Ladders are essential equipment that should be available in homes, offices, or places of business. This is not without reason. We never know when there might be a problem with the house that requires immediate repair or maintenance. Whether you plan to do the work yourself or need assistance from a handyman, it is highly recommended to have a ladder on hand to make everything easier.
The next question is, what type of ladder should we buy and keep at home or at our place of business? First, determine your needs. Will this ladder be for personal use at home or for professional use?
The specifications for ladders used in household settings and for professional purposes are certainly different. You should avoid mistakenly using a ladder meant for household use as a heavy-duty or professional ladder.
In this article, however, we will focus more on ladders for household needs. What are the criteria for a good ladder, and what specifications should be considered before choosing a ladder for renovation or repair purposes at home?
How to Choose the Right Ladder
In general, there are three fundamental points to consider when you want to buy a ladder. Here are three ways to choose the most suitable ladder for your needs:
1. Choose the Height
How high is the work area you want to reach? The height of the ceiling indoors differs from the height of the exterior area outside the house. You need to find out the height of the room's ceiling measured from the floor.
You should also know the approximate height from the ground of your yard to the roof. From there, you can determine how tall a ladder is needed.
One more thing to consider besides the height of the ladder is the maximum reach (calculated from the top rung plus the height of the user).
2. Choose the Load Capacity
Generally, ladders sold on the market have a load capacity ranging from 100 to 225 kg. For household use, you can choose a ladder with a load capacity of 150 kg.
3. Choose Material According to the Type of Work
There are three types of materials most commonly used for ladders: fiberglass, aluminum, and steel. The non-conductive nature of fiberglass makes it suitable for electrical work.
Meanwhile, aluminum is the most popular material due to its three main characteristics: lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and strong. Nowadays, many aluminum ladders are made with a wood finish for aesthetic or decorative purposes.
Lastly, there is steel, a very sturdy material, but it is heavier compared to aluminum ladders.
In addition to the three main points above, there are also several tips for choosing a ladder that you can consider:
Width of the Rungs
The wider the rungs, the ladder will feel safer and more stable (solid feel) when climbed. However, generally, wide step ladders are only available in folding ladders with 2-8 rungs.
Dimensions When Folded
To save storage space, there are now several types of ladders designed to be more compact when folded. If you have limited storage space at home, this factor can be a consideration.
Safety Features
This aspect is often overlooked. However, safety features such as safety latches, soft close mechanisms, anti-slip feet, and locking belts are important elements that a ladder should have.
A safety latch functions to lock and keep the ladder in place. The soft close feature is commonly found in telescopic ladders and helps prevent fingers from being pinched when closing or lowering the ladder.
Anti-slip feet not only prevent the ladder from sliding on slippery surfaces but also protect the floor from scratches. Meanwhile, a locking belt is useful for securing the ladder's shape to prevent it from accidentally opening and for easier transportation.
Ease of Opening or Folding
This feature can save us time when we want to use the ladder, making it easier for workers who will be doing repairs or renovations in our home.
Other Additional Features
Some ladders come with minor additional features that can enhance our comfort or convenience while working. For example, some ladders are equipped with tool caps on the top rung for placing tools.
These are some tips for choosing the best ladder for repair, maintenance, or installation work at home. To see the complete collection of ladders available at AZKO Indonesia, please click the following link.
Lufia - 25 April 2025
