Sometimes ladders get dented and damaged as we work. Other times it could be as a result of overuse and degradation. Do you know how to repair a fiberglass ladder? Well, this is the right place to learn.
You can choose to reinforce the ladder by tightening loose nuts, applying a clear sealant for the ladder among the repairs. Unfortunately, if the ladder is broken or the damage is extensive, the best alternative is to do a replacement.
It’s a good idea to inspect the extent of damage on your fiberglass ladder before you can settle either for a repair or a replacement. Whether you are a DIYer or a professional, you don’t need to compromise your safety by working with a faulty ladder. in this article, I shall give more details on how to repair a fiberglass ladder.
Related: How to Maintain Your Fiberglass Ladder
How to Repair a Fiberglass Ladder
A broken ladder is hard to repair and only a replacement is the best alternative. But there are instances where the ladder is exposed to weather conditions or when it has loose nuts and it’s wobbling.
Applying a sealant, tightening loose nuts and painting is something that we can all do by ourselves.
Can A Ladder Be Repaired?
What happens if you have a broken or damaged ladder? Well, in this case, a replacement is better than doing repairs. Apparently, all ladders have to comply with a certain degree of safety. Any level of damage is more or less to compromise on these safety standards. Instead of further risking your life and safety, I would recommend a replacement.
Do Fiberglass Deteriorate?
Yes, they do. Fiberglass ladder will easily lose value when left exposed to extreme weather conditions like direct sunlight and also extremely cold temperatures. Regardless of how new the ladder is, or how strongly built, it may look, if you leave it outdoor exposed to direct sunlight and other conditions, it will start to deteriorate.
How to Apply Sealant on a Fiberglass Ladder
If the ladder is not broken or damaged, you can apply clear sealants for protection. This sealant is useful for both fiberglass and aluminum ladders.
When applying the sealant on your fiberglass ladder, at least two coats are recommended. Also doing light sanding on the ladder would be a great idea in order for your ladder for the sealant to hold well. After applying the first light coat, you can wait for it to dry before you can do a second coat. Note that the sealant will always have an opaque appearance on the ladder.
How to Reinforce a Fiberglass Ladder
Constantly inspecting your fiberglass ladder is the first thing you need to do before you can get on to your project. There are many scenarios that can easily lead to a wobbly ladder and loose nuts. If not checked, this could be a big safety hazard that can lead to permanent life injuries. This is a simple guide to reinforce your ladder.
Check for loose metal braces, identify the loose nuts before you can proceed to tighten them. When you are done with the loose nuts, you can run a test to check if the ladder stability has improved. You can do this over and over until you are sure that the ladder is not wobbling and is also safe to use.
How Do You Fix Broken Fiberglass Ladder?
Using a hammer, you can easily use it to work on slightly bent ladders. However, this can be done with extra caution not to further accelerate the damage on the ladder. Other than using a lot of force, try to adjust the bent part. As a way of preventing further damage on the ladder, you can wrap up the bent part before you can begin hitting it. Additionally, using a standard-sized ladder would be a much better idea than a big hammer which is likely to cause further denting.
Fixing a Weathered Fiberglass Ladder
Unlike aluminum ladders, fiberglass ladders are prone to rust and corrosion. How do you deal with this on your ladder?
First, is you need to clean the ladder with soap and water? This will help to clear the dust and dirt holding onto the ladder. Thoroughly rinse with clean water and leave it to dry. You can use polish to get rid of the corrosive parts from the ladder.
Afterward, you can apply a coat of polyurethane, acrylic, or epoxy paint on the ladder.
What Paint Can I Apply My Fiberglass Ladder?
If you are having trouble deciding which paint to apply to the fiberglass, consider acrylic latex paint. This paint is very compatible with fiberglass material and holds up well. Unlike other paints, this paint will not cause cracking or any form of blisters.
On the contrary, the ladder is also very easy to clean.
Can You Repair A Fiberglass Ladder With Epoxy?
Yes, epoxy is also known as fiberglass resin because of its compatibility with fiberglass material. After cleaning the ladder, you can as well apply epoxy to your fiberglass ladder. It creates a good coat for the ladder and also performs better than other polyester resins.
How Do I Stop My Fiberglass Ladder Frim Wobbling?
Whether an extension or a step ladder, a wobbling ladder is a safety hazard. If the ladder is wobbling, you need to come down immediately and check the real problem.
If the issue has something to do with loose nuts, they can be easily tightened. But if the wobbling is a result of a cracked rung or rail, that ladder is a danger to you and should be replaced.
Related Content: Fiberglass Ladder vs Aluminum Ladder
Conclusion
Well, now you know how to repair a fiberglass ladder. Fiberglass is only worth repairing if the damages are minor like weathering, a bend, or deterioration. To some extent, applying resins and paint would also serve as the best maintenance solution for your fiberglass ladder.
However, not all damages should be repaired. For fiberglass with cracks and much bigger damages, a replacement is good for safety reasons.