Ideal ladder height is the first thing you need to know to be safe before purchasing it. According to NACHI, a significant amount of workplace injuries happen because of ignoring the height factor.
Now, how will you figure which ladder height is perfect for the site? Is there are a leader height calculator you can follow to maximize your safety at work?
It becomes effortless when you know about the process of calculating the height. To calculate the perfect leader height at your workplace, all you need is a height measuring tape. Here’s what you need to know for an accurate measurement of your ladder for your worksite. Take a look!
Choosing A Ladder: What Ladder Working Height Do You Need?
Buying a perfect ladder for your job involves the working height you’re handling. The ladder working height means where to stay safe when you are working on the ladder.
If you are a person with average height, the working height will be a 4:3 ratio of the ladder’s main height.
For instance, if you work on 24 feet wall, the ladder must have 28 feet in height. So, your working ladder height will be approximately 21 feet. Hence, it may differ by the height and weight of the person.
Ladder Height Chart
Ladder height depends on its maximum reach. If the maximum reach is 20 feet for step ladders, the ladder height will be 16 feet. But in extension ladders, the size is 2-3 feet higher than the maximum reach. Other ladders have different measurements with their models for the height, so this height chart may help you out.
| Ladder Type | Max. Reach | Ladder Hight |
| Step ladder | 8-20 feet | 4-16 feet |
| Extension ladder | 16-72 feet | 15-70 feet |
| Straight ladder | 3-29 feet | 4-30 feet |
Ladder Hight Calculator: How To Calculate The Ladder Height You Need?
To have a perfect ladder size or height, you have to decide what you will use it. If it’s for home maintenance, you have to be accurate about the total height of your home’s wall.
You have to do it vertically even if you are in 3 story house. Only then can you calculate the ladder height precisely. Here’s what you will do.
- First off, figure the length of the supportive surface-like wall that will hold the ladder.
- Then, calculate the distance between the ladder and the wall in the 4:1 ratio on the ground. Hence, if the wall is about 16 feet long, the distance will be 4 feet from the wall.
- For over one-story houses, you can calculate the ladder height in this way. The formula is: Maximum reach + 1 + reach/6. Hence, the reach is the total height of the surface wall.
But it would help if you bought a ladder with at least 3 feet more than its actual reach for extension ladders. Otherwise, it won’t be relevant for the job you are going to.
What Are The Different Types of Ladders?
Ladders are designed as per your need, whether it’s extended building maintenance or painting walls. Therefore, you will find several types of ladders for different uses. Here, we will make you aware of all the ladders available right now.
Extension ladder
Extension ladders are currently in the most popular category in ladders for multi-purpose usage. Its maximum reach is 72 feet that come with three sections, and can be retracted after use. So, you can store it in a small space, both indoor and outdoor. The primary material used in the extension ladder is Aluminum and Fiberglass.
You will find locks in most extension ladders with the rungs at the extension points. Especially for this, the ladder keeps up any job on it pretty sturdily and safely. Therefore, it needs a little maintenance for its build quality. Also, you can do construction and maintenance jobs much quicker with it for its portability.
Step ladder
Step ladders are mainly made for places where there’s no support for the ladder. It comes with two ladders aside shaped like V with A-grade framing on it. Therefore, two persons can easily climb both the ladders steadily. So, you can do two jobs like repairing bulbs and fixing the cable at the same time.
You can use this ladder for 4 to 20 feet in height. Telescoping step ladders are the best of this kind, for extra adjustability in size. However, try to get the lightweight telescopic ladders with fine adjustability if you want professional support from it.
A foldable step ladder with the surface on the top can make your job more flexible. Therefore, it’s known as platform ladders, of which your painting or fixing the rack becomes much flexible.
Combination ladder
As the name prefers, this ladder comes with two or more combinations of ladders. It’s also known as a multipurpose ladder as you can convert it into different sizes. The transformable ladder can be used as a step ladder, extension ladder, even scaffolding ladder.
The multi-way ladder can hold two person’s weights up to 13 feet in height. Also, the ladder is light-weighted and easy to transport and store. As you can turn it into different sizes on both sides, fixing the gutter line or making shelves in the garage can be done quickly.
Straight ladder
It’s the old-school design of the ladder that is commonly used for cutting the branches. Also, most professional electricians use it for its height and solid hinges. You can reach 4 feet to 30 feet height in a straightway with sturdy support, of course.
Straight ladders have two different materials for their body- wood and aluminum. Also, straight steel ladders are available in some places, but they are not much usable. Therefore, it needs even ground or leveler for perfect usage.
The ladder can hold only one person on it, and it sometimes wobbles when you move. Therefore, you can’t do any DIY project on it. But works like painting or getting on the roof is quite possible if you maintain your activities on it.
Articulated ladder
It’s a mix of several ladders like the combination ones. But the main feature that makes it different is its foldability. Yes, you can fold the articulated ladder, even the steps. The ladder can be turned into a step ladder from an extension one pretty quickly.
You can reach any up to 30 feet through this convertible ladder. Hence, the flexibility to transform gives the ladder to clean up on the height without damaging anything. For instance, you don’t have to use a gutter guard if you have this supportive ladder.
The locking system makes the ladder stand still in one or more positions. So, you can have all tools on the ladder when the two-story house’s window frame is broken.
Tips To Improve Ladder Safety
Telescopic ladders or Step ladders- you have to keep the safety when you are on it. Otherwise, you can get injured while working or fixing it. Here are some tricks for you to make yourself comfortable and safe with the ladder.
Get the right ladder
Get one thing straight, you never use a ladder that doesn’t suit the job you’re doing. Firs, use the right height calculator before getting one. Always choose the ladder with a maximum load rating that is appropriate for your workplace. Also, ensure the ladder size is perfect for your job. Check out the manufacturer’s guide to know about it specifically before using the ladder.
Use the ladder properly
Getting the right ladder isn’t enough, you must use it the right way. Inspect the ladder’s locks and rungs if there is any loose end or damage in there. Plus, don’t use a ladder that has any damage issues in any area of it. You can get hurt badly by using a troubled ladder. Place the ladder precisely before climbing on it. Therefore, keep the calculation tighter for proper support.
Check on the ground
If the ground is uneven, always use a ladder leveler to avoid wobbling. Also, you can use other accessories like hooks to keep it steady. Always clear the obstacles to have a clear view of climbing, especially for the branches. Precisely, avoid anything that conducts electricity. Besides, have a look at the extension locks and keep them tight. Also, don’t rush while retracting the extension as your finger can get into the rungs for it.
Keep safety precautions in mind
Safety is a major concern when it comes to using a ladder in workplaces. Try not to use the final rung as it can create displacement on the ladder sometimes. Therefore, use the two or three steps below the last rungs. Always keep the maintenance of the ladder after a certain period. Try to keep it indoors if storage is available.
Final verdict
DIY workers need ladders to decorate the rooms, let alone the professionals. If you are a homeowner or construction worker, this leader height calculator is the best resource you have at your disposal.
Now that you can figure the ladder height through the guides, you can quickly decide the safe size and height. However, don’t forget to follow the safety measures for every climb.
