Yeah, I was going to mention that as well.I kinda figure that because I know the AL is a great conductor it forces me to take the necessary precautions to protect myself and my crew.Of course, you can easily disagree with my logic that a safer alternative (FG) around power would always be better, but I wonder if I would be tempted to do more risky stuff since I have the "security" of the FG ladder.As to the durability, have you had problems with good quality AL ladders getting "loose"? And cheaper. Then it is junk. I'd always carry one longer 28' aluminum ladder for the higher stuff. Anyone else doing that? My best two are 24 footers with laminated side rails. It was stored indoors, so rot was not an issue. God bless ya up there dude. They also slide nice up onto the truck racks!! I have bought ladder racks for 2 different trucks there and any number of ladders, pic's, jacks etc. WTF? I got a smoking deal on them- 50% off, so I couldn't pass it up. Friday: 9-2. you are assuming an attitude on my part that just doesn't exist in this issue, Read carefully------- you will see that I was carefull to phrase things specifically NOT to lump you in with some of the others------------, personally------ on the basis of dailey use alone---- I would value your input on this topic MUCH more than the opinion of infrequent ladder users, however----------- since I now use fiberglass exclusively, and I have yet to encounter any significant examples in real life of the theoretical drawbacks you object to---------, then YES--- I will discount your objections--- but not arbitrarily. Stephen,Would it be accurate to state that your primary concern with AL ladders is their conductivity? I'm ordering the pass thru unit-looks perfect for exiting a ladder onto a tower of scaffolding. Walter, I just want to make a point. How do you get a 60' ladder up?A 40' is a challenge in good conditions, I can't imagine a 30' section. I'd think that the fire dep'ts concern would be what happens if flames reach the ladder. Not having the airbags would force me drive more carefully. Unlike aluminum, composite materials like fiberglass fail catastrophically- it will not bend and give a few seconds of warning. I think "FG vs Alum" is the new "wormdrive vs sidewinder" . I know most people will never require a 60' ladder-I only use them occaisionally-but I'll never be able to use one of fiberglass because those who produce them want no part in making a ladder like that.It would be unsafe structurally-as someone said -chance of catastrofic failure. I may be delagated to being the cutter, if my ankle is acting strange. I get to learn from the best of the best and your experience seemsto make you fit right in with that vein. My oldtimer partner says he owned a 40' wooden ladder and loved it.What are they like and how long did they generally last? Still do, but we are eliminating a lot of that usage with the Skytrak. Type 1 ladders (yellow fiberglass) would probablybe OK if you just went up the ladder without supplies or didn't use planks- no way I would take myself and a bundle up a yellow ladder regularly or use planks on one. The three rungs above is to provide a hand hold which this device does nicely. LOL. fiberglass breaks down with uv rays and mine usually ride around on top of the van for me usually working alone a big part of ladder safety is safely moving them ladders around. Good Luck. I'd hate to have to be stuck with a fly section from a 40' fg as achickenladder. Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. You are also right, I don't ever set up ladders near electrical components, so safety regarding that is never a concern. I'd venture that 9 times out of 10 it'sa human failurethat creates ajobsite accident, not equipment failure. useing the fiberglass now exclusively---- it's obvious REALbenefits, far.Far, FAR outweigh the few, theoretical---and comparitively minor drawbacks you are concerned about. Interestingthanks for your information. 15+ items sold. ( By the way---all THAT time the electric is STILL live), but if I am roofing-------on virtually every house I am gonna have to set a ladder straddling that wire---and start my roof immediately above the meter------and since that house will be 80 plus years old-----I can count on the insulation on that wire being more than a bit dodgy. I agree with almost every other reason you wrote about, but I think both deserve merit. Just my off the cuff appraisal. Yet in the same post you admit to using ladderjacks on 24', 32' and 40' ladders. the number of ladders you possess and your longegevity here would not be of any concern of mine. I did a few turrets in Bethlehem PA, and got pretty good with a slate cutter. The coloring on the ladder is paint and stain, not rust. I want to go watch. Thanks for the offer of the O'Douls my drink of choice.I'm having one now as I cook supper. This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. Keller ladders are junk. I was really kind of suprised to see people here mentioning really trivial objections to fiberglass---------- then I noticed that most of 'em objecting------don't really use extension ladders much anyhow----------------------- so who cares what they think ? Wood ladders grip the sides of the houses much better for me and I can lean sideways (unless I'm leaned up against Tyvek) on them a lot farther than I can with fiberglass. Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox. Its been pretty sturdy so far and light as well.We also have one Werner 24' aluminum ext. ( I have only done 2 churches---and they required nothing more than the 32 ft. either. the one about alum ladders just taking off on you and skating along the wall or gutter. rooferman---------where in ohio are you located? Advantage is we recycle them as chicken ladders and often on a new roof we have to screw through the rails into the sheathing just so we can lay pans to clamp toyou saw the Gainsway pics this summer? 