What Size Ladder Do I Need for a 2 Story House?

Ladders are made of various sizes and load capacities. Generally, the sizes of ladders range from two to forty feet. A fitted type, as well as the perfect size of the ladder, gives you higher resilience and convenience to work.

Therefore, it is vital to choose an appropriate ladder keeping the worksites and home in mind. There is no wonder why people get confused in the case of choosing the right size of a ladder for their houses.

If the same thought “What Size Ladder Do I Need for a 2 Story House“ comes into your mind too. Then this article is for you!

Everyone has different reasons such that some use to clean windows or gutters or reaching out to the roof of the home for proper cleaning as well as maintenance.

In that case, ladder height for 2 story house will be 21+3=24ft. , if you do not wish to work on the roof. However, you can also use an extension ladder. However, in the case of choosing ladder safety comes you have to keep safety at the top.

What size ladder for 2 story house?

This is a very common question of people. This question arises when people go to buy a ladder. Choosing a 1 story house is pretty easy where people have to measure their height and ceiling height. Then they will purchase according to the measurement.

On the contrary, the problem arises in the case of purchasing a ladder height for 2 story house. In this regard, one question that will hit your mind that what size would you purchase?

How tall a ladder for 2 story house?

To calculate the size of a 2-story house you have to measure the size of a building. It is considered that the roofline of a 2-story house is 25feet from the ground. For a 2-story house, you should have an option for an extension ladder.

Check Also: Best Ladder for Gutter Cleaning [Buying Guide & Reviews]

What size ladder do I need for a 2 story house?

Now let us calculate by trying out a formula.

For roofing, you have to extend some extra length to cover up the side that will expand further the gutter height. You need to follow the steps to measure the ladder size of a two-story building.

Step 1–

Measure the factual height of the roofline (allow that as 25 feet)

Measure the desired calculation. (allow that as 2 feet)

Measure the desired pitch(angle) (allow that as 5 feet)

Actual Height (AH)+Desired calculation) +Desired Pitch(angle)

So,24+2+5=32

Step 2–

Choose the ladder with an actual completely expanded length of 32 feet or even more. The extension ladder should be 6 to 10 feet longer than the wall or roofline. Moreover, you do not have any work on the rooftop then 24 feet ladder is good enough for painting and cleaning.

On the contrary, if you have work on the roofline then you have to understand that 24 feet ladder is not enough. 28 feet ladder is an appropriate choice for 2 story house ladders. If you need to do bigger work inside and outside then (Louisville Fiberglass Extension Ladder,28 feet) this ladder can give you excellent service.

What size step ladder to get on 2 story house?

First and foremost, thing is that it is not recommended to step on the topmost cap of a stepladder. You can reach up to 4 feet higher than the height of the step ladder which is maximum as well as safe. For instance, if the height of the ceiling is 8 feet, a person can safely reach up to 4 feet of that 8 feet ladder.

On this note remember that for the step ladder, the safe standing level is two steps down from the topmost position. In the following chart, you will find a list of step ladder lengths and related working heights.

Maximum height to reach	Which Size ladder to buy	Highest standing position Two steps down from the top
7’	3’	11’
8’	4’	1’11”
9’	5’	2’10”
10’	6’	3’10”
11’	7’	4’9”
12’	8’	5’8”
14’	10’	7’7”
16’	12’	9’6”
18’	14’	11’5”
20’	16’	13’4”

Generally, the calculation, of the ladder for 1 story house is pretty simple. You need to consider that the roofline of a single-story house is 17 feet from the ground. While calculating 2 story house you need to be thoughtful as well as technical.

Check Also: How to Make a Wooden Step Ladder

How long extension ladder for 2 story house?

Usually, it is not recommended to step on the top most three caps of an extension ladder.

To estimate the length of a ladder to reach a certain height, you need to follow certain factors such that-

      ⭐ Extension ladders allocate a layer that is not shown in the nominal length.

      ⭐ you need to set up the ladder at a tilt position. (4:1 pitch/75-degrees)

      ⭐ You need to avoid standing in the top few caps.

In the following chart, you will find a list of extension ladder length for 2 story house and related working heights.

Ladder Height	Height to top support point	The maximum working ladder length	Highest Standing level
16’	9’	13’	9’2”
20’	9-13’	17’	13’1”
24’	13-17’	21’	16’11”
28’	17-21’	25’	20’10”
32’	21-25’	29’	24’8”
36’	25-28’	32’	27’7”
40’	28-31’	35’	30’60’

The highest working length here is less than the total ladder length for 2 story house. Because of the surface or layer of the extension ladder sections. For an extension ladder, the highest standing level is 4 caps down from the top. In other words, the top three caps or rungs are not permitted for climbing up.

Check Also: How to reconnect an Extension Ladder

Ladder weight capacity

Ladders are built with three basic components which are wood, fiberglass, and metal (Aluminum). An appropriate ladder length must be selected to avoid any kind of accident. Using a too long or too short ladder is not safe.

To assure safety there should be a label on the ladder to indicate the highest standing level. In the case of choosing a ladder, you need to remember the purpose of using a ladder.

