I do not have a tall enough ladder to go up top in one go, but I have 2 ladders, a sturdy 18’ multi, and a lighter aluminus sliding extension.
Question is, is it really stupid to use the multi to get up onto the little balconies, haul the 2nd ladder up from there (having it prepped from the ground not carrying it up the ladder), and the use it to get on the main roof? (there are no doors out onto the side balconies.)
I want to be able to walk the roof, and I know there is always risk involved in using a ladder, but has my creativity gone too far?
Get yourself a folding extension like a little giant or something similar. I’m regularly carrying ladders through homes and accessing from decks. However if you don’t feel comfortable with it, and in this case risk damaging property. Observe from ground.
I guess by multi I meant folding extention sorry. Again there is no access to the balconies from the interior. the folding is only 18’. Ill have my binoculars handy either way.
I’d use my best judgement when I got there then. I’d try my best to do so. I don’t see a problem carrying a reasonably sized extension. But I suppose its up to what you’re comfortable with.
I’ve had to use two ladders to access an upper tier roof. Pulled 2nd ladder up with a rope. Just don’t smack the house while getting 2nd ladder up to balcony. If you don’t feel safe doing it, don’t. Before making that judgement call be sure the balcony is a safe place to set up a ladder and the decking/roof can take it.
Thanks Michael, I think im going to go with my original plan once I confirm a good point of access. My aluminum extension is a lot lighter than my Little G. so i think itll work fine. Thanks for the input.
I had a mentor suggest climbing out of windows to access a roof (if needed) and it seemed reasonable at the time. What do y’all think about that suggestion?
2 ladders, use the balcony - depending on balcony floor material. If rubber or something slipperly, it might be too risky. In that case, use a camera pole from the balconies. Sometimes those older houses have access ports in the attic to the flat topped area, however, I can’t tell in your case if that’s just a regular hip roof or not. Any additions on the back or other pics?
There is an attached garage out back which is probably a better candidate for access. I dont want to use the windows if at all possible because it is a very “fancy” home and the folding ladder is cumbersome enough that I dont want to risk any damage. Im going to plan on 2 ladders, and assess the situation as it unfolds. I am now looking into a pole camera so that when limited access situtions arise I will have an option besides just binoculars.
Mario,
This is a great question, and this situation will be a common one with many variations in architectural details. It is good to consider a variety of strategies for getting up on a roof safely and then pick the best option. Sometimes the best option is staying on the ground.
Stay within safe limits of your equipment and your abilities.
From the picture of the front that you provided:
I would personally choose to carry a light-weight-compact ladder (such as an extend + Climb ) up to the balcony and access the top.
If you only have one ladder this is still possible. Get on the balcony and then pull up your ladder to re-use it from the balcony to the top. Also, if there is a window to access the balcony, that is another way to get there.
If there were no balcony present you could get up on the front porch roof, straddle the ridge with a ladder and climb up the front to the roof. Keep in mind, I’m not suggesting you do this, but I have done this many times.
Stay within safe limits of your equipment and your abilities.
Other methods to inspect that roof include but are not limited to:
3) use the binoculars you mentioned
4) camera pole
5) drone
6) climb one of those massive pine trees and inspect from there.
Some methods work better than others.
Stay safe, my friend.
