Climbing a ladder can be scary and unsettling at the best of times, but it’s even worse when you have to climb large heights like onto your home’s roof. There isn’t a device available that can help to ease your acrophobia, but with a good roof ladder hook, you can at the very least better secure your shaky and unsteady ladder.
The best roof ladder hook is the Qualcraft 2481 Ladder Hook. This best-of-the-best option is perfect for nearly every roof type and is easy to attach to your ladder securely. Plus, the powder-coated steel is durable enough to last for years.
The three sections of a roof ladder hook are the body, occasionally the wheels and the hook.
Roof ladder hooks come in one of three types: flat steel, rubberized and captain.
Roof ladder hooks tend to be a few different types of materials. The most common is steel because of its high levels of durability and strength. However, aluminum is equally common thanks to its lower cost, nearly equal durability and strength and lighter weight. Finally, roof ladder hooks usually have wheels, typically made of rubber or ABS plastic, to prevent damage to the roof when rolling.
Roof ladder hooks generally weigh between 4.7 and 7 pounds which may not seem like much until you realize that those weights are per hook. Considering most roof ladder hooks are used in pairs that attach to both stems of your roof ladder, you can quickly add up to 15 extra pounds to your ladder.
Roof ladder hooks have a narrow range of available prices, making it just as easy to pick a lower-quality option as a high-quality one. The most inexpensive roof ladder hooks cost $20-$30 and will get the job done, but the mid-tier options only cost roughly $10 more for greater durability and multi-roof compatibility. The best options generally cost upwards of $40 and typically have features that make them better options for easily damaged roofs like those with shingles.
A. No, if your roof is steep enough that you need a roof ladder, then it is imperative to remain firmly planted at all times for your safety. If you need to reach a distant portion of your roof, climb down off the ladder and reposition it before climbing back up and resuming your task.
A. It’s never perfectly safe to walk on a roof due to roof angles and materials as well as their great heights. That said, certain angles and materials are safer to walk on than others. Most houses have roofs with angles between 18 to 36 degrees, with lower than 18 degrees considered flat and greater than 36 considered steep. The sweet spot for angles is typically between 14 and 27 degrees, with composition shingles and wearing soft-soled sneakers further decreasing the risks.
What you need to know: This top-tier roof ladder hook is a perfect fit for most ladders and roof types.
What you’ll love: Wing nuts allow for easy and strong tightening, and the powder-coated steel is highly durable.
What you should consider: Ridge vented or cedar shake style roofs present a challenge for this roof ladder hook.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This is an excellent, budget option that nonetheless provides strong security for your ladder.
What you’ll love: This roof ladder hook can easily be permanently secured to your ladder if you like it and know you’ll be using it often.
What you should consider: Shingled roofs might receive some damage from this roof ladder hook.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Acro Building Systems Roof Ridge Ladder Hook
What you need to know: This is another roof ladder hook option that’s just about as good as the above selections.
What you’ll love: This roof ladder hook attaches to D-rung and round-rung ladders and has a weight limit of 300 pounds.
What you should consider: The hook can be more challenging to tighten onto the ladder than is appreciated.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Home Depot
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
