcement against wear and tear.
The side rails are full channel extrusions on both the front and back legs for optimal usage.
Features
Comfortable
Wide flat rungs are quite uncommon in ladders these days. However, this Louisville ladder is true to its brand when it comes to ease of use.
Its wide flat steps allow a person to stand on it for hours without feeling any pain or ache in their feet or legs.
Manageable for its Size
In spite of the massive size, this stepladder is designed cleverly so as to optimize its volume without compromising on quality.
The compact build allows a person to use and carry the ladder with ease without tiring out.
Convenient
The ladder has a highly useful accessory in the form of a tool tray. Its Pro Top includes a magnetic hardware tray with slots for all kinds of tools and drills, a paint bucket holder, and even a 2 by 4 for extra convenience.
Specifications
Dimensions: 192 x 38 x 15.1 inches
Weight: 72 pounds
Height: 16 feet
Rung/Step Depth: 3 inches
Material: Aluminum
Duty Rating: 300 pounds (Type IA)
Warranty: Limited
Available Models: 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 feet
Check its latest price on Amazon.
DeWalt DXL3020-16PT 16-Extension Ladder
Fabulous looks are not the only thing this ladder scores in. This is a premier extension ladder, with every feature you need.
The polyester veil covering the non-conductive full channel rails ensures that the fibers do not get exposed due to blooming or otherwise, which can seriously affect the durability and integrity of the ladder.
The rung locks are enabled by the Quick Latch system that is proven the industry standard for extension ladders.
There is also a nylon rope-enabled pulley which is used to keep the ladder stable in its extended position without sudden jerks.
Wraparound steel swivel shoes are fitted to keep the ladder level on all kinds of ground. To eliminate jerking and noise during transportation, Runge end caps are used. All in all, this ladder is made for heavy usage.
Features
Stable Set Up
Equipped with heavy-duty steel swivel shoes, this ladder from DeWalt is the best when it comes to leveling and stability.
Even when the ground is not rigid or flat, the highly grooved shoes and swivel action allow the ladder to be set up stably without any wobbling.
Electricity-safe
Being made of fiberglass, the ladder is naturally insulating against electricity.
This ensures that the ladder is fully electricity safe and has no chance of giving the person mounted on it a shock from nearby lines or circuits.
Damage-preventive
The non-marring rubber top of the ladder helps cushion the support surface when setting up the ladder.
So, even with accidental bumps and hits, you can be sure that it will not cause scratches or chips on the surface. Simultaneously, it protects the ladder top from blooming at the top.
Specifications
Dimensions: 103 x 19 x 7 inches
Weight: 30.9 pounds
Height: 16 feet
Material: Fiberglass
Duty Rating: 300 pounds (Type IA)
Warranty: Limited 3 years
Available Models: 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 40 feet
Things To Consider When Buying A Ladder For A One-Story House
Buying a ladder for a one-story house requires as much caution as buying a ladder for greater heights. Without the right safety features, even the lowest ladder can turn out to be a risk to use.
But look out for these and you will be fine:
Type of Ladder
Since the height of one-story houses allows a person to use any kind of ladder to work with, it all boils down to which type of ladder best suits the kind of work you are doing, the structure of the house, and your own comfort.
Some kinds of work, require more support and better footing, so self-supporting ladders are a better choice there.
The shape of the house and the structural features determine what kind of room is there to set up a certain kind of ladder.
Last, your own level of experience determines if you prefer self-supporting ladders or can work with non-self-supporting ones.
Height and Height Adjustability
It is important to get a ladder in the size range for the reach you need.
Make sure you have calculated the required height of the ladder before buying one.
Moreover, a height-adjustable ladder lets you work at different levels without having to get a new ladder for each job.
Build Material
The ladder material determines a lot of factors like weight, durability, hardiness, resistance to corrosion, and usability.
The most common materials are wood, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass.
Wood is not very durable while steel is too heavy.
Aluminum and fiberglass are the most popular materials, and while the former is preferred for being lightweight, the latter is preferred for its durability.
Electrical Safety
This is extremely important, especially if you will be working near electric lines or around water.
Fiberglass and wood are naturally insulating while steel and aluminum require plastic or rubber soles on the feet of the ladder and treads on the steps or rungs to impart insulation.
Slip Resistance
There are two areas where this must be applied. First, the soles on the feet of the ladder must be treaded to prevent them from sliding over the ground.
It can also have spurs to keep it immobile on softer ground. Similarly, end caps will also help in keeping the ladder stable against the wall in non-self-supporting ladders.
Second, the steps or rungs of the ladder must be treaded to prevent the person from slipping.
Leveling Features
Levelers are very necessary for ladders, especially if you know that you are not going to be working on flat ground or a smooth surface.
Levelers ensure that your ladder is not wobbly when you climb on it, nor will a slope result in the ladder sliding down the surface.
Duty Rating
Make sure that the duty rating of the ladder is sufficient for the height of the ladder and the total weight you plan to carry on it.
This is not something you should try to force the level of tolerance with. Carrying more weight than the rating can actually result in severe consequences, from damage to the ladder to disbalance.
Safety Guidelines
The ladder should cater to all the required safety guidelines that apply to it.
For ladders manufactured in the USA, this means the ANSI criteria must be followed while European ladders should be made according to the EN-131nstandards.
They should cater to the OSHA guidelines during usage.
Safety Precautions for Working With a Ladder for a One-Story House
No matter how good and safe your ladder is, if you do not use it safely, it will not protect you when you are mounted on it. Like any object of use, following safety precautions for ladders are essential to prevent avoidable accidents when using them. Some of these include:
Check Ladder For Any Damages –
Always make sure that the ladder does not have any damage or lose parts before you climb. A damaged ladder can potentially break mid-way and cause you to fall, and other accidents.
Check The Ground For Hardness And Level
The surface you are setting up the ladder on must be dry, hard, and flat.
A wet, soft, sloping, or rough ground can cause the ladder to wobble and destabilize, making you fall along with it.
Check For Water And Electricity Contact
Always take notice of any overhead or other electric lines before starting work. Avoid any electric lines.
If you just cannot, call the electricity board to confirm the power in the lines, have someone nearby at all times, and make sure medical support is nearby just in case.
The same goes for if you are working near water or wet surface, as this can carry current from elsewhere to you. Never ever work around naked wires.
Check That The Ladder Is Set Up Right
Before mounting the ladder, make sure it has been set up correctly.
It should follow the OSHA safety guidelines and other rules and conventions of ladder use.
Locks and spreaders should be set tight, the ladder should be opened fully or be at the right inclination, and should be tied to suitable support if necessary.
4:1 Rule
The 4:1 rule mandates that for every 4 feet of height the ladder is set up at. there must be 1 foot of distance from the wall of support.
This is, obviously, for non-self-supporting ladders only. This rule is in place to make sure that the ladder is never too vertical for it to tip over.
Conclusion
We hope that now, from this guide, you can infer what size ladder for 1 story house you need.
While there are a number of choices in the types of ladders you can go for, keep in mind the requirements that will best suit your work.
Using this guide should make buying the best ladderless complicated. And if you want the market-best in ladders for one-story houses, you can always use the list in this article to guide your decision.
Cheers!