How To Set Up A Ladder On A Roof

Setting up the ladder.

How to set up a ladder on a roof.

Have a friend spot and support ladder. Always make sure to use ladder pads and or ladder pivots. So to ensure that you are safe below is how you can set up your ladder before you begin doing anything. Look for overhead power lines before handling a ladder.

Gutter support illustration by ian worpole. Raise the ladder s fly section by pulling the rope until the top three rungs or 3 feet are extending above the edge of the roof. Hook the fly locks over two ladder rungs to secure the section. Check rope and pulley to make sure they show no signs of wear or damage.

Slip a 2x4 into a gutter to keep it from being crushed by the ladder. Using a ladder can be scary on the flattest surface but using one on uneven ground can be dangerous. Extend ladder 3 feet above any surface that you re climbing onto. A telescoping extension ladder collapses rather than sliding a parallel set of rungs behind the first allowing for easy storage.

From what you wear to how you set up your ladder the little details make the difference in letting you complete your job of your roof safely. Be sure not to opt for the most inexpensive telescopic roof ladder and check out user reviews thoroughly before purchasing because some may pinch your fingers when folding away. Options exist to make a ladder work on a slope ranging from ladder leveling feet to the construction of a temporary work platform but regardless of method you must be careful. Rope illustration by ian worpole.

Climbing on a roof requires a lot of attention to your surroundings and to basic roof and ladder safety to prevent a fall or serious injury. Proper extension illustration by ian worpole.