1A fiberglass. For instance, you're giving Stephen a hard time for his set-up near live wires. ladder. 1 bid. how long did it take for them to rot? Even to the most careful of us. Actually, I think Keller is a sub-brand of werner. I think I have more glass ladders than you do so don't just summarily reject my postings because I'm relatively new here. BTW, we tried to never lean againt the gutter for anything if at all possible. Downsizing to a Cottage for Aging in Place, Podcast 481: Detailing a Slab, High-Performance Water Heaters, and DIY Dense-Pack, Podcast 480: PRO TALK With Painter-Remodelers Miquel and David McCarley, Industry-First Cordless Rebar Cutter and Bender, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets, Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job, Pretty Good House Book Excerpt: Copper Farmhouse, 10 Dos and Don'ts for Electric In-Floor Heat, Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing, Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters, The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. You're right it's a violation to have an employee working as you suggest,but as a sole proprietor OSHA can not cite me for doing it.I do a lot of things in my slate work that I wouldn't consider asking an employee to do. However, it has served me well, as have the Louisville 16 footers and the 10 foot step ladders I've got. ******************************************************** We installed a slew of them on two jobs recently, fortunately the ones for standing seam are easy, just two 3/16th allen screws to clamp on to the seams. Rose, Expert insights on techniques and principles. Two men can handle it to set and raise,but Wheaties are best consumed for breakfast that morning. How does this fg breakdown show up? No rot issues there, either. I guess BT is pretty much just like real life. Item: 123261210838 It is ok, but it just isn't as well put together. Today, Dale ( 220 lbs) me, (175 lbs) 24' 500 lb rated 16" pic, were hanging gutterpic is maybe 100lbs? When I carry the fiberglass ext. I could go on and on and on and on and on ---------- but ----, I can depend on the fiberglass---- it flexes more like the the wood ladders I started out with---very comforting. I normally kept a 32' alumimnum ladder at home and used it once or twice a year. I own Werner and have used Lynn- 1A or 1AA only for these 250+ lbs- aluminum for extension and fg for stepladder. I have both Werner and Keller 8'ladders and have compared them side by side including the thickness of the FG. Hey, what do I know? 2 How many Fire Depts in the country use fiberglass ladders as there means of accessing burning buildings? dieselpig mentioned something about a osha reg regaurding 20 ft on the pick, I wasn't aware of that---- but usually I would set a pick so that the bottom edge of the roof hits me right about the gut level----------- so---in general I doubt the pick is usually over 20 ft high---never measured. Either way you're looking at a lot of weight. Maybe if I go with alum nobody will steal them!! I'm not easily offended, but I am easily amused -- which was my reaction to your pretty much over-the-top response to my straightforward question (are FG and AL ladders with the same rating equal in strength, sturdiness, etc.? They seem lighter and the just as strong. If ya don't like it ,Walter----go pound sand at the top of your 60 ft ladder LOL. I would rather use it than an 18' glass one I have. If your internal scale weighs things differently---well that's cool to---but I ain't working off of your ladders. 0% negative feedback. I guess that if you are used to heavy wood ladders glass would not be a shock. While we're on the subject, I have a 36 footer (aluminum) that I bought several years agoon the advice of my roofer. A fiberglass ladder can twist just like an aluminum one if it falls just right. you are going to intentionally use an obviously more dangerous item----because you THINK it will make you safer????????? Of course---if you are doing a lot of church work---things might be different. I've used a few ladders in my days. Might I add that the Keller extension ladder is fiberglass as is the step ladder, but the thickness and quality of the two is worlds apart. No problems at all. As for the issue of aluminum sliding against the building, why not put something on it to prevent that -- slit rubber hose, gaffer's tape, something like that? (:-). If we had to we would place the ladder very vertical. Next requirement would be American made- that leaves out the HD Chinese made Gorilla crap. Aside from electrical conductivity, why are you so adamant about fiberglass vs. aluminum?If they carry the same rating, aren't the two equally strong, sturdy, etc.? I am willing to bet the original poster( Rooferman ?) ButI still think we all have the right to talk about safety procudures. I forget the name, but it's the one that has one pair of knuckles like a Little Giant but then extension legs instead of the folding legs.If I only had one ladder, I think this is what I'd get -- not too heavy, but the longer unit (there are two sizes) can extend up to about 16 feet (which is to say equivalent to about an 18-foot extension ladder). Excellence is its own reward! that's perfectly fair Jon---no problem with that. I've owned this ladder for about 20 years for residential use only. But I don't think that disqualifies someone from pointing out a safety hazard or pointer. Given the quality of wood available, I suppose that a good quality tall wooden extension ladder is going to be pricey.