(2nd try) How do you climb down from a roof?

[Robert_in_NY]

You need a longer ladder. I need at least 4 ft sticking up above the roof. I have tried stepping on ladders at roof level and it makes me really sick feeling. I wanna grab the ladder while still comfortably standing on the roof.

The idea with 3' above is that you can still comfortably grab the ladder but as you go to step on the first rung below the roof edge you can do so by leaning over the top of the ladder. Any higher then 3' and you can't do that as easily, they you having to walk around the ladder to step on it. But its what ever your most comfortable with. From my own experience I dislike it above or below 3' if your carrying tools or any supplies up the ladder.

 

[drssg]

So you do not have a step ladder then and mean the step of the extension ladder?

If your using the extension ladder just raise it up 3' above the roof and then you just hold on to the top of the ladder as you step on to the first rung of the ladder below the roof edge. Also, tie the ladder off to the gutter as soon as you get up there the first time. This will keep the ladder from blowing over and help you also if you go to step on it and it slides for any particular reason.

Yes. Sorry about the confusion, I meant to say extension ladder in the OP, instead of step ladder.

This is all good stuff. I think tying the ladder to the gutter would help me feel more comfortable.

I also like J_J's suggestion with the rope. I don't have cement blocks, but I have a heavy duty anchor I could screw into the ground that I'm sure would hold me.

I currently can't see the picture Tig posted, due to the firewall at work. I'll check it out this evening.

 

[firemanpat2910]

all advise so far is spot on. Ladder should be 3' plus or minus above the roof. tied on top is good, also tied in the middle if you have a first floor window or door? make sure the bottom is set properly. If there is a picture of the correct angel on the side of the ladder USE IT ! if the ladder is on concrete or simular hard surface rubber pads (shoes) should sit flat and level. If on soft dirt then sink legs into ground. If your ladder dosent have spikes for soft ground drive a 2x2 stake on the side away from the house so ladder cant slide out from under you.

 

[firemanpat2910]

LOL WHATEVER you do dont tie to the bumper of your wifes car for an anchor!!!!!!!! none of the stories that start that way end good.

 

[tommu56]

LOL WHATEVER you do dont tie to the bumper of your wifes car for an anchor!!!!!!!! none of the stories that start that way end good.

you can however tie it to "your" tractor and pocket the key.

tom

 

[blueriver]

LOL WHATEVER you do dont tie to the bumper of your wifes car for an anchor!!!!!!!! none of the stories that start that way end good.

Seriously ... I know a fella who tied a rope to the bumper of his truck, threw it over the roof. Climb up, grabed the rope and tied himself off ... was working and all of a sudden he heard his truck fire up!! Yep the wife pulled him over the roof.... a few things broke and alot of sore. I think something was also CHEWED!!!

 

[uniongoon]

You sound dangerous, rent a cherry picker

 

[joed3320]

I prefer rubber bungee wrapped once around the wrung closest to the gutter or anywhere that is near the top edge of the roof where I can hold the ladder tight.Three feet above the roof line is good.

 

[smitty9266]

I have had several versions of these products, they are called ladder stabilizers. Here is the one I have currently LadderMaxLLC lmhome

Would not be without one keeps you from smashing gutters and keeps the ladder from blowing down. They also have a lot of other uses.

Jeff

 

[LBrown59]

Are you setting the step ladder on a 1st story roof? The only way I would do that is if I was able to just lean the step ladder up against the other roof without having to unfold the ladder. If it doesn't reach the roof then you are flirting with a serious injury. Buy a new extension ladder that will reach above the roof line at least 3 feet so you can grab hold of the top of the ladder as you step on to the first rung below the roof edge.

We also put extension ladders on 1st story roofs if we need to get up to a second story roof and it is the easiest way. Two ways to do it is to tie the ladder off to the wall with an anchor or nail a 2x4 into the roof your setting on to keep the feet from sliding. Nailinga 2x4 is acceptable if your replacing that roof but not so much if your just trying to get up to the second floor.

Nothing to grab hold of is what I don't like about step ladders.