However is it incredibly dangerous and you really should never do it.

Like never.

It is really dangerous to lean a ladder against a window because the force of your weight on the ladder pushing against the glass using only the two feet at the top of the ladder is enough to make the glass crack or shatter.

You might be thinking that most of the weight from someone standing on a ladder is directed downwards to the base of the ladder.

Well, yes most of it is, but around 20% of the climbers weight is directed as lateral force onto the window pane, through the top points or feet of the ladder.

What will happen if I do lean my ladder against a glass window?

Well, a whole host of horrible things could happen, to put it simply :-

If the glass cracks or shatters from the pressure of the ladder weight – you could fall off the ladder from the sudden jolt in the ladder having no support.

You could also get showered in glass fragments or shards, which will be at head height.

You may even try to grab the window frame for support which may have remnants of the glass pane still attached – not good.

So, don’t do it – it’s not worth the risk.

So how do I get around this problem of not being able to lean my ladder against glass?

You have a few options:

1. Lean your ladder against the brickwork to the side of the window.
2. Use a longer ladder – one that will safely reach above the window pane.
3. Use an extendable pole tool if you are doing a task which doesn’t involve hand tools – such as window cleaning.
4. If you have climbing gear you could belay yourself from above – this is a bit more advanced though and shouldn’t be attempted if you don’t know exactly what you are doing.
5. Rent or buy scaffolding – it may be expensive but extremely useful and much safer that trying to balance on a ladder. – A good idea if your project is going to run for an extended period.
6. Invest in or borrow tripod ladder – these useful ladders have three legs and can stand freely without having to lean up against anything. – Perfect for reaching windows without having to actually lean on them.
7. Get a ladder stabiliser – You can then lean your ladder safely over a window frame or to the side whilst being far enough away from the wall to reach. (An affordable ladder stabiliser just like the one below is available on Amazon.co.uk)

The post Can I rest a ladder against a window? appeared first on Ladder Review.

They do not look as safe and strong as a tradition extendable ladder and relatively speaking, are still quite new to the market compared to how long traditional ladders have been around.

Is the telescopic mechanism safe? Can you trust an extending ladder that is made of lightweight metal and plastic to be strong enough to hold your weight?

Read on to find the answers to these questions and more:

Are telescopic ladders strong enough?

Modern telescopic ladders are made of lightweight materials that are also very strong.

From researching different brands, there seems to be a majority of telescopic ladders with a 100kg – 150kg maximum weight limit.

(This is often the safe weight limit for standard and tradition extension ladders. Which people tend to perceive as being safer.

What are telescopic ladders made from?

Many of the telescopic ladders I have researched are made from an aluminium, aluminium alloy or T5 aluminium structure.

Some of the parts (usually the joints) are made from a strong moulded plastic. (Again this is similar the the locking mechanism on a traditional extension ladder – where the locking latch is usually made of very durable plastic.)

The MOST important thing to avoid having any problems is to thoroughly read the instruction manual that comes with your ladder.

How do I use a telescopic ladder?

Not all of these ladders are exactly the same.

Be sure you read the specific instructions on setting up and taking down your telescopic ladder, this will tell you any specific information you need to know in relation to the locking mechanism and release catch.

Some have different ways of opening and locking. You will need to double check the instructions for your specific ladder before use, so as not to damage the safety locking mechanisms on each rung.

Usually, the key information on how to set up the ladder and how to put the ladder away is on a label which is visible on the ladder itself to remind you of how to safely set it up.

(Along with important information on maximum weight loads too.)

Setting the ladder up in the wrong way or using it incorrectly are usually the reasons for incidents.

Telescopic ladders, when bought from a reputable seller, with consistently positive feedback and reviews should work perfectly well, when used correctly and safely.

-If you don’t know exactly how your ladder works, you may end up with trapped fingers or even a collapsed ladder at worst!

If you follow the instructions exactly, you should have absolutely no problems.

Can I trust the cheap telescopic ladders I have seen online that are not branded?

Whilst sellers of ladders online may claim that their ladder has passed the necessary European safety test (European EN 131 certification), there have been cases in the past where ladders have been tested by trading standards and they have actually failed these tests.

(Even though online, they claim to have passed all the necessary safely tests.)

There was a huge problem with substandard telescopic ladders being sold back in 2017. They were investigated and fined.

You can read more about the investigation, the ladders which were recalled and the fines that were given to these dodgy companies by trading standards here.

What should I look out for to avoid buying a cheap import without safety certificates?

The internet is a wonderful place where not much can be hidden in terms of selling substandard products.

People have the ability to leave reviews for products – which means that companies selling through sites such as ebay and amazon will not be able to sell substandard products without being discovered very quickly.

