Aluminum vs Fiberglass Ladders – Difference and Comparison

What is an Aluminum ladder?

The aluminum ladder is made of high strength aluminum alloy profile. It is easy to carry, lightweight, good for safety, and it is equipped with a very strong anti-skid ladder-foot.

Aluminum ladders are very handy, one person can handle them easily without any trouble. Once it has been purchased, there is no need to worry about corrosion or rust, it’s because it will remain free from all it. Since aluminum ladders won’t get corrode they can be stored outdoors. For those who have restricted, limited small spaces it’s very beneficial for them.

Due to its lightweight, it can be carried anywhere easily even just by one person. They are durable, strong, economical, and maintenance-free. Aluminum does not break easily, it is very tensile. One must be cautious while using an Aluminum ladder while performing outdoor repair work such as electrical repair as it can lead to electrocution if the ladder comes in contact with electricity.

Aluminum ladders are multipurpose ladders. It can be divided into two by folding for less complicated storage. It can be used for various activities. A multi-objective ladder can be extremely valuable as it can be used for something- from cleaning up roof gutters to reaching things from high shelves, hanging Christmas decorations, or installing lights.

What is a Fiberglass ladder?

A fiberglass ladder is a ladder that is made of fiberglass. It is made of glass fibers and some type of synthetic polymer that binds the fibers together. They are very strong in general.

Fiberglass ladders are weather resistant and don’t absorb moisture. They are flame resistant and very unlikely to bend. One of the advantages of fiberglass is they do not get weakened in the heat.

 Fiberglass is completely resistant to environmental conditions like rainwater and moisture in the air. Thus no chances of any rusting or decomposing of the material. The main advantage of the fiberglass ladder is it’s electric safe. They are less likely to conduct electricity and are resistant to corrosion from acid.

To check small cracks on the fiberglass ladder you need to run your fingers across the fiberglass to check any splits or crack since they are not are easily visible or detectable to naked eyes. The load limit of Fiberglass is something to be noted, if the load crosses its limit, the ladder might break or crack.

The drawback of a fiberglass ladder is the load limit of fiberglass is limited if the load crosses its limit the ladder might break or creak.

 Difference Between Aluminum and Fiberglass Ladders

  1. Aluminum is affordable and cheaper in comparison to fiberglass.
  2. In comparison to strength, aluminum ladders are weaker in comparison to fiberglass ladders.
  3. When open to heat, aluminum ladders lose their strength, and it could become hard to use the ladder comfortably whereas fiberglass ladders do not weaken under heat.
  4. The aluminum ladder is lighter in weight due to which it carried anywhere with ease while fiberglass is heavier due to which it becomes difficult for a person to carry in a different place.
  5. Aluminum ladder conducts electricity due to which they are not used in power line while fiberglass does not conduct electricity and they are used much in the power line.
  6. Aluminum ladders are not very resistant to weather conditions while fiberglass is much resistant to weather conditions.

Comparison Between Aluminum and Fiberglass Ladders

Parameters of ComparisonAluminum LaddersFiberglass Ladders
WeightAluminum ladders are lighter in weightFiberglass ladders are heavier in weight
Flame resistanceAluminum ladders have low flame resistance.Fiberglass ladders have high flame resistance.
CostAluminum ladders are cheaper and more affordable.Fiberglass ladders are expensive.
DurabilityAluminum ladders are less durable.Fiberglass ladders are more durable
Portability Aluminum ladders are light hence they are more portable.Fiberglass ladders have a heavier weight due to which they are not portable

References

  1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/154193129403801404
  2. https://elibrary.asabe.org/abstract.asp?aid=19534