Exploring Ladder Types: Fiberglass and Aluminum

There are many different ladder types on the market, but the materials used in ladder production are mostly aluminum and fiberglass. While each material has its pros, each one also has its cons. Before selecting and purchasing a ladder for any type of job or home, be prepared in knowing which type of ladder material you wish to have. Choosing the right material can be detrimental; even as important as saving your life.

The Benefits of Fiberglass Ladder Types

Fiberglass is a material comprised of millions of tiny shards of glass mixed with a resin composite. This results in a hard, durable material that is virtually impossible to bend or break. If you need a ladder that needs to be able to take some wear and tear, fiberglass is your material. The materials used in the production of the material and durability of fiberglass allows these ladders to need little maintenance. Whatever weather a fiberglass ladder may see, it won’t rust, rot, or fall apart. This, in turn, means that fiberglass ladders last an extremely long time. More often than not, when an individual purchases a fiberglass ladder, it’s the last ladder they will ever have to buy. Perhaps the biggest advantage of owning fiberglass ladder types is that they do not conduct electricity. Unlike other ladder materials, fiberglass expels electricity and does not allow it to travel through itself. This provides protective safety for individuals who need to utilize ladders around wiring or in bad weather conditions.

The Cons of Fiberglass Ladder Types

Since fiberglass is a resin/plastic/glass mixture, it tends to be heavier than aluminum ladder types. If you are set on choosing fiberglass and you find that it tends to be a bit heavier than you’d like to carry around, there are options for adding caster kits to both extension and step fiberglass ladders. Also, since fiberglass is such a heavy duty material that performs with extreme strength, they tend to be a bit more expensive than other ladder types. But, minimal maintenance and a lifetime of use makes a higher price tag worth it in the long run as you will likely never have to purchase another ladder.

The Benefits of Aluminum Ladder Types

If you are looking for a less expensive option but still looking for strength and durability, aluminum ladder types are a great choice. This material is lighter than both fiberglass and wood ladders, but certain designs offer to hold up to 400 pounds or pressure. Aluminum, much like fiberglass, needs little maintenance. In fact, it does not rust or corrode, even after being stored in outdoor environments. Although much lighter than other metals, aluminum ladders offer strength and durability that match.

The Cons of Aluminum Ladder Types

Undoubtedly, the biggest con of an aluminum ladder is that it conducts electricity. This is a major safety concern for anyone utilizing the ladder near live wires or in stormy weather. Although aluminum is strong enough to even resist high flames, heat also conducts through aluminum. This makes aluminum hot to the touch not only after contact with fire, but on sunny days as well. Aluminum ladder types offer much strength, but when matched with fiberglass, there is no comparison. While some offer strength enough to carry 400 pounds, lower grades offer about half of that. All in all, aluminum offers more pros than cons because it is versatile, offers a less expensive option, and provides enough strength to perform most jobs.

Ready to Choose Ladder Types?

Now that you know the pros and cons of the most commonly sold ladder material types, are you ready to make a decision? Industrial Ladder offers ladders of many different styles and functions. Additionally, our inventory includes top selling brands like Werner, Tapco, Weatherguard, Little Giant, Knack, and Adrian Steele. Check out our website to view the entire inventory of both aluminum and fiberglass step ladders, platform ladders, step stool, extension ladders, articulating ladders, single sided ladders, and telescoping ladders. Have questions about our products, shipping service, or something else? Give us a call to speak with an Industrial Ladder staff member at 1-800-833-0800.

 

The post Exploring Ladder Types: Fiberglass and Aluminum appeared first on Industrial Ladders Blog.

from Industrial Ladders Blog http://ift.tt/2qe5EQs
via IFTTT