How tall of an extension ladder do I need to reach the roof of a two storey house?
Answers:
First, you need to determine the maximum height that you need to reach. This height is a total of two figures: The height of the wall itself, and the difference in ground level height at the foundation and in the area where the feet of the ladder will be positioned. Determining wall height can be done a couple of ways. You can lean out a second storey window, and with a good quality tape measure, run the blade up to the approx. max. height. Then let the blade drop and get a height from the ground up. The sum of these two figures is what you need. Another way, from the ground, if you have horizontal siding like clapbpoards or shingles, is to measure the exposure of a run in inches, and multiply it by the number of runs. Add your foundation height and divide by 12 to get the total height, in feet. Look to the area where the ladder will stand. How much does the land drop. If you can't eyeball it, use a line level. Add the drop off to the wall height and use that height to determine the ladder you need. A ladder has three dimension ratings. The first is the size. On an extension ladder, this is the sum of the lenghts of the sections. Thus, a 32' ladder is made of two 16' sections. The second rating is maximum extended length. This is the length, with the minimum safe overlap of the top and bottom sections. The nearer you get to this length, the more wobbly the ladder becomes. The third number is maximum recommended standing height. This number takes into account the fact that when the ladder is placed at an angle, it's vertical reach is less than if it could be used standing straight up. Finally, you need to consider what you will be using the ladder for, and your own body type. Check the weight rating of the ladder. Pick one that will do the job safely. If it's not something you use much, consider renting. That way, you can afford something that is right for the job.
Other answers:
20 ft
20 ft
32'
It would depend on the house, as I don't think there is a strict standard that is regulated on how tall a "story" of a house must be. Ideally, it would need to be tall enough to rest on the gutter on the edge of the roof, and extend at least several inches beyond that for stability.
A "story" is 11 feet. So the answer is 22 feet. Go to Home Depot and get yourself a 25 foot aluminum ladder for about $200.00 (or a cheap crappy one for about $100.00)
construction/repair/maintenanc... work, especially for a DIY. One is only as good as their equipment.
It can also be said that "You get what you pay for" and with regard to an extension ladder you should spend the cash on the equipment as opposed to paying for possible injuries, after the fact. It should slide easily, be light weight enough for one person to handle and set up, be sturdy enough to support more than your personal weight, have a decent rope/pulley system, etc.
I prefer fiber glass uprights, but that's a personal choice.
Rev. Steven
At least as tall as the second story roof......probably a 21' extension ladder would work.