Barry M 73 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 What kind of extension ladder do you use and why? I'm trying to find out if one has an advantage over another, or if it is just a matter of opinion. I will go with a fiberglass step latter but I'm not sure on the extension. It's a tose up between aluminum and fiberglass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celeste 341 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 Barry, We use (when we have to use an extension ladder) a fiberglass. It weighs about 3000 lbs more than the aluminum BUT, just last week while working out at a development we have, I watched guys with aluminum extensions - It was really scary the way those things flopped around, even with someone holding it at the bottom. I'm a height chicken so for me there's something to be said for what I think is a more solid ladder. The guys you see around here with aluminums are the hispanic painters (clearly no fear as they will put two on a ladder with a quickness) and the roofers (they're all crazy anyway) ....the gutter guys use the fiberglass and seem to respect the heights they are working at a little more than the others. Celeste Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barry M 73 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 Celeste do you guys use a stabilizer? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howard 50 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 Barry I use nothing but fiberglass have both a 24 and 28 foot both have stabilizers. Stabilizers keep the ladder off the gutters as well as providing a more solid feel while working. I agree with Celeste they are 3000 times heavier but I've had an aluminum twist and fall with me before, fiberglass won't do that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R L S 14 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 I have a fiberglass 6 foot step and a 24' extension ladder with a stabilzer. Stablizer is a huge plus and like Howard said it keeps the ladder off of the gutters. Richard Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aph111 14 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 I use a 32ft aluminum everyday.Treat any ladder with respect and you will be fine.Fiberglass is for electrical work and take one hell of a man to throw up a 32 day in and day out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grant 500 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 Fiberglass is the way to go, minimal flex, does not conduct electricity, easy to stencil your company name on the side and just heavy enough so that the wind wont blow it off the side of the building while you are on the roof! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Celeste 341 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 Yes we use a stabilizer - if using a ladder was a day in day out ordeal, we might reconsider but so far it's been fine. The two of us have no problem - we have a good buddy system for getting our 40 footer up and down :) (But then again....I'm one hell of a woman! LOL) Celeste Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flimmy 14 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 I have a 24', 28 ' fiberglass extension ladders and a 8' fiberglass step ladder. It's all about balance. I find it easier to carry a ladder by myself that with help. Now a 32' fiberglass :eek: I'll take the help on that one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aph111 14 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 Dont trust any type of ladder as far as wind.Tie it off at the top every time.No buddy wants to get stranded on a roof with your ladder on the ground.As for fiberglass and electric,think smart and treat EVERY wire as hot. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 64 Report post Posted March 21, 2005 Fiberglass extension ladder, orange colored and rated to support more weight then most other ladders. Commercial rated. I use a stabalizer now and it makes a great difference. MUCH MORE support for the ladder, protects the gutters, and prevents most ladder movement. Ladders are not something you want to cut corners on when it comes to cost. Your safety should be more of a concern then money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CCPC 26 Report post Posted March 22, 2005 I use a 20ft aluminum just about everyday while cleaning roofs and would not see any good reason of going fiberglass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aplus 525 Report post Posted March 22, 2005 All my ladders are aluminum, and since I do not go higher than 24', I see no reason to bust my butt hauling heavy fiberglass ladders around. Also use stabilizers, as they make a huge difference in stability. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grant 500 Report post Posted March 22, 2005 Its fiberglass and aluminum and they are running neck and neck and wood is nowhere to be seen... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seymore 90 Report post Posted March 22, 2005 I use all Werner aluminum Type IA heavy duty...16 Ft., 24 Ft and 40 Ft. that weighs a ton but the wind is not going to blow you away. I usually charge xtra if i have to use the 40' on any job.:cool: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beth n Rod 1,278 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 1-24' Fiberglass ladder w/adjustable leg for uneven terrain, 1-24' Aluminum ladder, 1-36' Aluminum ladder. We use a quick click stabilizer for stability. Rod~ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunatussle 14 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 All I use are aluminum, but then I do not use any over 16'. I am too old to be climbing up that far. I sold all my 32' fiberglas ladders and am down to just 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReflectiveClean 14 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 We use fiberglass step ladders 4ft, 8ft and 12ft. all of the extention ladders 16ft,24ft,28ft and 40ft we have are aluminum with ladder levelers and we use stand-offs when possible. Why carry the extra weight around all day, its more important to have the energy on the ladder and moving the ladder. Yes, the stand-offs and ladder levelers add more weight but thats where we add our weight not the (fiberglass) you should make your ladders safer. Marino Ortega ReflectiveClean@aol.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 64 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 I'm surprised to see so many of you all using aluminum. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CCPC 26 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 I guess it does depend a bit on a persons wieght as to which ladder to choose. I weigh about 175 and my 20ft is rated to 225. For a big boy/girl I would probably go with the fiberglass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 64 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 It's just not your weight, its the total weight of you and your equipment and or anything else up there with you. I guess like I said before why push it to its limit? You can spend a little extra and get a ladder that can support you much better then an aluminum, light duty, home owners ladder. My safety will always come before cost. There are ways you can carry ladders that make moving it around much easier, not to mention wheeled carts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aph111 14 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 Type 1a aluminum or fiberglass suports 300 pounds. There is no difference Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike 64 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 Type 1a aluminum or fiberglass suports 300 pounds.There is no difference except for the weight. I went to the werner ladder website, the 24 ft. type 1A aluminum ladder shipped actually weighs 8 pounds more then the fiberglass ladder. So when comparing the ladders that are equal in weight restrictions, the aluminum actually weighs a little more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aph111 14 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 Good research Mike.8 pounds adds up when you have to move it alot.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Barry M 73 Report post Posted March 23, 2005 Ok, who voted for wood? It takes a heck of a man to move a wooden ladder upright by himself. Especially after it rains and the wood swells. I use to do it for a vinyl siding company I worked for, talk about busting a nut. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
