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Extension ladders are the perfect tool for reaching high up areas to paint or do other work. However, it can be difficult to store them properly in order to avoid damage and ensure they are safe.
If you have an extension ladder that needs a home, here are seven tips on how to store extension ladder outside so it is always accessible when you need it!
How to Store Extension Ladder Outside
Tip 1: Store in a Dry Location
To protect an extension ladder from rust and corrosion, it is important to store the ladder in a dry location. A garage or shed often has enough space for an extension ladder but not always enough ventilation. So you want to be sure there are no leaks that would allow water into your storage area.
When possible, avoid keeping ladders inside your home because they can accumulate moisture over time, become damaged by exposure to wood paneling and furniture, and fabric on clothing hanging nearby, which will cause them to deteriorate faster than if stored outside under normal conditions.
You don’t want any of these things near your ladders: oil-based paints, cleaning solvents such as bleach, acidic chemicals used around a pool or hot tubs (ph levels below seven).
If you are unable to store your ladder outside, keep it in a clean and dry location inside where there is ample room for ventilation. Extension ladders that are kept indoors should be inspected often for signs of corrosion or damage from leaks that could cause them to deteriorate faster than if stored elsewhere.
Tip 2: Use A Ladder Hook
A ladder hook allows you to store your extension ladder in an upright position against a wall or other vertical surface.
If space is limited, the hooks can be mounted on walls at various heights along with the ladders that are stored there which will save floor and basement storage areas where there is room for several pieces of equipment.
Ladder hooks also allow you to keep two sections together by not separating them when storing them away inside sheds, garages, or basements if they’re close enough when put away so they don’t fall over while being stored vertically rather than laying flat on their side or upside down.
The biggest advantage of using hooks is that it helps prevent damage from occurring due to contact between metal parts, especially near and latches. These surfaces may become dented and cause the ladder to become more difficult to open and close.
Tip 3: Keep It Out Of The Sun
Keeping your ladder out of direct sunlight will help prevent the metal parts from becoming too hot to touch or handle safely. This is especially true if you have an aluminum extension ladder that can heat up quite quickly under normal conditions.
Since most ladders are made with some type of metal, they should be placed in a location where they won’t get so hot that one would not want to climb up on them for any reason including avoiding injury due to burns caused by touching extremely warm surfaces after being exposed to intense sunlight for several hours daily without shade although.
This doesn’t mean it’s impossible because there may be times when climbing on even a cold surface may only become necessary during inclement weather such as rain or snow storms cannot always be avoided unless covered appropriately.
Tip 4: Cover It Tarp Or Plastic
If you’re unable to store your ladder outside, consider covering the entire unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting in order to protect it from rain damage. You can also purchase specially designed covers made of neoprene that are custom fit for certain models including fiberglass ladders which is a good thing because they won’t crack when put away in cold storage locations and will stay flexible even when kept inside during the winter months.
Tip 5: Install Locks
Sometimes, kids love to climb on things including ladders. If there are children in your home, it might be a good idea to install locks so they can’t get into the storage area where you keep your ladder and become injured while playing around with something that could fall down or collapse under their weight.
This is also going to help prevent damage from happening because of its movement inside the closed space, causing metal parts such as hinges and latches to collide together, resulting in dents or bending that may cause them not to work correctly when trying to open or close the sections after being stored away for an extended period of time.
Tip 6: Check Hinges And Latches
No matter where you store your ladder, it’s a good idea to check the hinges and latches regularly for any signs of damage such as dents or bends that may cause them not to work correctly.
Suppose they’re bent or damaged in some way. In that case, this could prevent ladders from being opened and closed easily, making using them more difficult than usual if ignored over time without repair. These parts are essential when it comes to climbing safely up and down on most extension ladders.
Tip 7: Be Careful Around The Top Cap
Storing an aluminum extension ladder can be especially dangerous due to its top cap surface becoming extremely hot after exposure to intense sunlight during warmer months of the year throughout much longer periods of time without shade.
Even a fiberglass ladder can burn you if the top cap surface is touched by bare skin without any type of insulation such as gloves or other protective clothing to prevent damage from happening due to its exposure over several hours each day for several days in a row without being moved into shaded storage.
This isn’t always possible to do unless it’s covered appropriately when left outside for longer periods than just overnight, and that’s why many people choose not to store ladders this way at all because they’re afraid someone may get hurt.
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