Wood, Fiberglass, Aluminum And Steel: The popular materials used in ladder construction
Ladders are an
essential part of any home or workplace. Most modern ladders are made
from fiberglass, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, which took precedence
over traditional wood ladders. Traditional wooden ladders may not be
very durable but are still used as attic and loft ladders, and is most
suited for indoor use. Aluminum ladders on the other hand are
lightweight, durable, weather resistant, and is preferred for outdoor
jobs as well. However, aluminum ladders are not suitable for electrical
projects, since it conducts electricity, and can become unstable when
exposed to excess heat. Fiberglass on the other hand is the current
favorite in the ladder industry. Fiberglass possesses all the best
qualities which includes being lightweight, sturdy, and it does not
conduct electricity. Ladders are subject to government rating and needs
to comply with ANSI and OSHA standards.
Keller Ladders have a number of aluminum ladders which includes the KKL
Series folding multi-position ladder. It features a 2-position hinge
that allows for 18 positions or applications. It can be fully extended
into a straight ladder as well a stepladder, stairwell ladder, and has a
self-supporting scaffold. The ladder is fully assembled and has slip
resistant and multi-directional round rungs. In the fiberglass range,
Keller’s 4900 Series is a Flat D-rung extension ladder with a heavy duty
pulley with rope and electrically non-conductive side rails. This Type
II ladder can carry a load of 225 lbs.
Krause Ladders have a number of job specific ladders which include
Window Cleaner Ladders that are manufactured from aluminum and are easy
to store. The upper part has rollers and a non-abrasive rubber end for
better grip on windows. The lower part has a
stabilizer bar with
non-slip foot caps. The ladder is available in a four-part set with a
maximum load of 100 kg per part.
Gorilla Ladders manufacture a variety of ladders amongst which is the
3-Step Steel White Ladder with a truly compact design. The ladder has a
solid welded frame for extra safety and latch locks to keep the step
stool in place. The steps are wide and incorporate an anti-slip surface
for added protection. The ladder conforms to ANSI standards and can
carry a load of up to 225 lbs. Gorilla also manufactures a 13’
Fiberglass Multi-Position that can be placed in 13 different positions.
It can be used as an extension ladder, stepladder, multi-height
scaffold, and stairway ladder as well. This Type IA industrial ladder
can carry loads of up to 300 lbs.
Amongst other well known ladders is Cosco’s Signature Series 4' Premium
4' Aluminum Step Ladder Type II, with a lightweight boxed aluminum frame
design. It has a 225 lbs. work load duty rating and is ideal for home
use. The ladder features a covered locking drawer, a paper towel holder,
and a large top platform which provides room for maneuvering.
Little Giant Fiberglass Ladder - Type 1A is a combination of 24
different ladders in one. This model is useful for electrical
contractors and is one of the most technically advanced fiberglass
ladders available today. The ladder is stronger than normal fiberglass
ladders with a 300 lbs. rating. It is lightweight and portable and
conforms to all OSHA and ANSI standards. Another Popular Mechanics award
winner from Little Giant is the Little Giant Big Trex which a safe
aluminum ladder with extra wide rungs. The ladder can be opened and
closed with one hand and has a versatile airdeck tool tray to hold tools
and parts. This lightweight ladder weights a mere 22 lbs. and is easily
portable.
Wood ladders and aluminum ladders are less expensive than their
fiberglass counterparts. However, your choice would depend on your
budget and the nature of jobs on hand. You need to weigh the pros and
cons depending on the environment and then make your decision based on
all these factors.