A variety of construction jobs use extension ladders.
Knowing the details about your extension ladder is important for both safety and quality issues. Extension ladders incorporate different materials and come in a variety of sizes. Extension ladders are used for roofing, painting and other home improvement projects.
Length
An extension ladder has two to three sections that slide out using a rope-and-pulley system. These sections are the same length but most overlap the other section by at least 18 inches for safety reasons. The taller the ladder, the longer the overlap. An example of an extension ladder's length is a 32-foot ladder. The 32-foot ladder has two seconds that measure 16 feet long each and, with overlap, can extend to 28 feet. The ladder loses 4 feet to overlap.
Features
Extension ladders generally have locking devices. This locking device stops the extended portion of the ladder that keeps it from moving. They also have end caps that protect the structure from damage and prevent the ladder from moving.
Size and Weight
Fiberglass ladders are heavier than aluminum ladders but don't conduct electricity, making them good choices for repair work. These ladders range from 6 to 60 feet in length. Common sizes are 16, 20 and 24 feet. Each ladder has a weight rating --- the weight limit for the ladder. Weight limits usually vary between 200 and 300 feet.
Safety
The ladders use a pulley system, along with slip-resistant rungs. Some extension ladders have spring-loaded locks, while others have clips to eliminate the need for rope.
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