Times have changed and unlike the olden days, more innovative ladders have been developed. In the past, we had wooden ladders but currently, we have fiberglass and aluminum ladders.
These two types of ladders are a clear representation of the innovativeness that has come in the ladder world.
For most DIYers, ladders made from these materials look similar and some people may not tell the difference. We buy ladders for different purposes and jobs. This should greatly influence the type of ladder that you ought to buy.
These among other challenges have prompted me to write an article and elaborate more on the difference between these two ladders.
Fiberglass Ladder vs. Aluminum Ladder – The Best?
Related: Best Ladders For Painting High Ceilings
Fiberglass ladders
1. Fiberglass ladders are stronger. This means these ladders have a larger capacity to hold a lot of weight without wobbling. Additionally, the ladder will barely bend unless subjected to too much weight and pressure.
2. Fiberglass is heavy; this feature gives them more stability and stable footing on the ground. Besides, this would also be a disadvantage to those who may prefer a lightweight ladder for easier portability like the elderly.
3. Fiberglass ladders have a better capacity to withstand harsh weather. Though aluminum ladders are fairly weather-resistant, fiberglass has even more resistance. When exposed to rain and other factors, it will still remain strong. This makes this ladder, the most appropriate for use on outdoor tasks and projects.
4. High heat resistance-. when fiberglass is left exposed to extreme heat and sunshine, it can withstand. Unlike aluminum which weaker on exposure to strong heat, fiberglass ladders stay strong.
5. Fiberglass ladders are non-conductive. This makes them the most suitable for jobs that involve electrical fittings or near electrical installations to avoid electrocution.
Top-selling Fiberglass Ladders
1. Louisville Ladder FS2008 Step Ladder, 8-Feet/250lb
This is among the top-selling fiberglass ladders on amazon. From its designing material, it is strong and very sturdy.
It offers maximum safety and suitable for carrying out projects both indoors and outdoors.
It is non-conductive which gives it a head start when it comes to doing electrical jobs since you don’t fear being electrocuted.
Work becomes easier with this great feature of a V-shaped pro-top that helps when you need to place your working tools and item close to you.
To enhance stability, the ladder has a slip-resistant mechanism with rubberized trends on all four legs.
The ladder can hold a weight of 250 pounds. It has met safety standards and approved by ANSI, CSA & OSHA.
The strong double rivets make the ladder, 30 % stronger than the aluminum counterparts.
This ladder is ideal for anyone who wants a repairing ceiling, painting replacing bulbs, and any other task that does not exceed a height of 8 ft.
2. Louisville 6′ Fiberglass Step Ladder
This is another great ladder that has gained good ranks and premiered amongst the amazon step ladders. You can buy this ladder for medium and low-height jobs such as replacing bulbs, painting walls, and ceiling jobs among others.
It is easier and comfortable working with this ladder due to its well-designed pro top. It is designed in a manner with a bucket holder, hardware tray, magnet tray, and pipe holder. These are great additions to this ladder that makes it extremely great.
The ladder has the capacity to hold a weight (including load) of 300 pounds. Because it is built-in fiberglass, the ladder is very strong and sturdy even as you work on your projects.
It is non-conductive and suitable to carry out jobs involving electrical installations.
The steps are stable and comfortable with rail surface protection. They are also non-slip and rubberized to assure you of utmost stability when working.
It has been approved for meeting all the OSHA and ANSI safety standards.
You can use it to reach a height of 6 ft.
Aluminum ladders
Aluminum ladders have great advantages too.
1. Aluminum ladders are lightweight; this makes most of them easily portable when working. Not everyone prefers a heavy ladder, some prefer light ones which is why they would opt for aluminum ladders than fiberglass.
2. Most aluminum ladders are affordable. So next time you want a cheap but quality ladder, any aluminum ladder will great choice.
3. Aluminum ladders are non-corrosive and rust-resistant. This feature makes them durable. This is due to reduced wear and tear due to the effect of rust and corrosion.
4. You can store them outdoors Due to their non-corrosive nature, they can easily survive outdoors without worrying that rust will destroy them.
5. Another advantage of using aluminum ladders is that they don’t erupt. This feature gives them a preference over fiberglass when it comes to fire fighting.
Top-selling Aluminum Ladders
1. Little Giant Aluminum Ladder-M13, 13 Ft.
This multipurpose aluminum ladder has ranked among the most demanded ladder in amazon. Here are some amazing features about it that make it competitive.
You can convert this ladder into different configurations. These are extension ladder, A-Frame ladder, 90 degrees ladder, staircase ladder and trestle, and plank scaffolding ladder.
It is engineered with unique features like dual-pin hinges that make adjustment easy and fast.
It is also designed with a tool pouch that you can use to keep your items and tools when working in high places.
You can use this ladder to extend a height of 13 ft. that can comfortably reach your walls, ceilings, and any other job you want to do.
It can accommodate a total weight of 300 pounds and been approved by ANSI & OSHA with a type 1A rating.
The feet are non-marred to keep the ladder sturdy, and the feet are wide to give you sturdy and stability.
2. Little Giant Aluminum Ladder, Flip-N-Lite, (15272-001)
This is another great aluminum step ladder that ranks well on amazon. This step ladder is great for use indoors like kitchen, low ceilings among other low height jobs.
First, this ladder is lightweight which makes it portable when you are changing work location or carrying it for storage.
Secondly, it has a well-built standing platform that is stable and comfortable when you are carrying out your tasks. The rungs are also wide enough to fully support your feet when you are working.
It is durable and strong and can hold a weight of 300 pounds. Besides, it is approved by ANSI & OSHA and rated been rated as a type 1A ladder.
It is easy to open to a 4 ft. height and comfortably climb to begin your tasks.
Conclusion
After reading through the Fiberglass vs. Aluminum ladders, I hope you are able to identify the difference outlined.
From my research, the benefits of using fiberglass ladders outweigh those of aluminum ladders in terms of quality designing.
For any professional job, a fiberglass ladder is more sturdy and strong and most suited for such.
Aluminum ladders are great too and sturdy too. They are very pocket-friendly and come in many shapes and designs too.
Depending on the features you want in a ladder, the choice of ladder entirely depends on you.
Ultimately, your safety on the ladder depends on the type of ladder and also how use it and set it up