Good Life Folding Telescoping Ladder, 15.5-Foot

Tall ladders are cumbersome to move, constantly banging into doorways and ceilings. Plus, storing them is no walk in the park. You have to have a large enough space that is easily accessible. Not only that, but ladders can also be heavy, making them difficult to transport from one place to another. This is where a telescoping ladder comes in handy.

A telescoping ladder is a lightweight alternative to a regular ladder. As the name suggests, the ladder can actually extend or telescope to various sizes such as 10 feet, 12 feet or 15 feet. It can also fully retract so that is a compact and easily portable size, around two to three feet tall. Most telescoping ladders are made from aluminum, which is sturdy and light, so a ladder usually weighs under 30 pounds.

One of the key elements to look at when buying a telescoping ladder is the length. Most telescoping ladders can be extended in one-foot increments. Check to see the maximum height of the ladder and whether it suits your needs. For most tasks around the home, a 12-foot ladder will do the trick; however, some tasks may require a 15-foot ladder. Ensure you also check the weight limit on the ladder to ensure it can adequately and safely support you. Most telescoping ladders have weight limits around 250 to 350 pounds.

While most telescoping ladders are made from aluminum, some are also made with fiberglass. Aluminum is a strong, durable and light material. Fiberglass is typically stronger than aluminum, but it also weighs more. Fiberglass ladders are also more costly than aluminum ones. However, one of the key benefits of fiberglass is that it does not conduct electricity, unlike aluminum. If you’re going to be doing a lot of electrical work, then a fiberglass ladder may be a good choice.

Portability is a key buying factor for many people. Check to see the size that the telescoping ladder can retract to. This is usually between two to three feet, with a width of one and a half to two feet. Ensure that the size fits in your storage space and in the trunk of your car.

• As with any kind of ladder, safety is a key priority. Check to see that the telescoping ladder has wide rubber feet. This ensures that the ladder will not slip while in use. A solid base is needed to support the weight of the ladder and the person on the ladder. As a result, some telescoping ladders have fold-out anchors at the feet to provide additional stability. If the ladder does not feel stable, have a helper hold the bottom of the ladder in place while you climb up.
• A locking mechanism is vital on a telescoping ladder. Many telescoping ladders will be able to lock at one-foot increments. Ensure that the locking mechanism is on both sides of the ladder and easy to use.
• In terms of ladder positioning, a best practice is the one-to-four rule. This means that the ladder’s base should be one foot away from the wall for every four feet you extend the height. This provides a safe angle that is stable and secure.
• If you have to lean over while on the ladder, this means that it is not in the right position. This could result in falls and slips, which can be dangerous from tall heights. Instead of leaning, climb down the ladder, re-adjust the positioning, and climb up again.
• Carefully inspect and maintain your ladder on a regular basis to ensure it is safe to use. If you have an aluminum ladder, look for any loose rivets, dents or bent parts. Fiberglass ladders can end up with cracks and chips.
• After every use of your ladder, especially in instances where you are using water, oil or paint, be sure to wipe down the ladder at each rung. This will make sure the ladder isn’t slippery or sticky at your next use.
• If you are at the top of a ladder and begin to feel dizzy or disoriented, do not climb down immediately. Instead, it’s best to hold on to the ladder tightly, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to allow the feeling to pass. You can then climb down slowly. Climbing down while you feel dizzy may cause you to fall.
• While telescoping ladders are easy to store since they can retract to such a small size, it’s important to keep them in an accessible space. This makes it more likely for you to use them. if they are hidden in the back of a closet or behind shelves in a garage, you may not want to go looking for them.