Suitable ladder to get on the roof?

[pretzelz]

Hi,

I've estimated that the height of my house to the flat roof is 5m 30cm. There is no guttering.

I need to buy a ladder so I can get up and inspect it. Would this do?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Youngman-Tr...=sr_1_45?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1327021107&sr=1-45

3080mm Closed length
5110mm Open length
5502mm Safe working height

-- What does safe working height mean? (it's higher than the open length)

Many thanks.

 

[RedHerring2]

When you're working at the top of a ladder, you can reach higher then the top of the ladder. You can perhaps ascend until your waist is level with the top.

If you intend to access onto the roof, you'll need a ladder that is longer, so it extends up past the guttering level, parhaps at least three or four rungs.
This is to allow you something to hold onto when you're traversing from the ladder to the roof ladder, and vice-versa.You must ensure the ladder is firmly tied in at the top.!

If you're not that experienced, and it sounds as though you're not, I'd use a scaffold tower.

You can aslo use a stand-off, which is a piece of equipment fixed to the rungs near the top allowing the ladder to rest firmly against the wall, not the roof/guttering/fascia board.

Another point worth considering, I haven't checked out your link, but I'll sometimes choose a triple extension over a double extension. I find that they are more flexible in different scenarios.

A further point, now I've checked out your link, I tend to go to a ladder specialist when I'm buying.
You could hire or hire a scaffold tower for a one-off job.

 

[tim00]

Good advice given above. FWIW, Regs require the ladder to extend 900mm past the eave/gutter. You must also tie your ladder in at the top and have someone to foot it at the bottom. Never work at height on your own.

Working height claims often refer to the height you can reach above your head, i prefer it to be defined as level with my shoulders. Remember that you never stand on the top rungs of a ladder.


Call a specialist access co. and describe your dimensions etc. and they will prescribe a suitable length ladder for you.

Why not hire ( as advised ) a recommended suitable ladder, and then, if that type suits your needs, buy a similar one.

 

[pretzelz]

Thank you all, that information was very helpful and allowed me to come to a good decision. Up I go to inspect my asphalt! (once it arrives)

 

[WestmidsChippy]

cat if the ridge is more then 40 years old