Fiberglass Extension Ladders

Fiberglass Extension Ladders come in lengths up to 32 feet or longer, and you will need to decide what height you will climb to. The nominal length of the ladder should be at least 8 to 10 feet longer than the highest support or contact point, for example the roof edge. This length allows for the overlap of the sections, setting up the ladder to slope away from the wall for stability, and extending the ladder above the roof line if you need a handhold while getting on the roof.

The State of California requires 3 or 4 foot overlap when using the extension ladder:

Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders, Article 25. Ladders §1678. Extension Ladders.

(a) Extension ladders shall not exceed 44 feet in length when extended to the limit permitted by the following lap schedule.

(b) Extension ladders shall not be fully extended but shall have the following minimum laps:

(1) Two-Section Ladders.

3 feet for ladders with working length up to 33 feet.

4 feet for ladders with working length 33 to 44 feet.

You have to be careful both in picking a good ladder, and in using it. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of work-related injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. The causes of falls from extension ladders include the ladder-base slipping out, ladders tipping, slipping while on ladders or climbing from the ladder to a roof surface at height, and mechanical failures. You can take a look every time before you climb to check that the ladder is set up at a good angle, to minimize tipping risk and slipping risk.

OSHA has standards for ladders at 29 CFR Safety and Health Regulations for Construction subsection 1926.1053—Ladders.

For some situations, you may need leg extenders for stairs or inclined surfaces. The leading fiberglass ladder manufacturers offer leg extension attachments. For some additional info see fiberglass ladder.