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UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Rob@Blast off on August 24, 2014, 11:10:59 am

Title: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Rob@Blast off on August 24, 2014, 11:10:59 am
I'm thinking about buying a ladder!, just as a backup incase my system plays up or I have to get on a flat roofs etc, I have 4.5m titan but its far to big and heavy so it gets left at home 95% of the time. I want something to stay on the van but can't decide between 3m double or a 3.5m. What one should I get?
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Ian101 on August 24, 2014, 11:39:59 am
titan 3.0m double ... had it 4 years from when I was trad ... nice and light and still comes in handy for odd gutter clean if a little on short side but ideal for day to day trad cleaning
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Window Lickers on August 24, 2014, 11:40:13 am
3.5 m
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Ian101 on August 24, 2014, 11:40:41 am
shame your too far away as would have bought your big titan  :)
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Jakey boy on August 24, 2014, 12:08:04 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Ian101 on August 24, 2014, 12:10:45 pm
fair comment ref bandq but tried a few over the years on hire nothing as comfortable as a titan imho  :)
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Jakey boy on August 24, 2014, 12:57:40 pm
Comforter shouldn't be a factor if it's just a backup ladder though...
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Smudger on August 24, 2014, 01:13:46 pm
Zarges

Best quality and build

Darran
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Rob@Blast off on August 24, 2014, 01:25:03 pm
I used to have the 3m titan great little ladder but it sadly it got bent when I accidentally reversed into it.
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: J.D on August 24, 2014, 02:59:41 pm
I carry one of those telescopic ladders in my van. Sturdy and compact.
Don't buy the cheap nasty ones you sometimes get on eBay!
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: KS Cleaning on August 24, 2014, 07:12:12 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: PoleKing on August 24, 2014, 07:20:39 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: KS Cleaning on August 24, 2014, 08:20:27 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: PoleKing on August 24, 2014, 08:38:54 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: KS Cleaning on August 24, 2014, 08:54:22 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Depending on size and manufacturer around 50 quid!
As B&Q have a trade point, I would imagine so.
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: PoleKing on August 24, 2014, 09:34:24 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Depending on size and manufacturer around 50 quid!
As B&Q have a trade point, I would imagine so.

I meant more from a legal point of view.
You said you wouldn't be insured on a DIY ladder.
I'm trying to work out how your insurance would be invalidated because a ladder was £50 cheaper than another one?
I get about box frame or h section ladders and the difference there but can't imagine insurance being invalidated because it's h as opposed box.
Unless you know otherwise...?
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: KS Cleaning on August 24, 2014, 10:07:25 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Depending on size and manufacturer around 50 quid!
As B&Q have a trade point, I would imagine so.

I meant more from a legal point of view.
You said you wouldn't be insured on a DIY ladder.
I'm trying to work out how your insurance would be invalidated because a ladder was £50 cheaper than another one?
I get about box frame or h section ladders and the difference there but can't imagine insurance being invalidated because it's h as opposed box.
Unless you know otherwise...?
Aye a know you were meaning from a legal point of view, it was said tongue in cheek :P
DIY ladders will breach health & safety regulations, so if you had an accident and it was investigated by HSE, it would invalidate any claim for personal injury.
The difference between a DIY and trade ladder is ..... a DIY ladder is built for occasional use in the home, trade ladders are built for regular use and will have a higher load rating
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: PoleKing on August 24, 2014, 10:29:38 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Depending on size and manufacturer around 50 quid!
As B&Q have a trade point, I would imagine so.

I meant more from a legal point of view.
You said you wouldn't be insured on a DIY ladder.
I'm trying to work out how your insurance would be invalidated because a ladder was £50 cheaper than another one?
I get about box frame or h section ladders and the difference there but can't imagine insurance being invalidated because it's h as opposed box.
Unless you know otherwise...?
Aye a know you were meaning from a legal point of view, it was said tongue in cheek :P
DIY ladders will breach health & safety regulations, so if you had an accident and it was investigated by HSE, it would invalidate any claim for personal injury.
The difference between a DIY and trade ladder is a DIY ladder is built for occasional use in the home, trade ladders are built for regular use and will have a higher load rating

My insurance doesn't say anything about the type of ladder.
Only that it be 'fit for purpose' and in a 'good state of repair'
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Jakey boy on August 24, 2014, 10:37:40 pm
Rubbish, forget the insurance, no where does it state that a DIY ladder can't be used, anyway, it's not named a DIY ladder I just said that to emphasise it's low price and basic structure, they are actually very good ladders, very sturdy and last indefinitely, it's just 'a ladder form b&q' nothing to suggest it's not covered on insurance...

Besides, I bought two ladders from b&q both from the trade point, but they are just standard b&q ladders... Done me well for 6 years, both the triple and double, very good ladders, looked at better 'maked' ones and to be honest not much deferent, all it needs to do in my opinion is reach the designated height safley and work!
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: KS Cleaning on August 24, 2014, 10:44:48 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Depending on size and manufacturer around 50 quid!
As B&Q have a trade point, I would imagine so.

