Overview
Decorating, cleaning the gutters, replacing a light bulb, trimming hedges, and entering the loft Here is a short list of what you might need a ladder for. When it comes to choosing a ladder for these jobs, many people wonder, "Am I picking the right ladder, and what material should my ladder be?" We looked at when a ladder should or should not be used during Health & Safety Week in June, and we gave you information to help you choose the right equipment for the job. If you missed it, don't worry; it's still available on our blog, along with many other How-To Guides, Customer Case Studies, and Ladder Safety Tips.
Ladders are made from a variety of materials, the most common of which are aluminium, fibreglass, and wood. In this article, we'll look at the advantages of these three materials to help you decide which is best for your ladder.
Aluminium Ladders
Let us begin by looking at aluminium. You may have noticed that aluminium ladders are the most popular choice for tradesmen and industrial workers, owing to the metal's lightweight but high strength. The weight of the ladder makes it easy to transport, and the weight makes it manageable by a single person.
Aluminium ladders, unlike wood ladders, are resistant to rust and corrosion and can be stored outside if necessary. If you're storing your ladder outside, inspect your work area and make sure the rungs aren't wet or slippery.
If you store your ladders outside, make sure they are chained up and to prevent unauthorised use, the Ladder Sentry is a great product that prevents people from climbing them. It is critical to remember that if you are purchasing a ladder for electrical work, an aluminium ladder should never be used.
Aluminum + Electricity = Certain Death.
Fibreglass ladders
A Fibreglass ladder is required when working with or near electricity. Fibreglass ladders are well-known for their strength, durability, and, most importantly, their non-conductivity to electricity. Although they are slightly heavier than aluminium ladders, fibreglass ladders are extremely strong and tend to last longer.
The Werner Promaster is backed by a 25-year warranty! One disadvantage of fibreglass ladders is that if they are exposed to the elements, they can degrade and become unstable over time, emphasising the importance of pre-checks. Before each use, inspect your ladder for cracks, dents, and other damage, and never make temporary DIY repairs.
Timber ladders
Outdoor timber ladders are losing ground to aluminium and fibreglass. This could be due to the weight and maintenance requirements of a timber ladder. Timber ladders are significantly heavier and cannot be stored outside because they split and rot more easily in wet conditions.
Because fibreglass, like wood, does not conduct electricity, it can be used for electrical work. When it comes to choosing a Loft Ladder, timber is still a popular option. This could be due to the fact that timber ladders are both aesthetically pleasing and durable.
Our customers are always telling us how pleased they are with their timber loft ladders, with the main feature being the product's solid construction and safety. Our five-star reviews for the Werner loft ladder can be found on its product page.
Conclusion
Whatever material you choose for your ladder, make sure to perform our pre-checks before each use. More information on pre-checks can be found in our other blog posts. If you have any questions about the material of your ladder or any other working at height issues, please send us an email or call us at 01204 590 232 and our expert team will assist you.