Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Need help on ladder length....

I am trying to prepare for the Holidays. I need to ladder to get me to the roof to hang my christmas lights. The highest point is at the top of the triangle shapped part of the roof. It is about 27 feet from ground to point. I am just wondering what length ladder I would need to be able to reach that part. The rest of the roof is about 9 feet lower but the slop is too great for me to want to climb to get to the high point. I am wanting to get the ladder stabalizer to put on the top end of the ladder. Just wanted to know everyones thoughts. I know the ladder doesnt have to reach the very top point but how long does it need to be for me to be able to reach it?

Thanks, Josh

Depends on how tall you are.

On the seldom occasions I us a ladder to gain access above 8 feet, I have a 24' aluminum extension ladder with what I call a "cow horn" attachment at the top to stabilize it, and adjustable feet. The cow horn is invaluable to keeping the ladder from twisting, allowing you to reach within reason, span normal sized window openings and keeps you away from the side of the house. The adjustable feet are worth their weight in diesel fuel. Love 'em.

I'll add a bit to my original answer.
If you're trying to reach 27 feet up, you're going to need a 30-32 foot ladder. The 24 foot ladder chandler has will get up there but you'll be standing on the second or third rung from the top, and the base of the ladder will have to be close to the wall. Not an ideal situation. For the price you'll pay for a sturdy ladder, (I wouldn't use a cheap one at that height) you might be better off renting one.

Extension ladder descriptions are somewhat misleading. A 24-foot extension ladder will only extend to 20-21 feet. The two sections must overlap 3-4 feet minimum. A 28-foot ladder would extend about 24 feet. You also lose some height by having to lean the ladder at an angle. Hope this helps. Good luck and be safe.

Not only height of ladder, but age and strength are also factors. I have the proper height ladder, but I am now too old and weak and don't trust myself to get on the roof to clean out the gutters like in the old days.

Too, is it worth it to invest in a ladder that you will use twice a year--to put'em and take'em down? Do you have a place to store the ladder? Most equipment rentals have ladders and scaffolding for rent. In some areas there are companies who will put'em and take'em down for you.

Now, energy conservation is on most people's minds, you may want to rethink your exterior decorations. While the increase in electric bills may have an insignificant impact on your budget and give you and your family and neighbors great pleasure to see the house all lit up in holiday style, many of us struggle to pay our utility bills. And, there is no doubt doing so is an extravagance when conservation is approaching critical levels in this country.

Thanks for all the information and help. I do plan to purchase the "cow horn" stabalizer. I think I will need a 28 foot ladder. If it will get me 25 feet and I only go to the third step from the top with the base of the ladder 6 feet from the house, I think I will be able to reach the very tip top of the roof. I am right at 6 feet tall. My feet should be close to 21 feet from the ground and then I add 5 feet to get to my shoulders that comes up to to 26 feet. The highest pont of the roof is about 27 feet so I should be able to reach that. I will also need this ladder to clean gutters and other odds and ends around the house. Thanks again for all the insight.

One more thing... Does anyone know where I could get a ladder leveler? I will need it when I go to paint the wall where my stairs are... They only offer this on the 24 foot ladder at my local Lowes. I have heard that you can purchase these seperate also.

Josh

You can get a ladder leveler at your local paint store - a hardware store might also carry them.

Thanks, I will look around and see what I can find.