What Size Ladder For A 1 Story House? (Find Out Now!)
If you have a one-story home, accessing your roof will be a much simpler task whenever you need to get work done. However, it will still require supplies to make the job easier. Specifically, you’ll need a ladder. That means, you’ll need to determine the correct size to safely and easily reach the top of your roof.
When choosing the right size ladder for your one-story home, there are a few factors that need to be considered—namely, the height and style of your home. In general, you will need a 11- to 16-foot ladder to access the roof of the average one-story home.
Before you go and buy the ladder, let’s take a closer look at some of the other aspects that will impact the size and type you get.
Do You Need Roofing, Siding, or Gutter Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
How to Find the Right Size Ladder
To determine the right size ladder for your home, you need to know the height of the house itself as well as the shape of the roof. Typically, one-story residential buildings will be 8 or 9 feet tall but will come out to a maximum height of 10 feet once you add in the ceiling thickness, the slope of the roof, and other HVAC allowances.
If you are using a non-supporting ladder, you need to be even more careful when measuring for your home. Generally, you should add an extra three feet to the maximum reach you need to get onto your roof system. This will account for the extra part of the ladder that must be above the support point for additional safety purposes.
You must also keep the 4:1 rule of ladder usage in mind. This rule states that the base of the ladder should be placed one foot away from the home for every four feet of ladder height.
Types of Ladders
Since one-story homes are shorter, you can use pretty much any type of ladder when completing any exterior work. These ladders have varying sizes and different features, all of which can be useful for working on a one-story house. Let’s look at the most common types, so you can determine which one will be best for your property.
Single Ladders
A single ladder is portable, non-supporting, and non-adjustable. They can be rated for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty service. When working on a one-story home, you will only require a light-duty service ladder, which can be as tall as 16 ft.
Extension/Telescopic Ladders
Extension ladders are also non-supporting, but they are adjustable when it comes to length. It is generally made up of two or more sections that travel in guides or brackets, so you can set it to the correct length. Telescopic ladders specifically fold into very small sections, making it easier to transport. Any extension ladder usually ranges from 16 to 40 feet.
Step Ladders
Step ladders range in size from 4 to 20 feet. They are easy to carry and incredibly versatile, making them a great choice for a variety of projects around the house. Step ladders are self-supporting, have flat steps, and are hinged for easy storage. Platform ladders are very similar except they have an actual platform to stand on at the top.
Trestle Ladders
Trestle ladders are self-supporting and have two sections that can be climbed. That way, two people can use it at once. They are nonadjustable and usually are as tall as 20 feet. They are also hinged at the top, so you can fold it for storage.
Related Questions
What is the maximum height for using a ladder?
Technically, there is no maximum height. That said, if a ladder rises above 30 feet, you should have landings for workers to stand on.
Do ladders expire?
No, ladders do not expire per se, but it is still important to check them before every use to make sure there are no cracks or other damages.
How long can a single ladder be?
A single ladder that is rated for heavy-duty service can be as long as 30 feet.
Do You Need Roofing, Siding, or Gutter Installers?
Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the right size ladder for your one-story home, there are a few things to consider. Think about the type of ladder you want, your home’s height, and the slope of the roof. Generally, you will need a ladder that is between 11 and 16 feet. However, it’s important to take into consideration the aspects of your specific roof system.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
More by Kerry Souder
![The 5 Best Angle Grinders – [2022 Reviews & Buyer's Guide]](https://cdn-fastly.upgradedhome.com/media/2023/07/31/9071326/the-5-best-angle-grinders-2022-reviews-buyer-s-guide.jpg?size=350x220)
