Do you guys normally use extension ladders on concrete without anything holding the bottom? One of my employees is doing a job by himself where he will be using an extension ladder on concrete to get to most of the 2nd story windows. Do you guys normally use anything to help stabilize the ladder from slipping on the concrete?
Not using anything in the pic. But sometimes we will use The Ladder Stopper if the concrete is a little slippery or mossy.
i have never used anything. We did one job where the customer had just waterproofed her driveway so we put a towel under each leg but thats as much as we’ve done. Makes me think though.
Depends on the concrete and whether there’s snow or ice on it. I know the snow and ice thing should be a no brainer but some guys will set up a ladder for a “quick” little window. The type of concrete is more critical. Some walkways I’ve dealt w/ have sealers that make the concrete a slip and slide when it gets a little wet. If you’re dealing w/ a typical brush finished driveway or sidewalk you should be fine.
for several months now ive had LADDER SPIKES fitted onto my ladder, i have these set so they only are 1/2inch lower than the rubber feet . these dig in good ,on Every surface ,including green decking . the ones i have are by HAILO and are quick release ,if ever i was inside a house with them i would take them off as they would dig in , but outside they give much confidence
Wow glad I found this place. Good questions here. We use ladders all the time. Shoulld gain some usefull info! In 5 years I’m the only one to have a ladder slip. The ladder was a little giant. Was on a wet deck that had either been sealed or stained, duh! lol! It was too funny after the ladder slipped under me and i landed on the ladder (1story fall). The home owner ran out asked if she could call 911, lol! It was hard to breath and I was hurting! Also very embarassed! I told her no as i reset the ladder. Told her we still had to finish her and 4 more to go!!! Ladder safety! Great thread!!!
I probably should have posted this in the SAFETY section of the forum. Thanks for the feedback guys.
I generally work by myself, and this includes with ladders, outside I havn’t had any issues with e surfaces I need to work on… but inside has been a different matter, slippery tiles make me very nervous!
what I have done to brace the ladder, is get a short plank of wood (a little wider then the ladder) put that against the feet, and brace it with 2 extension poles agains a wall.
Am planning on getting a ‘ladder stopper’ sometime in the near future though, those things look awesomely better then my little brace…
I would only worry about smooth or stamped concrete, which is finished very slick looking and usually sealed pretty good. But most exterior concrete surfaces are brushed when finishing to add texture, so these are not an issue.
BTW - when working on upper level decks with ladders, I turn feet upwards so that the claws are sticking out and then place the claws between the spaces in the deck boards - works everytime!
I read on the other place (G.S.) that your truck got broken into. Did you catch them of get you stuff back?
So does my Rojak Ladder Stopper, without worrying about property damage (no matter how slight.)
Check this out:
http://windowcleaner.com/vBulletin/forum-announcements/724-laddatec-our-newester-forum-partner.html
A little over 2 weeks ago I decided to use our cheap aluminum ladder on a job. It was after reading a post on here, about using aluminum versus fiberglass ladders. I had the ladder kick out from under me :eek:, while cleaning a two story window above a concrete driveway. It kicked out so hard and fast I fell straight down cutting my leg on the ladder, because of the ladder stabilizer, trashing my ankle, Achilles tendon, arch, calf…it still hurts. I think it had more to do with the small ladder feet and being to far from the wall, than the concrete being slick. I wasn’t using the 4 to 1 rule, due to the cheap ladder missing its extension rope. That ladder wont be a problem anymore. My 190 pounds trashed the ladder and the stabilizers. My complacency, that’s another matter.
I use the pivot ladder tool( ProVision Tools - Suppliers of PiViT accessories and the Roof Boot. ) on a lot of 2nd story resi jobs. It’s safer and it looks professional when your by yourself and it’s at the bottom of the ladder. Even on concrete. I taught the girl who works for me to do the same thing. I just have the peace of mind that she has stabilizer at top and bottom.
A little anal? Sure, but it works for us and no problems at all since I started cleaning.
PLUS: It holds a small amount of tools and towels. Not very organized, but it saves you from a towel bag/oversize pocket on your belt for extra towel storage.
When your working on a 2nd story property, that is…
We set up for some 30+ foot climbs today on snow/some ice-covered 'crete. One guy manning the base is a must in situations like those. I always carry a putty knife (grew to love the painter’s 5 in1) and whenever possible I chip a spot clear for the ladder feet. That putty knife comes in handy for many another chore, too, but that’s a story for another thread.
I’ve gone through more 20’ aluminum ladders than I can count. Not for falling or ruining them, but because I wore em out. I love the light weight, especially for inside homes where you have to maneuver around a bit. Used Little Giants for years and years, but sometimes they just don’t reach and they’re heavier than a 20.
Can’t stand fiberglass. Way too heavy, especially when you get into 28’ or 32’s.
I weigh about 190 lbs, too, and have never had a problem in 17 years, but over 200 LB’s can be big trouble.
I remember when I had an employee that was a big boy -I’m talkin’ 250+. Dude was a little lazy, and always tryin’ to sneak around with a 20’ aluminum, despite repeated warnings. He was straight up forbidden to use one.
One day the fool ignores the rules one last time, extends it all the way, jacks the leg levelers all the way up, and folds the entire thing in half with his oversized frame.
Fortunately he wasn’t hurt seriously, but that was his last day.
This just made me laugh like I was fourteen!
Nah I didnt catch them. I had all the tools replaced and the glass replaced in 2 days and took the loss. I thought you sounded familiar!
This reminds me of when my work vehicle was stolen, $1000 worth of ladders and all (a 32’, a '20, and a Little Giant, all with bells and whistles). Got a call the next AM from a property manager saying “if you don’t get your vehicle out of our parking lot right now…” (had vinyls ads on the back windows).
I was ecstatic, and told em “Don’t touch it! It’s stolen!”
Cops met me where it was, but it had been cleaned out. I filled out the description paperwork and asked em how to go about getting my missing equipment back and was told it could months before they sift through all the data they have for stolen items.
At this point one nice lady-officer pulled me aside and suggested 4 local pawn shops that had a penchant for “dirty dealing.”
I went home with my list of suspects and started calling each shop witha slick little approach. When they’d answer I would say, “Hi, I’m in the construction business and am looking for some ladders. I need a couple extension ladders and would love it if I could find a multi-purpose utility ladder, too. Do you have any?”
3rd call was a hit! I was told some had just come in that morning. “I’ll be right down to have a look,” I said.
Upon being shown MY ladders, I calmly pulled out my cell phone, got a detective on the way, and informed the proprietor that those were my stolen ladders and that the police were on the way. I was rollin’ again in less than 30 minutes, minus the original keys, one pole, and a tool belt.
Hey you got lucky! It was suggested that I go to pawn shops. How did you mark the ladders to identify them? There are pawn shops everywhere here. Pawn shops, liquor stores, gun stores… LOL I live right outside DC.
