In order to preserve the life of a ladder, proper storage is essential. A properly maintained ladder will give you the best performance and save you from falling or any inconvenience. Under improper storage conditions, the ladder’s material may begin to deteriorate over time.
There is no doubt that ladder manufacturers claim their ladders are made to last, but taking the time to store your ladder correctly at the end of the day can greatly extend its life.
We have compiled a handy ladder storage guide to help you determine where and how to keep your ladder. You can learn how to store ladders expertly with our guide. Here you’ll learn how to store a ladder safely with ladder hooks and tools and get answers to many common questions about ladder storage.
Identify a suitable location to place your ladder first
First, you must determine a safe spot to store your ladder. The ideal location is one where the ladder can be comfortably held by both length and height, and where passing people and machinery will not knock it over.
Using a storage rack, some people mount their storage unit on top of their roof, while others hang their rack on the wall. Regardless of what you choose, you should ensure that the ladder is flush with the wall and does not pose a danger to passersby.
Firstly, you must determine your ladder type before I continue. Here’s a brief description of ladder types.
Ladders: Types and usages
There are many types of ladders, and it is important to know their differences. Choosing the right ladder for your needs and storing it effectively are two separate considerations. Every ladder is specifically designed for its intended purpose. You can become injured if you use a ladder that is not used for its intended purpose. To do your job effectively, you need the right ladder. The ladders on the market can be categorized as follows.
Step ladders
It is possible to get these ladders in small sizes (often used at home) or giant sizes (for industrial use). Their uprightness is based on their self-supporting nature, so they don’t lean against anything to keep themselves upright. It’s possible to climb both sides of some stepladders, while others have rungs that are only usable on one side. When you cannot lean another type of ladder, you will benefit from this type of ladder.
Multipurpose ladders
Ladders of this type can do the work of two or more other ladders. You can configure them how you wish because they have moving parts that allow you to lock them into place.
Platform ladders
Usually, folding ladders have two sides, creating an A shape. Additionally, they are self-supporting in this manner. Also, platform ladders have rungs that are wider than the others. You can store items like paint in the bucket. The ladder is extended across it by several feet. Commonly, platform ladders support a human’s weight.
Extension ladders
Besides being long and not bending, extension ladders have two bars, connected by rungs in the middle. The name of extension ladders suggests they can be extended beyond their initial size. There are two parts in each: the base (which is planted on the ground) and the fly (which extends outward). For this ladder to remain upright, it must be leaning against something, such as a house or wall.
Step stool
The step stool is not technically a ladder, but it is similar enough to a ladder that it is useful for reaching the upper shelves of the pantry or organizing closet shelves. In the kitchen, and in the hallway closet, step stools should be kept where they can easily be reached. A step stool is also helpful when kids need to reach the sink or kitchen counter from the bathroom. (Nevertheless, make sure they are supervised when in use.)
Telescoping ladders
This type of ladder uses overlapping sections to slide in and out as needed to adjust to size. The same principles apply to this ladder-type as to multipurpose ladders.
Folding ladders
The ladders are foldable when not in use, unlike telescoping ladders. They can be used indoors for quick jobs and have a higher level of stability compared with telescopic ladders because of their rung-free design. If you keep your ladder under a bed or in a closet, it will be easier to find when you need it.
Best ways to store your ladders
Regardless of the type of ladder you own, you need to store them safely when not in use. For storing your ladder, here are a few ideas.
Do not put the ladders on the floor without reasons
To use your ladder, you may have to lean in, but you shouldn’t leave it that way all the time. Ladders that are hung on a wall hook are so much more secure than ladders that are leaning against walls.
Stepladders: Storage
If your stepladder is collapsible, you can hang it like you would any other ladder. You will have to place your ladder against the wall if it cannot fold or collapse. Wall cabinets can fit small stepladders.
Ensure accessibility of your ladder
Ladders are useful tools to have around, so do not store them upstairs in the garage. You should keep them in a convenient and accessible location.
hanging and storing the ladders
You can store your ladders in many ways. You can identify your best option by following our ladder tips above. You can suit the needs of any project by choosing from a variety of storage options. Listed here are some items that will help you organize and improve ladder storage.
Wall Hooks
You can easily store ladders using wall hooks. When you need to handle your heaviest ladders, choose heavy-duty ladder hooks or gravity hooks. Hang something vertically with vertical hooks, or hang a ladder horizontally with a folding rack (do not hang a ladder vertically as you might fall off!)
Cabinets
It’s a great idea to store your items in cabinets. Keeping small or collapsible ladders in a cabinet will give your garage a cleaner look and will reduce the risk of ladders falling over when not in use.
Brackets for ceilings
Two brackets screwed into the ceiling can also be used to support ladders stored on the ceiling. Slide one bracket into the first, followed by the second, and attach the ladder.
Other options
Instead of building your own ladder storage, find a safe place to put your ladder if you are short on time. Here are some options for putting ladders in storage without securing them:
- Laying down the ladder horizontally on the floor
It is always a good idea to store a ladder horizontally out of sight when not in use for maximum security and safety. Vertically storing the ladder could cause damage or injury. When you have a longer ladder, make sure you store it with more ladder storage hooks, ropes, and other tools. Stepladders stored in cabinets should be supported to avoid them falling over.
- It can be propped up against a wall and kept out of the way
You should always consider the location before putting away your ladder, no matter which of these two options you choose. Do not create a tripping hazard.
Storing ladders outdoor
You should keep your ladder under any type of shed to protect it from changing weather and hot temperatures. You may also want to keep some ladders rustproof in addition to keeping them inside to protect them from moisture. A wood ladder that has not been treated properly can be damaged due to weather changes or heat. You can, however, mount your ladder on the fence of your yard if you have no other storage options and know that it is rust-proof and durable.
Tips to store your ladder: Do’s
- It is important to return ladders to storage after each use
- Keep ladders in a safe place where the weather won’t damage them.
- Ladders can be horizontally positioned on racks or mounted on the walls.
- Clean ladders thoroughly and remove any foreign materials.
- Take out of service any damaged ladders until an authorized replacement or repair is made.
- Hold ladders at their center if you’re carrying them
- Take care when handling the ladder through doorways, passageways, or anywhere else where your view is blocked.
- If you need to lift heavy or long ladders, ask an assistant for help, and you should carry a ladder with your partner on the same side as you.
- Storage areas should be easily accessible.
- During storage, wooden ladders should be kept away from moisture and heat and in a well-ventilated location.
- In transporting ladders on vehicles
- do not extend the overhang beyond support points.
- Use of soft material on vehicle racks to reduce road shocks.
- To reduce damage, tie the ladders to each support point
- Make sure ladders that overhang vehicles are marked with red or orange flags.
Tips to store your ladder: Don’ts
- Rails and rungs should not be used to hang ladders.
- Materials should not be stored on ladders.
- Fiberglass ladders should not be exposed to excessive temperatures (above 93°C or 200 °F).
- Hold ladders away from your head when carrying them.
- A ladder should not be exposed to heat or fire. If it is, visually inspect, and make sure it is strong.
- The sun should not directly affect ladders made of plastic-reinforced material. There is the possibility that plastic resins can degrade in the presence of ultraviolet light. Replacing a ladder if its strength is questionable is a good idea.
Final Verdict
We have now provided you with some meaningful information regarding ladder storage, such as where to store them and how to do it. As good as I could, I discussed different ideas with you. My hope is that my ideas will give you some ideas for ladder storage, and you will implement them.
Feel free to use the comments box to ask any questions you might have!
