[SKWSimon]

What's the most popular length of A Frame ladder people are using for residential housing? I'm wanting to replace a 2.86m cheap Homebase ladder, main benefit I've found with that is it's nice and light. I also use a 3.9m trade ladder for any out of reach stuff.

I appreciate the A Frame ladders are a lot heavier, question is could I get away with a 3m A Frame for residential stuff or am I better off going for a 3.5m one?

I suppose in effect you have to go slightly longer with an A Frame compared to a conventional ladder to compensate for the extra reach required if placing above the window frame top?

Your thoughts please?

[Mitchellmoxo]

I use a 6ft pointer ladder which is perfect i think

[SKWSimon]

I use one of those which are great, sorry I didn't make myself clear it's a double extension pointer I'm thinking of getting.

[G Griffin]

It depends on your work.
You don't have to position a pointer above a window, though. It can go on the brick or frame, halfway up or so.
You could get a 3m and rely on your 3.9m for higher work. Some ladder sites show the weight and maximum height for the ladder, if the weight is a concern.
No one can tell you which to go for but a 3.5m did almost all of my ladder work but there advantages to a 3m.
Go for one with the splayed legs, if you do get one.

[rosskesava]

It depends on your work.
You don't have to position a pointer above a window, though. It can go on the brick or frame, halfway up or so.
You could get a 3m and rely on your 3.9m for higher work. Some ladder sites show the weight and maximum height for the ladder, if the weight is a concern.
No one can tell you which to go for but a 3.5m did almost all of my ladder work but there advantages to a 3m.
Go for one with the splayed legs, if you do get one.

I pretty much agree with that.

The real good thing about a double set of pointers is that the ground doesn't have to be that level as the ladder has 3 points of contact and not 4.

Having used A frame ladders for near on 10 years, I'd never clean windows with a standard ladder. An A frame is so much more stable.

[SKWSimon]

Many thanks for replies, much appreciated. The weights not necessarily a concern, the safety is. Which make did you both go for? I see on ladders-999 sell a standard alloy type and a heavy duty one as well.

[trippyboy]

slx 22 would be much better 

[G Griffin]

I don't remember much about mine, sorry.
Weight is an issue if you're using it all day, every day. But they are pricey and a heavy duty will last longer, probably. They're not something you want to be buying very often  .

I've just looked at that site and it rings a bell. Standard alloy are 3.5kg lighter and slightly shorter.
The heavy duty has box section stiles, which I preferred, and is actually cheaper, surprisingly.
I think that would swing it for me, if you could handle the weight.
Not cheap at £300 but if they last you and that's the way you want to go, heavy duty might be safer and better value.
Good luck.

[SKWSimon]

Many thanks that's been a great help.

[SKWSimon]

slx 22 would be much better 

Haha, I've got one a SLX 25 use it in conjunction with a back pack.

[cgh window cleaning]

I have a 3.5m double point and a single 6ft.
Great ladders,got mine from midland ladders.
(I use wft pole mostly).

[dazmond]

i have the standard 3.5 m trade ladders.ive never used a double section pointer ladder.

i also have an 8ft single pointer which is great for unlocking gates.thats all it gets used for these days.

[Dunner]

http://www.windowcleancentre.co.uk/productdetails.aspx?ProductID=190&SectionID=27

A good size guide to compare.

I have one and they are grand. Yes a bit heavy but will last.

[Chris - CBWC]

I have been using an A frame for 7 years, since I started, about the same length as what you're describing - comfortably does most first floor windows and gutters, but if the house has a much lower back garden, I can't do the tops.  Can only agree with many of these replies, it is great for uneven surfaces due to the 3 point contact - the chunk of rubber at the top of my A frame has a gap suitable to place against frame edges and bricks.  That's a bit vague, can add a photo!  I don't know if this is standard as a flat slab of rubber on the top will be less safe and you're relying solely on friction.  It is heavy, too heavy for me anymore.  Going WFP as soon as I can but I will keep the ladders.

I have a 6ft single pointer, for slightly high downstairs windows (I'm 5' and leaning over gates like dazmond!

[Ian Lancaster]

Choose from here 

http://www.ramsayladders.co.uk/browse/Window-Cleaning-Ladders_12_0_0_0_0_0.html

or here

http://www.midlandladders.com/catalog/Window_Cleaners-13-1.html?gclid=CJ2mqb6TgbYCFcrHtAodn3cAzg