Comments on: Painting exterior of house – types of ladders to use?

By: John

John — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:52:59 +0000

Extension ladders,you are in for a lot more than you think,better call a pro.
References :

By: DONALD P

DONALD P — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:33:59 +0000

Save the risk of a broken back or neck and get a professional to quote. It may not be as expensive as you fear!
References :
Experience

By: Pete J

Pete J — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:21:59 +0000

Long ladders are okay but not safe, unless you have someone to hold the base or that you tie the base back to something solid!
My best advice I can offer is that you employ a scaffolding company to erect scaffolding all the way around your house, that you intend to paint, as they errect it with walking areas so that you can reach various heights without coming to grief.
As for the roof, do it the Kiwi way in that you have a long plank with struts nailed cross wise about 12 inches apart – At the top of the plank you also nail another strut on the under side which sits & slides across the roofing apex. Now and then you have to sit on the roof to slide the plank either way, so you can paint more of the roof. But when sitting on the roof make sure you brace your feet on a row of nails or hold on near the apex of the roof while you shimmy the plank either way across the roof.
One other piece of advice, don’t wear shoes or gumboots on a roof, better use boots that don’t slip. Some sand shoes are okay & some aren’t! Also don’t go on the roof when it’s just rained as it becomes a very fast slide.
Another piece of adice is to wear a harness around your body & have the other end tied to something the other side of the house, giving yourself ample movement while clambering around on the roof!

Cheers & happy painting
Rather you than me!!
References :
Experience

By: Steven J

Steven J — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:50:59 +0000

Extension ladders, specials with a a bar that goes across the top to stabilize it. The bar goes all the way past the ladder and about 1 foot over both sides.

If you have un even ground you need adjustable feet. This way you can legthen one side a couple of inches to keep it sitting level.

AND MOST IMPORTANT : GET A LADDER THAT IS RATED TO HANDLE YOUR WEIGHT PLUS PAINT. I.E. 1A type is good for 300 pounds.

If possible get one that will allow four rungs (four feet) over the roof.

And by all means a rope to tie off the top if possible.
References :
30 years experience.

OSHA ladder regulations, the federal job safety standards association.

Exelon Ladder Safety.

By: fromtherizz

fromtherizz — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:36:59 +0000

I suggest one of two options:

1. Extension ladders – Basically long, lean-able ladders which can be propped against the house and

2. Scaffolding – This is the choice I’d choose. Though putting these things together can be a pain to some and time consuming in some instances, I believe it to be much safer. It is basically a structure you can build with several levels to help you reach higher places without having to worry about the ladder sliding off the house with you on it.

I’m sure there are companies who will rent scaffolding and I know you can buy them in packages from hardware stores. Check it out, but remember the be safe when working high up.
References :
experience and common sense