Ladder weight capacity should not be unknown. On that note, you have to look for the Duty Rating of the ladder. Duty Rating is associated with the idea of the maximum weight capacity the ladder can safely carry. To figure out the total amount of weight your ladder can carry, follow the following calculation-

       ✽ Your weight; plus

       ✽ The weight of your clothing and Protective Equipment; plus

       ✽ The weight of Tools and Supplies you are carrying; plus

       ✽ The weight of Tools and Supplies stored on the ladder.

There are five categories of ladder Duty Ratings

      ⭐ Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty)375 pounds

      ⭐ IA Type (Extra Heavy Duty) 300 pounds

      ⭐ Type I(Heavy Duty)250 pounds

      ⭐ II Type (Medium Duty) 225pounds

      ⭐ Type III(Light Duty) 200pounds

The Duty Rating of your ladder can be found on the naming label. In every ladder, a safety rating sticker should be attached. You can assume that a longer ladder has the highest weight capacity. Remember one thing, there is nothing to do with ladder length and weight capacity.

Advantage vs Disadvantage of different types of ladder materials

Ladder material plays a key role in choosing an appropriate ladder for different work or purposes. There is no doubt about the fact that the ladder is a must-have to the person who works with the ladder.

Timber or Wood Ladder Materials –

[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-2″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Advantages & Disadvantages” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Advantages” cons_title=”Disadvantages” ][i2pros]Non-conductive of electricity
Resistant to heat (definitely not to open flame)
Cheaper than fiberglass[/i2pros][i2cons] Not appropriate for commercial or industrial applications.
Prone to rot and wrap
Lighter than fiberglass ladder.[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Aluminum Ladder Materials –

[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-2″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Advantages & Disadvantages” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Advantages” cons_title=”Disadvantages” ][i2pros]Lightweight and practical.
Easy to transport
Corrosion and moisture resistant
Non-magnetic[/i2pros][i2cons]Electricity and heat conductive
Not safe to use near any electrical sources
Prone to bend under heavy pressure
Not ideal for very heavy-duty weighted projects[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Fiberglass Ladder Materials –

[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-2″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Advantages & Disadvantages” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Advantages” cons_title=”Disadvantages” ][i2pros]Moisture and Corrosion resistant
Non-conductors of heat and electricity
Built to last many years
A safer option for work that involves electricity
Perfect to use in commercial or industrial applications or purposes[/i2pros][i2cons]Heavier than other types of ladder
Difficult to handle by one person
This type of ladder may snap under excess pressure
Not suitable for heavy-duty weighted projects
More expensive[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Steel Ladder Materials –

[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-check-2″ cons_icon=”icon icon-ban-3″ show_title=”false” title=”Advantages & Disadvantages” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Advantages” cons_title=”Disadvantages” ][i2pros]Well suited for heavy-duty
Resilient and more robust than Aluminum and fiberglass and aluminum ladders[/i2pros][i2cons]Conductors of both heat and electricity
Not moisture or corrosion-resistant
Prone to rusting
Heavier than aluminum and fiberglass counterpart[/i2cons][/i2pc]

Important factors to consider

You should choose a ladder according to your purpose. Based on your necessity choosing a ladder that is harmless will be wise enough. Besides, an appropriate ladder length must be selected to avoid any kind of accident. Remember! Using a too long or too short ladder is not safe.

To assure safety there should be a label on the ladder to indicate the highest standing level. You need to calculate your weight amount beforehand. Then you should definitely check the capacity of your ladder by reading the sticker on it.

Frequently Asked Question

𝓠: How long extension ladder for 2 story house?

➦ 28 feet or Extension ladder according to the size of 2 story house.

𝓠: What size ladder do I need for painting the walls and cleaning windows?

➦ 24 feet ladder will be convenient for this job.

𝓠: how tall of a ladder for a two story house?

➦ the required ladder sizes 2 story houses is 21+3=24 ft. where the maximum reach is 21 feet.

𝓠: What is the actual height of a ladder for 2 story house?

➦ 24 or 28 feet according to the size of 2 story house.

𝓠: What is the last height I can climb up with a step ladder?

➦ You can reach 4 feet higher than the height of the step ladder which is maximum. What choose I choose extension or step ladder?

𝓠: How to calculate ladder size?

➦ Calculate according to house size, worksite and ladder weight capacity.

You can assume that a longer ladder has the highest weight capacity. Remember! there is nothing to do with ladder length and weight capacity. It is the purpose of your and worksite which has to be estimated at the very beginning.

Use a step ladder and maintain the calculation of steps you need to maintain. Do the same thing in the case of using an Extension ladder. Use 28 feet ladder for 2 story house. 

Final Verdict

Use Duty Rating ladder to hold the track of capacity of total weight. The Duty Rating of your ladder can be found on the naming label. In every ladder, a safety rating sticker should be attached. That sticker should help you to choose the right one.

Remember if you have to work on the roofline then you have to understand that 24 feet leader is not enough. Lastly, Estimate the Size of the house and then with proper calculation choose your desired ladder so that you make the best use of it and get the best result or aid.

I hope this article grabs your concept on the appropriate “What Size Ladder Do I Need for a 2 Story House“.

Check Also: How Much Weight can a Ladder really Hold?