Thread: Ladders on Concrete

Not using anything in the pic. But sometimes we will use The Ladder Stopper if the concrete is a little slippery or mossy.

i have never used anything. We did one job where the customer had just waterproofed her driveway so we put a towel under each leg but thats as much as we've done. Makes me think though.

Depends on the concrete and whether there's snow or ice on it. I know the snow and ice thing should be a no brainer but some guys will set up a ladder for a "quick" little window. The type of concrete is more critical. Some walkways I've dealt w/ have sealers that make the concrete a slip and slide when it gets a little wet. If you're dealing w/ a typical brush finished driveway or sidewalk you should be fine.

for several months now ive had LADDER SPIKES fitted onto my ladder, i have these set so they only are 1/2inch lower than the rubber feet . these dig in good ,on Every surface ,including green decking . the ones i have are by HAILO and are quick release ,if ever i was inside a house with them i would take them off as they would dig in , but outside they give much confidence

Wow glad I found this place. Good questions here. We use ladders all the time. Shoulld gain some usefull info! In 5 years I'm the only one to have a ladder slip. The ladder was a little giant. Was on a wet deck that had either been sealed or stained, duh! lol! It was too funny after the ladder slipped under me and i landed on the ladder (1story fall). The home owner ran out asked if she could call 911, lol! It was hard to breath and I was hurting! Also very embarassed! I told her no as i reset the ladder. Told her we still had to finish her and 4 more to go!!! Ladder safety! Great thread!!!

I probably should have posted this in the SAFETY section of the forum. Thanks for the feedback guys.

I generally work by myself, and this includes with ladders, outside I havn't had any issues with e surfaces I need to work on.. but inside has been a different matter, slippery tiles make me very nervous!

what I have done to brace the ladder, is get a short plank of wood (a little wider then the ladder) put that against the feet, and brace it with 2 extension poles agains a wall.

Am planning on getting a 'ladder stopper' sometime in the near future though, those things look awesomely better then my little brace...

I would only worry about smooth or stamped concrete, which is finished very slick looking and usually sealed pretty good. But most exterior concrete surfaces are brushed when finishing to add texture, so these are not an issue.

BTW - when working on upper level decks with ladders, I turn feet upwards so that the claws are sticking out and then place the claws between the spaces in the deck boards - works everytime!