Extension ladders are divided into two or three pieces, that fold up and slide together for storage. It is easily extended to maximum length by sliding pieces apart either manually or with a pulley system.

When choosing a ladder make sure to choose a length that is longer than the top highest point that you need to reach. Extension ladders are available in incremental lengths, starting at 4 feet, then 16 feet, then 20 feet, then 24 feet and so on. A 24 foot ladder is typically broken up into two 12 foot sections, however, a 24 foot ladder is not actually 24 feet when fully extended. This is because the two 12 foot sections overlap, for strength, when extended.

To find the right length, keep this footage loss in mind. Also, remember that you cannot stand on the top run of a ladder. It is advised that a person stand at least two steps from the top and the average person has a reach of four feet. Extension ladders are great for outside work on homes or buildings, trees, or other far reaching places. The ladder is convenient because it can be folded to travel with or store in a garage or basement. Home owners use these ladders for cleaning gutters, painting, washing windows, making tree houses and more. Instead of purchasing a limited height ladder, an extension ladder is more practical, giving you multiple sizes in one ladder. As long as the fully extended size of the ladder reaches the highest point needed, the ladder can be used for any height below it.