Preparing for Storm Season: Choose the Right Ladder for Work at Home
Storms by default, have a grudge against anything that’s above ground, which is why reinforcing your house properly is of absolute importance before being hit by a devastating storm season. As all DIY enthusiasts know already, jobs such as securing roof tiles, cleaning out the gutter, trimming dangerous tree branches, reinforcing second storey windows, etc. are all activities that are highly dependent on having a trusty, sturdy ladder by your side. Make sure that you choose the right one though, as we are about to detail the most relevant types of ladders you may need for such jobs next.
Single-Stage Ladders
A single-stage ladder is lightweight, portable and it allows just enough extra reach to let you work in areas 3 – 6 metres in height. Rightly known as access ladders, a single-stage ladder is meant more for getting access to the roof or any other elevated surface, rather than working a long time on it, especially if you’re totting around a heavy toolbox.
Extension Ladders
Extension ladders offer nearly the same portability due to their retractable design and lightweight construction, but these are more useful than the single-stage ladder. The added advantage here is that they can be extended to access places that are at a higher level of elevation (5.4m – 10.2m) than the single-stage ladder can handle.
Step Ladders
The step ladder is commendable for its self-supporting, stable, and sturdy structure, but these do not add too much in terms of reach (1.8m – 3.6m). Step ladders are more suitable for indoor DIY and cleaning jobs, or for cleaning out low gutters to prevent flooding during storms.
Platform Step Ladders
The one key difference between a regular step ladder and a platform step ladder is that as the name suggests, it has a platform for you to stand on (or rest your toolbox on). This platform is also ¾ encompassed by a legal height handrail for extra safety. These are also self-supporting and they are often used by professional house painters and DIY enthusiasts alike for the same reasons.
Power Lifts
Power lifts are not ladders but they fill a gap in working at heights in small spaces and indooors. If a self-supporting step ladder is too short for the job and there is no structure in an open space you can safely lean an extension ladder on, your best hope is the power lift. If you want to use it for indoor jobs as well, a 4.3 metre power lift is what you should be looking to hire.
The Australian storm season runs from November to April and during these six months, roughly 5 – 7 cyclones make it across the coast and head inland, sometimes causing massive destruction of property in their wake with wind speeds exceeding 100 – 200 km/h. And while in Brisbane the chance of a cyclone is rare, supercells, or dangerous thunderstorms are not uncommon. Make storm preparations sooner rather than later.
Copyright Centenary Hire 2020. All Rights Reserved. This article may not be used without consent from the author. See below for more details.
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include the following text in its entirety:
Centenary Hire is a Tradesmen & Weekend Warrior’s best friend. Our ever increasing range of hire equipment consists of modern tools, machinery, scaffold, access equipment and site services all of which are aimed at helping you get the job done right – the first time. Our friendly staff can help you to choose the right equipment for your project or you can view & book your equipment online now at www.CentenaryHire.com.au. Drop into our store at Sumner Park or request an equipment delivery as our efficient transport service extends well beyond the limits of Brisbane on a daily basis.
