TOPIC: ladder height

So, I have a 12 foot telescoping (is that spelled right) ladder and a 20 foot extention ladder.  I'm finding that about 20% of the roofs I can not get to with the 20 foot ladder.  I've been thinking of spending $200 on a 22 foot fold up ladder (like a Little Giant) but I don't think the extra 2 feet would do me much good on some of the roofs.  I'd need about a 26 or 28 foot ladder for them.  What do most of you guys carry? 

I carry a 16' fold little giant type in the truck bed. Then on the rack I carry a 24' fiberglass which gets used on just about every inspection. I also have a 32' but it gets hard to lug if your by yourself. I prefer fiberglass if that helps at all. It's heavier but I feel safer.

How do you determin when you will bring the 32 footer w/ you?

Stays on my ladder rack most of the time, so I have it if I need it.

Doug,
Don't waste your money on the 22ft multi. If you can't get on a roof with the 20ft, the 22ft will not help you any. It only has a reach of 18' 10.5". ( I Have the Gorilla 22ft). I love this multi because of the wide footing, but hate it for the weight, and it is very awkward when positioning against the house. I am finding that I use my 28ft aluminum ext. more and more often.

I started out with a 17ft aluminum and the 22ft multi. I now have a 16ft fliberglass, 17ft alumn, 22ft multi, 28ft alumn, and am considering a 28ft fiberglass. Like Ian, the alumn feels "rickity", except for the multi which is rock-solid. I actually use the 16ft fiber and the 28ft alumn 90% of the time, which is why the upgrade to the 28ft fiber.

Which one to bring??? I usually am able to find a listing on-line and look at the pictures of the home. I can usually determine which ladders to bring.

Step ladders... I have a 6ft and 8ft fiberglass. In my area, we have a lot of turn-of-the-century homes with 9ft and 11ft ceilings. The 6ft just doesn't cut it in an 11ft ceiling home. Again, I try to determine this through the on-line listings.

I also carry a two step ladder, for use in the kitchen, basement, etc...

Hope this helped... Jeff

Oh !!!  Everytime you are going to access a roof over a single story.... ALWAYS use tie-offs, and/or a stabilizer!!!!!! Safety is critical !!!!!!

Thanks guys.  I think I'm going to look into the 28 footer.  I'm going to head over to the used tool store cause they always have stuff like that.