First, a story. Hopefully, this is a judgment-free zone.
In the days when I was up on roofs with crews, we’d run into those skinny little sloped roof sections that we’d have to climb on to get to the upper roof. Way more times than just once, we did this scenario: we’d all climb up the extension ladder to the little roof, pull the ladder up, and set the feet on the roof. Then I’d go around behind the ladder, plant my back against the house siding, and grip the ladder while the crew climbed it to the upper part of the roof.
Could that ladder have slipped off the shingles while the crew climbed it? Yep. Was it dangerous? Yep. Dumb? Yep.
Last year I learned about The Ladder Pad (formerly the “Double Pull Pad”), and I thought, where was this thing when I needed it?!
A Perfect Solution for Ladders on Sloped Asphalt Roofs
The slogan for the Double Pull/Ladder Pad is: “The first ladder pad designed specifically for use on a steep pitch roof.” It’s a rectangle of wood with a pad that grips the top of asphalt shingles. It’s perfect on sloped shingled roofs for use with telescopic ladders.
Structural Details of The Ladder Pad
The Ladder Pad is a piece of wood measuring 19” x 16”. At the thickest part, it is three inches tall. The underside of the pad is covered with lux foam a quarter of an inch thick. A crosspiece spans the top of the pad, and against the crosspiece is a notched pressure-treated beam. The feet of the ladder fit securely into the notches at either end of the beam.
When placed on a steep asphalt roof, the foam under the wood grips the shingle granules and stays firmly in place. Weighing in at only six pounds, it’s light and portable.
Ladder Pad Care
The foam under the pad is made of flammable materials, so The Ladder Pad should not be stored close to a high heat source. It also needs to be kept dry—so no leaving it out in the back of the pickup.
The Inspiration Behind the Ladder Pad
A roof inspector designed this roofing tool. After switching from an extension ladder to two telescopic ladders (one each to access the lower and upper roof portions) for his inspections, he immediately ran into the problem of the second ladder slipping off the sloped shingles. His remedy was a square of plywood to which he attached a piece of foam. It worked fabulously, and when he showed it to other people, they asked him to make them one. That was the humble beginnings of today’s Ladder Pad.
Here’s How You Can Get One
Like I said earlier, where was The Ladder Pad when I needed it?! I’d have grabbed several if they’d existed back in the day.
I highly recommend you get these for yourself and your crews. Grab them right now. Here’s the link to order them. Full disclosure—we’re a Ladder Pad affiliate. Even if we weren’t, I think you’d be smart to order one. This little tool will help keep you and your roofing crews safe!