Home Improvement

It's not a dumb question. Ladders are one of the most dangerous things people keep in their house, and making sure you're using one correctly is important. As to your situation, I think it would be fine to use an extension ladder. My only experience with extension ladder is using 28'-32' ladders to get into tree for trimming. I am not an expert on indoor use.

If you lean a ladder against a wall, only a small part of your weight pushes against the wall horizontally, most weight is still directed towards the ground. You can roughly estimate how much of your weight will push against the wall:
with a vertical ladder it would be 0.
with a ladder put up in a 45 degree angle it would be ~50% (actually less).
Your angle will be somewhere in between.

My guess is any wall can handle this, otherwise it would fall if you lean on it. But no one can tell you for sure without inspecting it.

Slip socks over the end against the wall to protect the surface. Angle the ladder so the steps are parallel with the floor and go for it! Have someone hold the base of the ladder for additional security.

To add to what others are saying, make sure the base is completely secured. Do not place the base on a rug, mat or anything that could increase the possibility of slipping. Additionally someone wearing shoes with a very good grip should be supporting you while on the ladder, preferably your weight or more.

I just did this while painting my foyer, around the same height. You’ll be fine with a towel over the end of the ladder.

Sounds like you have it covered friend. I use two washcloths and tape them on the end of the ladder where it will come in contact with the wall to prevent scuffs. Set up is exactly like the exterior.
Definitely make sure that the ladder has non-stick feet or grab some non-slip material or a doormat with a non slip surface. Ensure to test it before going too high. Always best to have a spotter.

An extension ladder shouldn't damage the wall unless you lose control of it or bang it. Wrapping the end with a cloth or buying rubber caps can help. When you move from side to side, try to lift the top away from the wall so you don't scratch it; this is the most common way you could damage the wall.

They make stabilizers that often come with caps, but they will push you away from the wall; if you have short arms, this might be a concern. They also will require more space from the wall for the base to rest so you aren't vertical.

Always try to have a buddy at the bottom of the ladder to make sure the base doesn't slide out from under you, especially if you have anything other than carpet.

Painters often use extension ladders to paint the upper part of tall walls.

Tape a towel over the end of each side rail to prevent them damaging the drywall.

I’d add to the other good comments to say be careful to not damage your walls when leaning it against them. I used one and it left little dents in the wall.

https://sh.itjust.works/post/10130026

We have pool noodles split in half and zip tied to the part or the later that touches.

Near the frame of the windows it should be strongest unless the corners were done wrong. They should have metal things there to support the corner under the texture, and it should have double 2x4s all around it.

Also, if possible, tie off the bottom so it can't slip out.

I would wrap the top posts of the ladder in towels and tape them on. I've done this to protect gutters.

I can’t declare this safe or unsafe, but really thick layers of “towel” between the upper end and the wall will help distribute the force on the wall making it less likely to punch through the drywall.

You could put a big piece of plywood there, but there’s no way to hold it in place.