What Size Ladder Do I Need For A Two-Storey House?

There are many reasons you may need a ladder to climb a two-storey property, such as for DIY roof work or cleaning gutters, but if your current ladder extends at least one metre below your roofline, then you will need a new ladder. But how do you go about choosing the right type of ladder?

In this article, we will go over what size ladder you need, including ladder types and tips for safe working at that sort of height.

The right ladder size for a two-storey house

The average height of a two-storey house in the UK is around 5.5 to 6.7 metres, with peaks such as roof ridges or gables reaching 7.3 metres. There are guidelines surrounding safe working at this height and this will impact on your choice of ladder…

Extension above roofline – Ideal ladder sizes for roof work should be one metre above the roof eaves, with the extra length acting as a secure handhold, as well as somewhere to transition onto the roof if you need to.
Safe angle – Ladders should be leaning at a safe angle of 75 degrees, adhering to the rule known as the 4-to-1 rule. The 4-to-1 rule means that for every four feet of height, the ladder base should be one foot out.
Avoid overreaching – A ladder that is too short will result in situations where the user may try to stretch dangerously, thereby compromising the ladder’s stability.

Types of ladder suitable for two storey house work

The appropriate type of ladder for the job consists of the following:

Extension ladders – An extension ladder extends between 7.6 metres to beyond 9.1 metres, making them an ideal choice for reaching your roof without having to concern yourself with safety.
Combination ladders – Combination ladders can be configured into several different ladder types, such as extension ladders, step ladders etc.
Roof ladders – These ladders are used specifically with roofs in mind, designed to hook into the roof ridge. But in order to fix them to the roof, you need an extension ladder to reach where you hook them in.

Provided the ladder sizes reach a metre above the two storey house, any of these options will be more than sufficient.

Ladder sizes – tips

The following are a selection of tips that you may find useful when choosing your intended ladder:

Load capacity – Whether you’re going with a standard extension ladder, or another option, you need to understand that ladder sizes are not the only thing that you need to worry about, but also the load capacity/weight rating. This metric determines the maximum weight allowed on the ladder, including your weight, tools and materials etc.
Storage – Ensure that you note the closed height of the ladder you need, as you will of course need to store the ladder after use. Measure the closed height to ensure that it will be easy to store, as well as transport if needed.
Safe working – Two hands and one foot whilst working on a ladder greatly increases the stability of the ladder, and your safety whilst working. This is called the three points of contact rule, and it’s the cornerstone of ladder safety and recommended by safety bodies within the UK, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Conclusion

To sum up, you need a ladder a metre above the eaves in order to reach your rooftop safely. Look no further for BPS Depot for the best ladder products in the UK, manufactured in Britain, with a strong warranty and support system.

FAQ – How high are the gutters typically on a two storey house UK?

The gutters of a two storey house are typically located around 5.5 to 6.7 metres above ground level. Guttering is an important DIY job vital to your home’s health. Guttering is beneficial and should be well maintained to continue to enjoy the following benefits:

Prevent water damage – Clogged and/or broken gutters can lead to the overflow of water, which may threaten the foundation, the walls and roofs. Over time, structural issues may occur..
Avoids damp and mould growth – A blocked gutter can cause water to seep within the walls and ceiling, which can promote damp and the growth of mould. These can cost a lot to treat if left unattended.
Preservation of landscaping – Water flow that is uncontrolled can erode soil, damage flower beds and flood pathways around the house.
Gutter lifespan – By gutter maintenance, you’re removing debris and preventing rust and/or deterioration and this extends the lifespan of the gutter system.

The tools and materials requires for effective guttering is:

Gutter scops and trowels – Useful to manually remove debris.
Telescopic gutter cleaning tools – To reach and clear debris, barring the need to lean excessively on a ladder.
Water hose with gutter nozzle attachment – Hose attachments that offer high pressure can help flush out remaining debris from cleaning.
Bucket hooks – These buckets have hooks that attach to ladder rungs, allowing you to hang a bucket for debris collection, allowing for much more efficient and tidy progress.

Ensure that you regularly engage in gutter maintenance to keep your home free from damage.