Extension Ladders

Choose a ladder with a maximum extended length that exceeds the highest point you need to reach; account for a safe working height about 3–4 feet below the ladder top. For tasks on roofs or gutters, add your standing reach (roughly 4 feet) to the roof height to determine required ladder length

Pick a ladder with a duty rating that equals or exceeds the total weight it will carry (user plus tools/materials). Common ratings include 200 lb (Type I), 225–250 lb (Type IAA/I), and 300 lb (Type IA), with higher ratings for heavy-duty industrial use

Look for slip-resistant rungs and feet, secure locking mechanisms (pawls or locks) for the extended section, stabilizer bars or stand-off attachments for added width, and labels with load rating and safe angle guidance. Inspect for damage and functioning locks before each use

Place the ladder on firm, level ground and set the base about one-quarter of the ladder’s working length away from the support (a 4:1 ratio). Ensure the top rests against a solid surface and lock the extension before climbing; maintain three points of contact while ascending or descending

Clean off dirt and chemicals after use, inspect for bent rails, cracked rungs, or damaged locks, lubricate moving parts per manufacturer guidance, and store indoors or under cover on rack supports to prevent sagging and weather damage

Extension ladder prices vary by material, length, and duty rating; entry-level shorter aluminum ladders are typically lower cost, while longer, heavy-duty fiberglass models cost more. For this product category, average prices fall in the low-to-mid hundreds, with a wide range depending on features and brand