DEAR TIM: I just moved into my first home. I now realize that several ladders will be a necessity to complete normal maintenance and repair projects. What type and size ladders would you recommend for an average homeowner? What safety tips can you offer? Dan P., Montrose CO

DEAR DAN: Wow! Do I have some ladder stories for you! Too bad my attorneys won't allow me to tell them to you. I will give you this quick tip: Avoid transporting 40 foot extension ladders on VW bugs. Back in my college house-painting days I almost speared someone in a crosswalk!

There are three primary materials used to make ladders: wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. All have their pros and cons. I happen to own a blend of fiberglass and wood ladders. Wood is the traditional ladder material. These ladders are the heaviest of the three types when you compare similar levels of weight bearing capacity. They can be used with a marginal degree of safety when dealing with electricity as long as they are kept clean and dry. As with any wood, they require periodic maintenance to prevent rot and cracking.

Aluminum ladders offer you a high strength, lightweight alternative. However, this ladder material is the last thing you should buy if you intend to work with electrical wires. A fatal shock is a real possibility if either you or the ladder comes into contact with a poorly or uninsulated electrical conductor. Chemicals and salt water environments can also corrode and weaken aluminum ladders.

Fiberglass ladders have become extremely popular. This time tested material will not conduct electricity. It is also very corrosion resistant. Fiberglass ladders are the sweetheart of the ladder industry at this time. They combine the best qualities of aluminum and wood ladders. Fiberglass ladders can last generations with minimal care and maintenance.

Sizing a ladder can require some thought. Depending upon the size of your house you may need several different sized extension ladders to reach all parts of your home. Pay attention when sizing an extension ladder. Because the fly and base section need to overlap, the maximum ladder working length is always less than the actual size of the ladder. A typical 20 foot extension ladder will only extend 17 feet. Don't forget the extra 24 to 30 inches of ladder that needs to extend above a roof or gutter line when you intend to climb and get off the ladder. I own two fiberglass extension ladders. Purchase ladders with D shaped rungs. The flat rung surface is easier on your feet.

Interior step ladders are easy to purchase. A 6 foot ladder will allow you to do 90 percent of the jobs around your house. I happen to own a 4 foot step ladder and a 6 foot one. My 4 foot ladder is very easy to carry. It is handy when I just have to stand 2 feet or so off the ground. You can also buy unique ladders that fold out in various positions. When you set them up like a step ladder they have climbing rungs on both sides of the ladder.

Ladder safety is extremely important. Thousands of people are injured, some fatally, each year because they do not know how to set or use a ladder. Always check your ladders for broken or missing parts before each use. Don't even think of using a damaged ladder. Make sure you set the ladder at a 75.5 degree angle. Don't place rocks, bricks, or pieces of wood under one leg to level a ladder. Always dig a small hole for the high side leg to rest in. If this is not an option, use automatic ladder levelers that securely attach to the ladder legs.

Spend the extra 5 minutes it takes to read and follow the ladder label instructions. It can save you from a disabling injury or death. Eight years ago, I seriously hurt my shoulder when a ladder and I came crashing to the ground. I made the mistake of setting the base of the ladder in some soft soil. Too bad, the soil 15 feet away was hard as a rock!

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