Buying a ladder is not as easy as it first appears
. There are a wide variety of types and sizes of ladders and ensuring you get the correct one is not only important for getting the job done but is also essential in ensuring you work safely.
When looking to buy a ladder, there are several factors you should consider:
Location
Height you are working at
Type of job you will be doing
How you will store and transport the ladder
Location
Where the ladder will be used is important in determining the type of ladder you will need. If it is indoors then you need to be looking at platforms, step-ladders and combination ladders as long ladders such as extensions can't be used; however, for external use extension ladders are often more common.
Surveryors ladder will fold up into the back of a car
Height
For scaling high locations often there is no alternative other than an extension ladder. Roof ladders are useful for working on rooftops but often an extension is the most convenient method.
For lower heights step-ladders and combinations are often the best solution they are stabler and provide a place to put tools on.
Job
The type of task you will be doing is also important in ascertaining the type of ladder required. If you are working with or near electricity a wooden ladder may often be safer than a conductive aluminium one. The type of equipment and tools needed will also help establish whether to use a platform or step-ladder that provide a place for tools and equipment while ladder accessories such as tool trays can be fitted to other types.
Storing and transportation
Another important aspect to consider is how you will transport and store the ladder. Extension ladders will need more space to store and if you only have a car they will be difficult to transport without a roof rack. Surveyors ladders can fold up and fit in a car while step-ladders are easy to sow too.
Some combination ladders fold down but are capable of doing many of the jobs both steps and extensions can do.