Hey guys, wondering what height you guys recommend for ladder. I imagine I’ll be doing a few gutter and roof cleanings on 2nd story heights. My 22’ adjustable struggled with some houses last year. I’ve heard differing opinions, wanted to hear a few on here. I was thinking 24’-28’ extension. Not sure how much trouble the 28 footers are to deal with. Thanks guys
I recommend a 24’, 28’ and 32’. Buy aluminum, if you don’t plan on using for elctrical work, because it’s so much lighter. I have the lightest 28’ Werner 200lb (red) and it’s as light as my 24’ 225lb (green) one. The higher the weight rating the heavy they are.
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I do this part time on the weekends. I already have that adjustable so I’m only looking for one more, and not a 32’ lol. I’ll rent one if I ever needed it. I’m probably looking aluminum but need more than a 225 lb one, I’m heavier than that. … No issues moving around and setting up your 28 footer?
28 is easy. All my guys can set a 40 by themselves. Don’t like to, but sometimes it is what it is
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I’d like to see that happen! Is it aluminum? I have a 3 section 32 fiberglass and near fully extended alone im scared it could fall back at any moment
My 28’ is easy to move because it’s so light. My 32’ is rated for 250 lbs and a little heavy but definitely manageable by myself. I’m 210 lbs and the 200lb 28’ can take my weight no problem. I won’t put my 40’ ladder up by myself. It’s to dangerous and I wouldn’t recommend it.
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Yes aluminum. Fiberglass has no place in the work we do.
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It was my first ladder for the business, I only had 10ft trailer and wanted it to fit better on it so I got the 3 section which only came in fiberglass and thought I’d feel safer since its more rigid. You are right though if I could go back I’d get aluminum and a 2 section
I gave up using my 28’ due to health/safety reasons. Highest I’ll go now is 20’ on the 24.
Check your insurance, I’m limited to 3 stories or less.
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We do a ton of gutter cleaning and all of our trucks are outfitted with 16’, 24’, and 32’. We have 40’ as well, but don’t everyday carry because they aren’t needed as often and are very cumbersome. The 8’ separation between ladders allows you to reach everything… so my opinion is having a set up like 24’, 28’, and 32’ is a waste of money and space. Keep in mind that a the listed height is the maximum extension (really is a couple feet shorter), and the minimum is about half that… so a 24’ ladder really covers 12’-24’, 32’ ladder covers 16’-32’, and so on. We keep a 16’ because it is much lighter and easier to haul around a house for short gutters.
100% go with aluminum.
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So typical 2 story houses, would you recommend 24’ or 28’? I already have an adjustable 22’ reach one. I only do this on the side/weekends so it’s not like I’m doing 3 houses/day every day.
Depends on your ability and the types of houses you’re working on. Personally, I would go with a 32’ because it gives you the ability to work on houses that have walkout basements or that are on a slope. However, you have to be comfortable working with that ladder. It’s really not hard, but it takes some getting used to.
When I started out and was working by myself I only had a 32’ and a 16’. Those covered everything I needed, and it was just me so I didn’t have to worry about guys complaining about having to carry around a heavy ladder all day. 
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Yeah I doubt I’m going with a 32 footer lol. If it got to the point that I realized I’m missing out on a bunch of opportunities because of it then I’ll get one.
@Jjp06489 I am another part-timer here and I use a 24’ ladder because that’s what I had access to when I first started. (I actually borrow from a guy at my full-time job. He charges me to borrow it what I charge him to store it for him 
)
The 24’ had been great for most of what I do, but there are a few times where I wish I had a 28 or 32 to get the job done faster - typically on that super tall 2 story that is on a slope on the side or back - you know, the one that has a brick foundation that is 6 ft tall before two stories of vinyl siding and then a peak! I’m only running a 3.5gpm unit so most two story jobs are fine, but those super tall ones take a little extra time with my setup.
I’ve never been able to not complete a job with just a 24’, but if I had a taller ladder there’s times where cleaning a gutter or pulling a vine off a soffit vent, etc would have been easier.
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Getting a 24’ when you have a 22’ would be a complete waste of money. Honestly, so would a 28’ but that’s just my $0.02.
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I agree. I’m thinking 28’ is the move. Thanks man
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Sounds like we have a lot in common my man. I’m also running a 3.5 GPM. I think I’m going with a 28’. I did a 2 story Cape I believe last year and from the back (tall foundation) I couldn’t get there with the 22’. I think 50/50 I would’ve gotten to those gutters with the 24’.
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I’m not sure where you’re from but around here a 32 is a MUST have. it’s not uncommon that due to obstruction or some other circumstance you need a 40. I did a gutter clean on a duplex last year, I only brought my 32. To make it work I had to set up on a deck and extend my levelers to to max. I was a bit more vertical than I was happy with and didn’t clear the gutter lip by any more than 10". Not fun. Wasn’t happy.
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I’m from New England. Majority of the houses are between 1 & 2.5 stories counting walkout basements
My folding Little Giant replaced a stolen fiberglass 22’ ladder. Several friends in other trades have suffered permanent injuries. From ladders so I don’t use a ladder unless my aerial lift cannot get to the work area. One suggestion I must make is to make some spreader plates about 12” square to keep ladder feet from sinking in soil.
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