Should I Have a Ladder if I Live in a Flat?

It's not really necessary for people living in flats to have an extension ladder - they won't be cleaning gutters or the outside of windows, so there's no point in having one in a small apartment where there isn't space to store it. In reality, Step Ladders are a must-have for everyone, regardless of whether you live in a flat or a three-story townhouse. Stepladders can be used for everything from reaching high cupboards to changing light bulbs and redecorating to spring cleaning, and they are much safer than using chairs or small tables.  

The small size and ease of storage of step ladders allow them to be hung from an over-door hook to maximize space. When guests come over, kitchen steps can be used as extra chairs, and if you only need the ladder infrequently, you can use it as interior decoration, perhaps as a plant stand or small bookcase or as a place to display trinkets. 

Homes Under The Hammer recently aired an episode featuring a flat that was in desperate need of an extension ladder. A fish and chip shop had been used in the building, but the upstairs flat was left empty since the front door could only be accessed from the upper floor.  As would we be if we purchased a flat we couldn't just walk into! The presenter Martin Roberts was surprised by this unusual entry method.  

There are two solutions to this problem. The first is to install a staircase inside the business to provide easy access to the flat above. However, this would only work if the business owners were also interested in living there. In the case of a flat that is intended to be rented separately from a business building, an external spiral staircase would make sense as a cost-effective access route to the flat.  It is also possible to install fire escape stairs as an alternative method for Platform Step Ladders of access to the flat on a private level. 

Step Ladders

There have been investigations into fire escape rope ladders and smoke hoods being installed in high-rise apartment buildings all over the country for the purpose of preventing fires from breaking out. As a result of the Grenfell tragedy, we have become aware of issues such as improperly clad buildings, broken sprinkler systems, and long response times for the fire brigade. Those trapped on balconies by thick smoke billowing through the inner stairwells of the New Providence Wharf tower block, as well as those in other tower blocks, are now thinking about their fire safety options. 

People living on levels where fire escape ladders are too short have looked at abseiling and climbing equipment as an alternative fire escape plan. Some of the families took climbing and abseiling courses to prepare themselves in the event of an emergency. Even though we hope they never need to use their escape ladders or abseiling gear, we have to respect these people for taking their life into their own hands and investing in life-saving equipment should the need arise. 

Therefore, we know that most flat dwellers don't need SuperPro Platform Step Ladders every day, although everyone should have one in their residence. A residence block's life is also made easier by the use of height access equipment under special circumstances.