Fixed Ladders: Why Aluminum?
Ladders come in a variety of materials. Typically the most common fixed ladders are painted or hot dipped galvanized (HDG) steel, aluminum, or stainless. Painted steel or HDG can be less expensive, but you get what you pay for. Any steel ladder, over time, will rust, especially when installed in an outdoor environment. Painted ladder at some point in their lifetime, will need to be recoated. This is an unnecessary expense that can be avoided, with the use of aluminum.
Aluminum Ladders
Aluminum ladders can have a more expensive upfront cost; however, aluminum will outperform both coated and HDG carbon steel ladders due to their resistance to rust. Over the lifetime of a ladder, aluminum is especially robust, resistance to rust, and corrosive environments such as coastal regions. Although stainless steel ladders are also a good option for lifetime resistance, stainless steel is too expensive for most budgets and when compared to aluminum does not offer a lot of advantages. Aluminum when compared to both carbon steel and stainless is also the best choice for installation ease. Aluminum is light weight and thus easy to handle and install in the field.
When deciding on what best fits your need, keep in mind these advantages of aluminum.
- Resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Virtually maintenance free, therefore having a low overall lifetime cost.
- Environmentally friend. Steel ladders rust over time resulting in a greater environmental impact. Aluminum ladders NEVER have to be recoated.
Ready to place an aluminum ladder order? Are you looking for guidance on your next ladder project? Look no further! Ascend Fabrication’s knowledgeable staff is ready to assist you with all of your questions or project needs.
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