Replies

1. 
   calvin | Jun 07, 2009 12:44am | #1

   Sledge,

   There must be differences in fibreglass ladders.  Someone else here mentioned a problem with fibres.  Beats me, mine's been on the roof of the van easily 22 years.  It is faded but you can run your hands down it, carry it and no problem with feeling the fibreglass.  I'd have to go out and look but I believe it's a Louisville Ladder.

   I admit I wonder since all the talk of fibreglass degrading that when it's extended and I'm climbing up it with my cheek to the rungs.

   Might be the walnut drippings that coat it since it's mostly parked at night under one.

   A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

1. 
   BillBrennen | Jun 07, 2009 01:11am | #4

   Calvin,I have heard that some ladder companies use a layer of synthetic fabric as a cap sheet over the glass on their fiberglass rails. If this is so, it seems that this would increase the useful (itch-free) life of the product.Bill

1. 
   calvin | Jun 07, 2009 01:19am | #5

   Something sure has increased the expectancy in this case.  I'm guessing at 22 yrs as that's when we broke ground on this dreamhome.  I have had it b/4 that, but doubt that.

   Thanks for the information.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

2. 
   DanH | Jun 07, 2009 12:47am | #2

   UV exposure is what does it in. A lot depends on how much UV blocker is in the mix.

   You could probably mike the ladder (in several places) when new, and again every year or two, to tell how fast it's losing thickness. Of course there will be some internal loss of strength as well, but the loss of thickness would give you a rough idea as to how rapidly it's weathering.

   I would guess the ladder manufacturer might be able to provide some guidance (though of course it will be tilted in favor of "replace it").

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
1. 
   Sphere | Jun 07, 2009 01:09am | #3

   I think I read it here, a  PDF from Werner, they actually have a maintanance routine, and IIRC, it involved paste wax.

   My only FG ladder is only 6 yrs old, and has no issues as of yet.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

   "If Brains was lard, you couldn't grease much of a pan"Jed Clampitt

   View Image

3. 
   bluejae | Jun 07, 2009 02:16am | #6

   I figured mine needed to be replaced after concrete truck backed over it.:)

4. 
   Dreamcatcher | Jun 07, 2009 02:20am | #7

   I assume we are all talking about class 1A ladders. All my ladders are Werner class 1A.

   My old boss had all class 1 [stepladders] and they all cracked up the bend of the rear legs after probably only 5 years or so. On one of them I eventually had to screw/duct tape a 2x2 to the leg. He probably still uses that ladder.

   My oldest ladder is going on 12 years and shows little wear.

   I have kept it on the roof for 3-4 years but otherwise store it inside or under the eaves of the garage. OB kept his in the middle of a field. I hated using his tools.

   I will try the paste wax; thanks for that info!

   DC

5. 
   HootOwl | Jun 07, 2009 05:57am | #8

   http://www.wernerladder.com/resource/index.php

   Download the fiberglass ladder technical manual.

   Lots of good info in there.