Always look to make sure that the product meets the European EN 131 certification. All independent businesses who are based in the UK who sell ladders will only sell ladders that pass this certification.

For example, BrownsLadders, Ladderstore, Wickes, Homebase, Worhan, Travis Perkins etc.

The ones to watch out for are sellers who sell ladders through sites such as amazon and ebay, where the ladder is unbranded, you are not sure where they are based – (outside of UK?).

Also, look out to see if copy (the information text) looks fabricated or just not quite right. – This can be a warning sign that the ladder may be a cheap import.

Ultimately if you follow these steps, you should be fine.

• Do some research before buying – we will never recommend a bad ladder on this site, but have a look around other sites too and read reviews of the ladders on sites like amazon on ebay too for more confidence.
• Buy from a reputable company.
• Always follow the specific guidelines for the ladder you have, each one may operate slightly differently.
• Don’t immediately go for the cheapest option – there may be a ladder that is significantly better quality for just a few pounds more.
• Look for signs of quality – such as the supporting bar at the bottom of the telescopic ladder which makes the ladder stronger and less wobbly.

How to use a telescopic ladder safely.

• Always make sure you check each rung has locked in place before attempting to use, they usually ‘click’.
• Open from the bottom if not using the full height of the telescopic ladder. (If you open only the top section, the ladder may well collapse.)
• Telescopic ladders are quite lightweight, so maybe tie it up or stabilise it in some way against a solid surface before using it.
• Never try to adjust the locking mechanism whilst the ladder is in use.
• Always take care when retracting the ladder, some telescopic ladders fold down very quickly if you don’t guide them. If the ladder shuts down too quickly, the impact could potentially damage the locking mechanisms, damaging the ladder.
• Always make sure the ladder is clean and dry, many telescopic ladders come with a carry bag for this reason.
• Keep the ladder clean, but don’t oil the mechanism unless your instruction manual specifically tells you to.
• Check to see if your telescopic ladder needs a support bar attaching at the bottom for extra stability before use.

The post Are Telescopic Ladders Safe? appeared first on Ladder Review.

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Extension / Roof Ladders

Suitable for all types of trade and diy projects.

Can be bought in a small size, for general work around the house or very long ladders for roofing.

Usually get more narrow as they get taller.

Better to use this type of ladder with extra supports, like a bracket to secure the ladder or a non slip mat. (Especially if you need a tall ladder.)

They are quite large, heavy and bulky and can sometimes be a two man job to move and set up.

This type of ladder is best for the jobs where you are working at great height, i.e, for climbing onto a roof or for replacing the bulb in a garden flood light.

Telescopic Ladders

These ladders fold down inside themselves, with a Russian doll effect.

Telescopic ladders have advanced massively in the last few years and are now one of the most popular types of ladder.

The telescopic effect of these ladders means that the fold up very small and are easy to store.

You can’t get to great heights on a telescopic ladder, it simple wouldn’t be safe. But they are a great addition to the family home for general use and light DIY and certainly are easier to manoeuvre around the house than standard extending ladders.

If you are buying a telescopic ladder, buy from a reputable company or manufacturer. Things have been known to go wrong with them in the past. This will give you extra piece of mind.

This type of ladder is best for working where the ladder can be placed flat against a wall. (Leaning the top section against the rim of a loft hatch for example, is probably not advisable. just to the hollow legs and lightweight frame.

Step Ladders

The perfect ladders for reaching out of high cupboards or for home or trade decorating.

I think every home should have a set of these, they are inexpensive, last pretty much forever and are useful in so many ways and instances.

They come is a variety of heights. Starting at small two step types and going up to about 6 or 7 steps maximum.

Step ladders are usually lightweight and fairly slim when folded away for storage.

Tripod Ladders

This type of ladder is perfect for outdoor use, for cutting trees or trimming hedges.

Tripod ladders are usually far more expensive than many other styles of ladder. They have to be exceptionally well made in order to be strong and stable enough to use on uneven ground.

Some of the better models offer adjustable feet which are fantastically useful when using your tripod ladder in the garden on never terrain like gravel. It helps you achieve maximum stability.

The ladder is very wide at the bottom, and tapers to a slimmer width at the top of the ladder for stability. The downside is that they are very difficult to store and to move around.

Traditionally used in the outdoor world for fruit picking, hedge or tree cutting or other
similar jobs.

The unique third leg improves stability and makes it easier to position the ladder close enough the tree or hedge you are trying to reach
The conventional four feet ladders can prove awkward when trying to manoeuvre and set up in a garden. The tripod ladder is specially designed for maximum support and sturdiness with a wide width bottom that gets gradually narrower as you reach the top of the ladder.

