How to Safely Set Up an Extension Ladder for Roof Access

Climbing onto a roof is never something to take lightly—especially for home inspectors, roofers, or homeowners tackling routine maintenance. The right technique matters, and so does the setup. An extension ladder can be one of the safest tools you use or one of the most dangerous, depending entirely on how it’s positioned. If you’ve ever wondered whether you're truly setting your ladder correctly, this walkthrough will show you the proper way step-by-step, from laying it down to stepping onto the roof.

Setting up safely starts long before the ladder is upright. Choose flat, level ground for the base. Avoid loose gravel, soft dirt, mulch, or stacked objects. Lay the ladder flat on the ground with the feet toward the house and the top pointing away from you. Inspect the rungs, rails, rope, pulleys, and rubber feet. If anything looks cracked, bent, excessively worn, or unstable, don’t use it.

To raise the ladder, stand at the top end, lift it above your head, and “walk” it up rung by rung. Move your hands down the rails as the ladder rises from horizontal to vertical. Don’t try to swing it up in one motion—that’s how ladders twist, slip, or knock you off balance. Once it’s upright, rotate it carefully and lean the feet against the house.

Now it's time to position the ladder. The safest angle is achieved using the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of ladder height, the base should be 1 foot away from the wall. If you’re climbing onto a 16-foot high roof edge, the bottom of the ladder should sit about 4 feet from the house. There’s also a quick method inspectors often use called the arm’s-length test. Stand with your toes touching the ladder’s feet and stretch your arms straight out. If your hands rest comfortably on a rung, the angle is correct. If your hands go past the rungs, the ladder is too close (too steep). If your hands don’t reach the rungs, it’s too far away (too shallow). This simple test works nearly every time.

Extend the ladder high enough to give yourself a safe transition onto the roof. The ladder must extend at least 3 feet—about three rungs—above the roof edge. Raise the fly section using the rope or pulley system, listen for the rung locks to click into place, and gently tug the rails to ensure they’re fully seated.

Now comes stabilization, which is one of the most important steps. Press the feet firmly into the ground and make sure the rails sit evenly against the home. If your ladder has multi-surface feet, adjust them for your terrain—rubber pads for flat hard surfaces, spikes for soil or grass. While having someone hold the base is ideal, the truth is that most home inspectors work alone. To prevent the ladder from shifting sideways when climbing or stepping onto the roof, many inspectors use a bungee cord wrapped around a gutter bracket or around the ladder rails just below the gutter line. This helps keep the ladder from sliding left or right, especially on smooth gutters or in windy conditions. It doesn’t replace proper footing or angle, but it adds a valuable layer of stability when no helper is available.

When climbing, maintain three points of contact at all times—two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand. Keep your belt buckle between the rails and avoid leaning out to either side. Don’t carry tools in your hands; use a tool belt or hoist line instead. As you approach the roof edge, step onto the roof by shifting your weight sideways while keeping both hands on the ladder. The ladder should feel solid and unmoving.

Coming down is just as important. Face the ladder, step carefully onto the rungs, and descend in a controlled, steady motion. Never step backward off a roof without visually confirming your footing. Once you’re back on the ground, reverse the setup steps to bring the ladder down safely.

Roof work and roof inspections require confidence, attention to detail, and a respect for safety. A properly set extension ladder is the foundation of that safety. With the right lifting technique, correct angle, secure footing, and a stable top connection, you can drastically reduce the risk of accidents and make every climb a controlled, predictable part of the job. When in doubt, don’t climb—professional inspectors are trained and equipped to handle roof access safely.