I meant more from a legal point of view.
You said you wouldn't be insured on a DIY ladder.
I'm trying to work out how your insurance would be invalidated because a ladder was £50 cheaper than another one?
I get about box frame or h section ladders and the difference there but can't imagine insurance being invalidated because it's h as opposed box.
Unless you know otherwise...?
Aye a know you were meaning from a legal point of view, it was said tongue in cheek :P
DIY ladders will breach health & safety regulations, so if you had an accident and it was investigated by HSE, it would invalidate any claim for personal injury.
The difference between a DIY and trade ladder is a DIY ladder is built for occasional use in the home, trade ladders are built for regular use and will have a higher load rating

My insurance doesn't say anything about the type of ladder.
Only that it be 'fit for purpose' and in a 'good state of repair'
There lies the problem...They are not 'fit for purpose' if they are not at least BS EN 131 kite marked...which DIY ladders are not.
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: PoleKing on August 24, 2014, 10:55:08 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Depending on size and manufacturer around 50 quid!
As B&Q have a trade point, I would imagine so.

I meant more from a legal point of view.
You said you wouldn't be insured on a DIY ladder.
I'm trying to work out how your insurance would be invalidated because a ladder was £50 cheaper than another one?
I get about box frame or h section ladders and the difference there but can't imagine insurance being invalidated because it's h as opposed box.
Unless you know otherwise...?
Aye a know you were meaning from a legal point of view, it was said tongue in cheek :P
DIY ladders will breach health & safety regulations, so if you had an accident and it was investigated by HSE, it would invalidate any claim for personal injury.
The difference between a DIY and trade ladder is a DIY ladder is built for occasional use in the home, trade ladders are built for regular use and will have a higher load rating

My insurance doesn't say anything about the type of ladder.
Only that it be 'fit for purpose' and in a 'good state of repair'
There lies the problem...They are not 'fit for purpose' if they are not at least BS EN 131 kite marked...which DIY ladders are not.

But surely if you're under the 19.5 stone a class 3 ladder BS certification requires, they are fit for purpose?
Most guys who use ladders I'd imagine are less than the required 18.5 stone therefore they become 'fit for purpose'
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: KS Cleaning on August 24, 2014, 11:18:11 pm
B&q DIY ladder, lasts years and is lightweight and comfortable, cheap and does a good job, most windys I know use them, a friend of mine has had his for 8 years and it's still going strong!
Your insurance will be null and void if you are using a DIY ladder

Any links to back that up?
Don't have a link no, but I do know a trade ladder, not a DIY one, is required for a window cleaning business.

Whats the difference between a trade ladder and a diy one?
Can you buy a trade ladder from a diy store?
Depending on size and manufacturer around 50 quid!
As B&Q have a trade point, I would imagine so.

I meant more from a legal point of view.
You said you wouldn't be insured on a DIY ladder.
I'm trying to work out how your insurance would be invalidated because a ladder was £50 cheaper than another one?
I get about box frame or h section ladders and the difference there but can't imagine insurance being invalidated because it's h as opposed box.
Unless you know otherwise...?
Aye a know you were meaning from a legal point of view, it was said tongue in cheek :P
DIY ladders will breach health & safety regulations, so if you had an accident and it was investigated by HSE, it would invalidate any claim for personal injury.
The difference between a DIY and trade ladder is a DIY ladder is built for occasional use in the home, trade ladders are built for regular use and will have a higher load rating

My insurance doesn't say anything about the type of ladder.
Only that it be 'fit for purpose' and in a 'good state of repair'
There lies the problem...They are not 'fit for purpose' if they are not at least BS EN 131 kite marked...which DIY ladders are not.

But surely if you're under the 19.5 stone a class 3 ladder BS certification requires, they are fit for purpose?
Most guys who use ladders I'd imagine are less than the required 18.5 stone therefore they become 'fit for purpose'

[/quote. You have mentioned BS certification, so from that you should be able to see that DIY ( class 3 ) ladders are not suitable for trade use, a minimum requirement for trade use is BS EN 131
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: paulben on August 25, 2014, 03:32:21 am
Don't buy a square rung ladder not as comfortable to stand on.
Do quality telescopic ladders bend when you climb to top I was given one and its horrible use it for getting into loft now
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Ian101 on August 25, 2014, 10:29:29 am
just ordered a new titan triple 3.5 for gutter cleaning  :)
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Window Lickers on August 25, 2014, 12:53:20 pm
Using a B+Q telescopic  ladder to clean out gutters is absolute madness.




Don't buy a square rung ladder not as comfortable to stand on.
+1
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: j timms on August 25, 2014, 01:15:26 pm
Titan 3.5 all day. Diy ladders are not safe.
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: PoleKing on August 25, 2014, 02:04:24 pm
Titan 3.5 all day. Diy ladders are not safe.


Lol
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Rob@Blast off on August 25, 2014, 03:44:39 pm
Well as it was raining i went down the workshop and using my phd in redneck engineering i shortened my 4.5 titans down to 3.5 as it was just far to heavy to be any real use so i took a meter of the top of the smaller section then the same on the bottom of the other then refitted the safety feet and jobs a good un.
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: Jakey boy on August 25, 2014, 04:24:42 pm
Titan 3.5 all day. Diy ladders are not safe.


Are you joking? DIY ladders are perfectly safe! Been using them for 7 years, no problems at all, very sturdy and very comfortable...
Title: Re: Thinking about buying a ladder!
Post by: G Griffin on August 25, 2014, 04:55:41 pm
Well as it was raining i went down the workshop and using my phd in redneck engineering i shortened my 4.5 titans down to 3.5 as it was just far to heavy to be any real use so i took a meter of the top of the smaller section then the same on the bottom of the other then refitted the safety feet and jobs a good un.
Good jaaaaaab  ;).

I know of a window cleaner who shortened the extending section by half on his double ladder.
The top half, obviously. I thought it was a good idea if he didn't need all the section by going 'too' high.