How tall of an extension ladder do I need to reach the roof of a two storey house?

Any suggestions on an inexpensive extension ladder? Any tips would be appreciated.

First, you need to determine the maximum height that you need to reach. This height is a total of two figures: The height of the wall itself, and the difference in ground level height at the foundation and in the area where the feet of the ladder will be positioned. Determining wall height can be done a couple of ways. You can lean out a second storey window, and with a good quality tape measure, run the blade up to the approx. max. height. Then let the blade drop and get a height from the ground up. The sum of these two figures is what you need. Another way, from the ground, if you have horizontal siding like clapbpoards or shingles, is to measure the exposure of a run in inches, and multiply it by the number of runs. Add your foundation height and divide by 12 to get the total height, in feet. Look to the area where the ladder will stand. How much does the land drop. If you can't eyeball it, use a line level. Add the drop off to the wall height and use that height to determine the ladder you need. A ladder has three dimension ratings. The first is the size. On an extension ladder, this is the sum of the lenghts of the sections. Thus, a 32' ladder is made of two 16' sections. The second rating is maximum extended length. This is the length, with the minimum safe overlap of the top and bottom sections. The nearer you get to this length, the more wobbly the ladder becomes. The third number is maximum recommended standing height. This number takes into account the fact that when the ladder is placed at an angle, it's vertical reach is less than if it could be used standing straight up. Finally, you need to consider what you will be using the ladder for, and your own body type. Check the weight rating of the ladder. Pick one that will do the job safely. If it's not something you use much, consider renting. That way, you can afford something that is right for the job.

A "story" is 11 feet. So the answer is 22 feet. Go to Home Depot and get yourself a 25 foot aluminum ladder for about $200.00 (or a cheap crappy one for about $100.00)
http://homedepot.bighammersoftware.com/P...

Most extension ladders are sold in multiples of even number footage. The peak of the house might best determine the length of ladder needed, depending on pitch or the roof, etc.

Assume that for safety reasons any ladder should be taller than any work being done in its usage. IE: a gutter 22 feet off the ground should be touched by the ladder of choice with at least 2 or 3 feet extending above it.

Beyond that, an extension ladder should ideally be "footed" at no less than 5 feet from the house, and certainly no farther out than might cause the ladder to slide once you reach the site of the work.

I follow the theory that "More" is usually best when it comes to any construction/repair/maintenance work, especially for a DIY. One is only as good as their equipment.

It can also be said that "You get what you pay for" and with regard to an extension ladder you should spend the cash on the equipment as opposed to paying for possible injuries, after the fact. It should slide easily, be light weight enough for one person to handle and set up, be sturdy enough to support more than your personal weight, have a decent rope/pulley system, etc.

I prefer fiber glass uprights, but that's a personal choice.

Rev. Steven

20 ft

32'

It would depend on the house, as I don't think there is a strict standard that is regulated on how tall a "story" of a house must be. Ideally, it would need to be tall enough to rest on the gutter on the edge of the roof, and extend at least several inches beyond that for stability.

To prpoerly figure the size of the ladder (according to OSHA regs.) You need to first know how far off the ground the roof is.
The way to figure the ladder length is to think of it as a triangle.
One side is the house
The base is the ground
The hypotenuse is the ladder itself

now it gets a little complicated;
The base needs to be 1/3 of the height
Then use the pythagorean theorum (base squared + height squared = Hypotenuse squared)
Then add three feet to the hypotenuse = ladder length

if your house is 21 ft tall
base is 7 ft
(21 x 21) + (7 x 7) = Hypotenuse squared
441 + 49 = 490
find the square root of 490
about 22.5 feet, add 3 feet to extend above the roof line
so in this case you need a ladder 25.5 feet long
Also you need to try to find someway to tie off the ladder to the building for safety.

Gregory has provided a very elegant mathematical way to calculate the length of the ladder you need. You do need to know how far off the ground your roof actually is. With most homes, this varies even with the same home, depending on where you place the ladder. You also want to place the base of the ladder on a level surface....and ladder needs to be at about a 60 degree angle, or less

If you are actually going to climb the ladder to the second story, or work off of it... you also need to pay heed to the weight limitations of the ladder. MOST ladders are only rated for up to 250 pounds....If you weigh more, (and dont forget to add the weight of your tools and materials), you run the serious risk of the ladder collapsing on you.

I have always preferred to have the ladder extend AT LEAST 30 inches beyond the roof edge...makes it much safer to get on it, from the roof. And, it is always much much safer, to have a longer ladder than you need, than one that is too short.

Lastly.... there is no such thing as an 'inexpensive' ladder.... there are some cheap ladders.... but I wouldnt trust my safety to them. You need to look at buying a ladder as a good investment.... buy a good heavy duty one....a ladder that will last you for a long time to come.... or don't get one at all. Ive seen way too many people get hurt, because a 'cheap' ladder collapsed, or flipped sideways, or fell.

If your project is a one time event... give some serious thought to renting a platform lift, or scaffolding.

Be Safe!

At least as tall as the second story roof......probably a 21' extension ladder would work.