It’s a common question that comes to mind of every homeowner; What size ladder do I need for a 1 story house. Here in this article today I will talk about it.
An extension ladder that is 16 to 20 feet long should be enough for most one-story homes. This size lets the sections overlap as much as is suggested and makes sure the ladder goes about 3 feet above the roof-line for safe access. A 16-foot ladder is generally enough for lower roofs.
Choosing the right ladder not only ensures the efficiency of our job, but it also greatly improves our safety. Below we will discuss the ladder we need for a 1 story house.
What Size Ladder Do I Need For A 1 Story House
Now, as we move forward, we have to know how high a one-story house is and what size ladder we can choose for our home.

There are many types of ladders. Here are some ladder types that we can use. Such as:
- Step Ladders
Step ladders are self-supporting and do not need a wall for stability. They are suited for interior and small-scale outdoor jobs.
- Extension Ladders
Extension ladders can be changed to different heights so they can be used to get to the top or higher parts of a one-story home.
- Multi-Position Ladders
These adaptable ladders can be set up as a step ladder, an extension ladder, or as a ladder, depending on the situation.
It’s also essential for us to know about the safety. We can know more about ladder safety from this article- What is a single step on a ladder?
Finding The Perfect Ladder Size
Knowing the right ladder size is always important for us. Because without knowing the right ladder sizes it will be difficult for us to reach the right height. Here is some tips finding perfect ladder-
- For General Use: A 6 to 8-foot step ladder is excellent for most indoor and outdoor jobs that do not require much height.
- For Gutter Cleaning and Roof Access: A 16- to 20-foot extension ladder is long enough to safely reach the gutters and get to the roof.
- For Versatility: A multi-purpose ladder with adjustable heights, such as a 12 to 16-foot model, provides versatility for a variety of applications.

Now, as we know the sizes of ladder. We can now safely do our work.
Choosing The Right Ladder Material
Since, we are talking about using ladders. One of the most important thing to consider is the ladder material. Below we will know what materials we should choose and their pros and cons-
- Aluminum: They are easy to move, also lightweight. But it can conduct with electricity.
- Fiberglass: It’s non-conductive, which makes it safer for electrical work, but it is heavier.
- Wood: It is strong and doesn’t carry electricity, but it can be heavy and damaged by the weather.
We have to choose the right ladder material for our safety and ensuring long usability.
What Size Ladder Do I Need For A 2 Story House
When it comes to house upkeep and repairs, having the correct tools is critical. A ladder is a must-have for any homeowner. For this we have to know what size ladder do I need for a 2story house.
A two-story house stands 20 to 25 feet tall. But the height can change based on the shape of the building and the pitch of the roof. To safely get to the roof or higher windows, we need a ladder that goes at least three feet above the height we want to work at.
Now, we have to know about what type ladder we need 2 story house.
- Extension Ladders
Extension ladders are a common option for reaching higher levels. They are composed of two or more parts that slide and lock into place. An extension ladder with a total length of 28-32 feet is usually suitable for a two-story house. The overlap of parts provides stability and safety.
- Multi-Position Ladders
Multi-position ladders, which are also called flexible ladders, can be set up in different ways, such as as an extension ladder. People who live in their own homes and need a single tool for multiple jobs will love these ladders. Make sure the ladder is at least 28 to 32 feet long when it’s fully stretched so we can safely get into our two-story house.
- Telescoping Ladders
Telescoping ladders are compact and easy to travel. They stretch and lock into place to reach the desired height. However, not all telescoping ladders have the necessary height for a two-story residence. Look for versions that reach at least 28 feet.
As we talked about telescoping ladder. We can read this article: How do i choose a telescopic ladder?.
What Size Extension Ladder Do I Need
Working with ladders takes priority for safety. While one too-long ladder can be difficult to handle and may cause stability concerns, a too-short extension ladder will keep us from reaching the intended height. Choosing the right size guarantees our safety is not compromised while we work efficiently.
Extension ladders are normally available in diameters ranging from 16 to 40 feet, with 24 and 28 feet being the most popular for domestic use. Remember that the listed size is the overall length when fully extended, not the ladder’s reach height.
When setting up the ladder, it’s important to remember that it should be at an angle of about 75 degrees. In other words, the base of the ladder should be set back from the wall about a quarter of the way it’s long. Like, the bottom of a 20-foot ladder should be 5 feet away from the wall.
So choosing an extension ladder rightly is crucial. We have to choose every ladder according to our needs. And for this we also need to know about What size ladder do I need for a 1 story house.
Choosing the Perfect Step Ladder Size
It’s important that we choose a a step ladder size according to our needs. Choosing the perfect step size according to our needs is always important.
We have to remember that rather than extending dangerously or turning to unexpected solutions if we use some more heights than we need it will feel safe.
We should think of maximum weight capacity, when we buy a stepladder. We have to ensure it can accept both of our weight and tools. Picking the right step ladder size is important to make sure we have a safe and reliable tool for many years.
Little Giant Ladder
The Little Giant Ladder changes everything about do-it-yourself projects and home improvements. This is a very useful item that is safe and can be used in many ways. It’s something that every family needs. The Little Giant ladder offers a versatile design that can be adjusted to suit different needs, making it perfect for a variety of tasks.

When we use the Little Giant Ladder, safety should come first. This tool is stable because it has non-slip feet that keep it in place on a variety of surfaces.Additionally, its wide, it provides solid foundation strength by it’s wide spreader legs. The ladder’s rungs are designed to provide maximum comfort and safety,ensuring us that we can utilize it for lengthy periods of time without becoming tired.
The Little Giant Ladder is a good investment because it is well-made, safe, and useful in a number of contexts. It’s not just a ladder; it’s everything we need to get up high, which makes it an essential tool for both homeowners and professionals.
We can also know more about from this article; Where to place ladder when cleaning gutters?
FAQs About What Size Ladder Do I Need For A 1 Story House
- What height should a ladder be for reaching a 1-story house roof?
For a typical 1-story house, a ladder that reaches at least 15-18 feet is recommended. This accounts for the height of the roof plus a safe angle of incline. Ensure the ladder extends 3 feet above the roof-line for safe access.
- What type of ladder is best for a 1-story house?
A ladder with a minimum height of 15-18 feet is recommended for a typical one-story home. This takes into account the roof’s height as well as a safe incline. Make sure the ladder extends 3 feet over the roof-line for safe access.
- How do I safely position a ladder for roof access?
Place the base of the ladder one-quarter of the way up the ladder’s working length away from the house and at a 75-degree angle to it. For safe handholds when getting on and off the roof, make sure the ladder goes 3 feet above the edge of the roof.
Conclusion
For safety and efficiency’s reasons, knowing What size ladder do I need for a 1 story house is very important. Figure out what height and type of ladder you need before you buy it.
This is true whether you choose a step ladder, an extension ladder, or a multi-position ladder. We can safely reach the top of most one-story homes with an extension ladder that is 16 to 20 feet long.
We need to remember that the ladder’s material is also very important for our safety and its durability. Aluminum ladders are light but conduct electricity, fiberglass ladders are heavy but don’t conduct electricity, and wooden ladders are strong but can get damaged by the weather.
We can confidently do a variety of home maintenance jobs, from cleaning the gutters to getting to the roof, as long as we choose the right size and type of ladder.Always put safety first and pick a ladder that fits our needs to make sure we have a safe and productive place to work.
Source:
- https://osha4you.com/ladders/ladder-safety-dos-and-donts/
- https://www.familyhandyman.com/tools-gear-equipment/tools-supplies/ladders/
- https://www.wernerco.com/uk/how-to-choose-a-ladder/
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