[James Whitelock]

Hi guys, just starting up and was wondering what size ladder I will need for trad work strictly on 2 story houses. I have seen a lot of conflicting opinions on the forum. Don't want anything bigger than I will need as I will be walking my round and need it to be as light as I can get away with.

Any recommendations appreciated!

A couple I have been looking at:

http://www.laddersandaccess.co.uk/EXTENSION-LADDERS/DIY-Extension-Ladders/Youngman-Domestic-Extension-Ladders/Youngman-DIY-Two-Section-Ext-Ladder-Closed-3-37m/prod_96.html

http://www.midlandladders.com/products/Double_3_5m_11ft6_Trade_Light_Industrial_Ladder-11-7.html

http://www.ladders-online.com/Ladders/Aluminium-Extension-Ladders/3.0m-EN131-Trade-Double-Section-Aluminium-Extension-Ladder

[bumper]

id go with midland ladders with 13 rungs and d shaped rungs,this ladder is  are all you will need for your work.
2 story houses you mean just a normal semi detached.

[gr cleaning solutions]

Midlands one

[robertphil]

i had a Youngman DIY  as in your first link, theyre a great ladder  but are a  bit risky in winter as the rungs have very little grip and do get slippy . but theyre very light so never kill you with the weight even on a long day

i now prefer the LYTE trade 3.0 double, a tad heavier yes  but not a killer weight as long as you are average size bloke  . a trade ladder is always safer of course

[dazmond]

you want 3.5 m two section trade ladders mate.dont get the 3 m ones as sometimes you will have to put the ladder above the window to reach it if there is a sloping small roof underneath(like a porch for example)and you may come up short with the 3m ones.

ive used these size ladders for 18 years and find they are the best size.they dont get used very often these days due to WFP  but come in handy a few times a week!


HOPE THIS HELPS

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DAZMOND

[Ian Lancaster]

http://www.midlandladders.com/products/11ft6_3_5m_Double_Extension_Window_Cleaner_s_Ladder-154-49.html

As always, these (or similar pattern) are the only ladders I would consider suitable for window cleaning.  Because they have three points of contact (as opposed to four on a parallel ladder) they can be set securely in almost any situation and will not "rock" under you.  As a nod to H&S I also have these fitted:

http://www.midlandladders.com/products/Articulated_Safety_Feet-283-25.html

More expensive but will last a lifetime and could save your life

[sunshine windows]

3.5m 'A' frame from midland. Wouldn't touch a standard ladder for window cleaning as you can't always get the top to sit in a safe place. You can also use these on uneven surfaces very well and still have great stability.

[wpclean]

If I were you I would try and get some money together to invest in a wfp setup !

You might believe you cant afford it, but think how much your life is worth, Nat posted a link on here showing a lad in a wheelchair, it is very powerful, and would advise you watch it.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7ufXmHxoHuw

[James Whitelock]

Thanks for all the advice. Also what are the most effective safety accessories? I was thinking of getting some ladder mitts and a rojak ladder stopper. Good choice or would articulated feet be better?

[robertphil]

i have ladder spikes fitted to my ladders, after reading on this forum about them a couple of years ago.these dig in on the smallest crack  and are great.
 be wary of buying Anything made of rubber as a safety feature,including ladder feet,because if you use rubber outside if the ground is  damp the rubber can slip as if its on ice.

i knowthis  because i had a set of laddermats (rubber mats) and one October morn i put them down on a slightly damp path and once i got at the top of my ladder,WHOOSH out it slid at the bottom and i was very lucky i didnt break both legs, as i fell the full drop . At the time i didnt know rubber slides on damp ,iv since read  various scary tales of rubber slipping .
Laddermatrix ,which has tiny metal spikes might be a better safety idea though i havnt got one.

[Gray1]

I still think a Wagtail and a pole is a safer bet than ladders.

[James Whitelock]

i have ladder spikes fitted to my ladders, after reading on this forum about them a couple of years ago.these dig in on the smallest crack  and are great.
 be wary of buying Anything made of rubber as a safety feature,including ladder feet,because if you use rubber outside if the ground is  damp the rubber can slip as if its on ice.

i knowthis  because i had a set of laddermats (rubber mats) and one October morn i put them down on a slightly damp path and once i got at the top of my ladder,WHOOSH out it slid at the bottom and i was very lucky i didnt break both legs, as i fell the full drop . At the time i didnt know rubber slides on damp ,iv since read  various scary tales of rubber slipping .
Laddermatrix ,which has tiny metal spikes might be a better safety idea though i havnt got one.

How do ladder spikes work if there is no cracks, e.g. a tarmacked driveway.

[robertphil]

spikes dig/grip well on tarmac,and grip on concrete  .  the only surface i wont trust spikes on is Quarry tile paths , hard as nails are quarry tiles with but a tiny mortar gap  between tiles,too small a gap for the spikes to get a grip
in fact the day i had my fall was on damp quarry tiles .

[James Whitelock]

Interesting. I'll pick up some spikes instead of the ladder stopper then.

[SunShineCleaning]

You used to be able to get spikes fitted by 'Browns Ladders' who would deliver.

With a spike there is more pressure per sq" and therefore moves less.

I have a laddermate as well for times when ladders are used.