Ladder Slip Solution
A finishing trowel makes a strong stop for a ladder's feet to keep it from slipping on composite decking.
Composite decking can be very slippery. To prevent the feet on my ladder from kicking out when I’m working on top of it, I normally wedge some sort of block between the deck boards. However, the last time I had to work off a ladder on a deck, I did not have any suitable scrap materials on the truck.
But I did have a couple of finishing trowels. Putting one edge of the trowel into the gap between the deck boards formed a very strong stop for my ladder’s feet, and I was able to climb up and work confidently.
— Brent Briggs; Kintnersville, Pa. Drawing by Martha Garstang Hill.
RELATED STORIES
- How to Install Composite Decking
- Considering Choices for Synthetic Decking
- Composite Post Sleeve Scraps Make Great Bird Houses
Got a Tip?
Do you have any great tips like this one on how to stay safe when using a ladder on a slippery surface? Share your methods, tricks, and jigs with other readers. Tag them @FineHomebuilding on social, email them to us at [email protected], or upload them to FineHomebuilding.com/reader-tips. We’ll pay for any we publish.
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Affordable IR Camera
Handy Heat Gun
8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape