Your Roof Ladder Buying Guide

August 8, 2025 | Nate Cord

If you’re planning on climbing up onto a roof, whether it’s to clear out the gutters, inspect some tiles, or carry out a bit of home DIY, it’s really important that you know the difference between a roof ladder and a standard ladder – and to make sure you’re using the right one for the job.

Now, they might not seem all that different – both have rungs, both are used for working at height, and from a distance, one could easily be mistaken for the other. But once you take a closer look, the differences become pretty clear, and they matter a lot when it comes to safety and getting the task done properly.

Roof Ladders vs Normal Ladders: What’s the Difference?

Normal ladders are your everyday ladders, i.e. the ones you’d use for painting walls, cleaning gutters, or changing a lightbulb in the hallway. They come in various styles (step ladders, extension ladders, etc.) and are made for getting you from the ground to somewhere higher.

You can learn more about the types of normal ladders in this comprehensive guide.

Standard ladders are all about access, not working positions. They allow you to reach high places, but they’re not intended to be stood or walked on for long periods, especially not when you’re dealing with uneven or fragile surfaces like a tiled roof.

A roof ladder on the other hand is specially designed to sit on the roof itself. It usually features hooked ends that latch over the ridge (the very top) of the roof, securing the ladder in place. This helps spread your weight evenly and prevents slipping while you’re moving around up there.

Can You Use a Normal Ladder on a Roof​

The simple answer to this question is – no.

Using a normal ladder on a roof is not only ineffective, it’s simply dangerous. These ladders are designed to help you reach high places, not to support your weight while you’re walking or working on a sloped surface.

Placing a standard ladder directly onto roof tiles can be incredibly risky for a number of different reasons. Firstly, there’s the danger of the ladder slipping or sliding out of place. Without proper grip or anchoring, the ladder can move suddenly, potentially leading to a serious fall.

Not only that, but as beyond the safety risk, using a standard ladder in this way can also cause significant damage to your roof, because unlike a roof ladder, which is designed to distribute your weight evenly, a standard ladder places pressure on just a few contact points.

This is why if you’re planning to move around or carry out any work on a sloped roof, a proper roof ladder is absolutely essential.

Learn more about using a roof ladder safely here.

The Different Types of Roof Ladders

Not all roof ladders are the same, and it’s important to know the different types out there so you can choose the right one for your needs.

From simple single-section models to more specialised options, here are the main types of roof ladders you’ll likely come across on the market…

1. Single Section Roof Ladders

The most straightforward type of roof ladder is the single-section ladder.

As the name suggests, they consist of a fixed-length aluminium ladder with a hooked end designed to grip over the ridge of a pitched roof. Once in place, the ladder rests securely along the slope, allowing you to carry out tasks safely without putting too much pressure on individual roof tiles.

These ladders are particularly popular for occasional DIY jobs and lighter tasks around the house. Great for things like checking for slipped tiles, replacing the odd broken one, or giving the chimney a quick once-over.

Because they’re lightweight and easy to use, they’re ideal for roofs that are easy to access and don’t require a lot of moving about once you’re up there.

The Lyte Trade Roof Ladder Single Section is a great example of a quality single section roof ladder.

2. Double Section Roof Ladders

On the other hand, we have extendable (double) roof ladders, which are a more flexible option, making them a popular choice for both professionals and those working on taller or more varied buildings.

These ladders are made up of two (or sometimes more) interlocking sections that slide or lock into place, allowing you to adjust the length to suit the job. This makes them ideal if you’re working on multi-storey homes, taller buildings, or roofs with different pitches, where a fixed-length ladder might fall short…literally.

The Chase Double Section Roof Ladder is a great choice if you’re looking for an affordable double roof ladder.

3. Heavy-Duty Trade Roof Ladders

Heavy-duty trade roof ladders are built with professionals in mind, those who need strong, reliable equipment that can stand up to regular use in demanding environments.

These ladders are typically made from reinforced aluminium or similarly robust materials, and are designed to handle the rigours of daily work on building sites or rooftops.

Compared to standard models, they’re often longer and sturdier, with special features like reinforced rungs, heavy-duty ridge hooks, and secure fixings that provide extra strength and durability.

4. Specialist Roof Ladders (Modular/Adjustable Systems)

The final common type are specialist roof ladders, often referred to as modular or adjustable systems.

These are designed for more complex, tailored applications where a standard ladder just won’t cut it, and are made up of interchangeable or extendable components, allowing the user to adapt the ladder to suit different roof types, shapes, and pitches.

They’re a go-to choice for professionals working on bespoke projects, such as installing solar panels, inspecting unique architectural features, or surveying large commercial rooftops.

How We Can Help

Looking for a reliable roof ladder or other premium access equipment? At Ladders4Sale, we offer a range of ladders, platforms, steps, towers and accessories for all trade and do-it-yourself jobs at unbeatable low prices.

What’s more, all of our products come with lifetime support – after your initial purchase, we continue to provide ongoing support and assistance for free. In addition to this, all orders come with free shipping to mainland UK.