What's safe length when using extension ladder & angle to perpendicular?

Question

What is the safest length or height to be using an extenson ladder?
I see one for sale and it is 28 feet and two pieces. There are also different angles at which to lean the ladder. The shorter ladder I have, was used last year and I guess the angle to the ground was too small (where 90 degrees would be perpendicular and straight up) because it would wobble side to side as they climbed up it. It should have been closer to 90 degrees than say, for example, 45 degrees with the ground.
I'll put this in maintenance, since ladders are used in maintenance jobs of various kinds.

Answer 1

Every new ladder has a *working height* listed on the label. I would guess a 28' extension ladder has about a 20' working height. That lets each ladder section overlap and lock into each other about 4'. Make sure each section is made and matched so they will slide into one another. The bottom main section should have a bracket on each side towards the top that keeps the upper section in place. Make sure the locking clamps on each side of the top section do not have any broken ears on them. I would ask the owner to put both sections together so you can check on the working condition of this ladder.

As far as the angle - that is up to the user. I set up an extension ladder - first making sure the feet will not slip on concrete,grass whatever. Then i go up the ladder a few feet and get the feel of the angle - adjust to my comfort zone. The more straight up and down the ladder is - this lessens the chance of the bottom feet slipping out from under you.

This 28' ladder will be a challenge to position by yourself,especially if it is a good commercial grade ladder such as a type 1A. which is a 300 lb. rating. If it is a wooden extension ladder - that's a 2 men and a boy job to position it.

Answer 2

read the directions. when standing at the foot of the ladder, extend your arms fully and you should be able to grab the ladder! this is the correct angle! 60 degrees? no way. for every degree further out, the weight limit of the ladder comes down.

if it says 28ft ladder, then it extends 28 ft. yes it overlaps, that should figure into the overall length unless your buying it used and someone didnt know how to measure it. yes 28 ft will get you up 25 ft, maybe a shade higher

Answer 3

60 Foot Extension Ladder

Answer 4

You said the gutters are in decent shape, so I'm supposing they aren't rusted through or in bad condition. You should have no problem leaning the ladder against them. Most of the weight force of the ladder is in a downward direction, not against the gutter. The ladder should not crush the gutters at all. I think you're safe doing it that way. Of course, it's not a good idea to be banging the ladder against the gutter, but I suppose you figured that out already. One last thought, make sure the feet of the ladder are away from the house (not too vertical). You want your weight to press against the house (gutter)....the last thing you want is to topple over backward. That would be very bad. Good luck.

Answer 5

The normal angle is near 60 degrees with vertical. You also want to have at least 2 to 3 feet over what you are resting it on at the top and even better if you can tie it off at the top so that it will not go side to side.

Answer 6

1