Combination Ladders

These ladder suit a variety of needs, can be used on stairs, or for outdoor purposes. Some can create a ladder platform for standing or kneeling at height.

A combination ladder s usually very heavy and awkward to set up. (Mind your fingers!) But once set up, it offers a safe and stable platform to work from at height.

Combination ladders can be erected as one straight long ladder too, so they can be leant flat up a wall and used like a regular extension ladder. The downside is that the feet are very wide for stability when the ladder is being used as a platform. This can make it difficult to use a combination ladder in a confined space with a limited width. (Like on a stairway.)

Loft Ladders

These ladders sit in your loft for easy storage and can be pulled down via a handle or stick.

It’t amazing that not all homes have loft ladder yet!

They are relatively inexpensive, can be fitted by yourself (you don’t need a professional) and they will save you a hundred awkward trips up and down the stairs carrying your extendable ladder. (Whilst trying not to mark the walls of the staircase or ceilings as you navigate through the house.)

There are different types available, but we think the best ones are the type that the ladder folds quite small into a neat bundle. This ladder bundle sits basically on top of the loft hatch in the loft so takes up an absolute minimal amount of room in your loft. (Which, if it is anything like our loft, if full to the rafters with treasured possessions and junk!

Telescopic Ladders

If your needs are small diy jobs, the occasional decorating, accessing a loft hatch or clearing out the gutters, then buy a telescopic ladder.

They fold super small and usually lightweight to carry and handle. Each level of ladder rungs sits inside the outer one, with the vertical poles at the bottom being wider than at the top. The whole ladder folds down into itself like a Russian doll would. This means it is really easy to carry, store and to transport to take to a friends house.

Telescopic ladders come in a variety of lengths, starting at around 3.2 metres and going up to around 6metres.

These ladders are usually made of a lightweight but strong and durable aluminium. They usually support a maximum working weight of around 95 kg but some can hold 150kg.

You can get accessories for telescopic ladders like travel bags, to keep the ladder protected and in good condition when storing or travelling. Some telescopic ladders also come with extra grip gloves, for maximum safety.

Telescopic ladders are either one straight vertical ladder, they have to be propped up fairly upright, as opposed to some other ladder styles. Or, they are made up of two halves, that can form an ‘A’ shaped ladder as well as one long straight ladder. This is extremely useful if there are no walls for the feet to lean against.

They often come with flat feet, instead of a cross support bar so the feet have to be very securely placed on the ground to avoid any potential movement.

Ladders for the work place and businesses

Ladders have a safety rating certificate of whether or not they are suitable for trade and professional use. If you are going to be using the ladder for a job or for your own business, ensure that the ladder you choose has the appropriate certification of safety. It will be obvious when researching the different ladders if it doesn’t have the correct safety certificates. Not having the correct certificates could affect insurance coverage in the event of an incident. 

• A ladder for industrial uses needs to be a Class 1 ladder (or Class A).
• These ladders have a maximum static vertical load of 175kg (27.5 stone).
• A ladder for professional uses is called a Class EN131 Ladder
• These ladders have maximum static vertical load 150 kg (23.5 stone)
• A ladder for Home – Domestic use is can be any ladder, often they are called Class 3 ladders.

Ladders for general home and DIY use

Naturally a ladder for the home is going to post less to buy that one that is heavy duty and suitable for the workplace.

However, some ladders that are Class A are not much more expensive, and if you spend a lot of time using ladders at home, you may consider buying one with a higher safety rating for extra piece of mind.

A ladder for cutting trees or hedges

If you are looking to buy a ladder to help you to cut trees of hedges in your garden, you need one that is very secure and gives you a lot of height.

Trees and hedges are not always suitable for leaning a ladder against. In this case you would need to look at some sort of scaffold or platform ladder.

Choose a ladder with a wide support base or bases at either end, this is going to give you maximum stability when using the ladder in a situation where there could be strong winds or nothing to hold on to for support and balance.

The best type of ladder for cutting hedges and trees is a tripod ladder. This type of ladder has three feet, two on the main side of the ladder which you climb and the third foot is a pole at the back of the ladder which provides the support and stability of a tripod.

This is the safest way, much better than trying to lean a regular ladder against a moving hedge or tree trunk.

The bottom rung and the feet of the stepped side is very wide, the larger the triangle shape created by the feet, the safer your hand will be.

The step side starts wide and the bottom and swoops up and in on both sides, to be the width of regular ladder nearer the top.

The tripod ladder allows you to get much closer to the hedge or tree at height.

The post Types of Ladder For Different Uses appeared first on Ladder Review.