The top of a ladder should extend above the eave or topmost support by how many feet?

• A. 2 feet
• B. 4 feet
• C. 3 feet
• D. 5 feet

Answer: (C)

Extending the top of the ladder three feet above the eave gives you a solid handhold and a safe place to step onto the roof. That extra length lets you grip a rung reliably and maintain three points of contact as you transition from ladder to roof, which helps prevent slips or falls. This three-foot extension is the standard guidance for roof access with an extension ladder.

If the ladder only extended a short distance above the eave, you’d lack a secure grip to reach onto the roof safely. Extending farther than three feet isn’t usually necessary and can make positioning and stability more awkward, though in some setups additional safety measures may be used.