Heavy Duty Aluminum Ladder | Alaco Ladder Company
Heavy Duty Aluminum Ladder for Construction Projects: Lightweight and Sturdy
Construction projects require heavy-duty equipment and tools, like a heavy-duty aluminum ladder for instance, that will allow workers to complete each phase of the project on time. Everyone involved in the project, from the contractor to the engineer, architect, and specifications writer, to name a few, knows fully well that delays in completion can be costly. Delays could sometimes also mean cancelled projects as continuing them are more costly than abandoning them.
It’s important to note here that every piece of equipment, tool, and accessory needed for the construction project is of vital significance. No tool, accessory or equipment should be overlooked or left out because again, this could cause costly delays in the project. This goes for your heavy-duty aluminum ladder. Everything needed for the project should already be on standby, ready for use, before the start of construction.
Heavy-duty construction ladders: steel vs aluminum
In construction, heavy-duty ladders are usually steel and aluminum ladders. They must have passed OSHA safety standards first before being allowed for use by the workers. Although both have helped workers scale walls and heights for their construction tasks, there are differences between the two that contractors, building managers, engineers, spec writers, and architects find significant in terms of choosing which one is best for the long term.
Steel ladders
One of the biggest issues that contractors and workers have with heavy duty steel ladders is that they are quite heavy, which make it difficult for them to carry these from one location to the next. They are more prone to corrosion, too, compared to a heavy-duty aluminum ladder. And since most of the construction work is outdoors, the ladders are exposed to the elements for most of the project. Rusting and corrosion significantly shortens the life of a steel ladder.
Aluminum ladders
On the other hand, aluminum is a naturally corrosion-resistant material, which means no matter how long you leave the heavy-duty aluminum ladders outdoors, they won’t easily corrode. This feature alone already makes them the ideal ladder for construction projects since you can expect better longevity from it compared to a steel ladder.
Apart from being corrosion-resistant and practically maintenance-free, another feature of aluminum ladders that make professionals in the construction field prefer them over steel ladders is their lightweight quality. It’s easier for workers to lug these ladders around wherever and whichever phase of the project they’re needed. Lightweight as they are, they are still sturdy and stable, giving workers safe access to elevated spaces and surfaces.
Many steel ladders feature round or square rungs that are not serrated, providing workers with limited foot traction. Especially during periods of rain or snow, they create a poor climbing experience and can even be unsafe in some situations.
Aluminum ladders are built to applicable height, width, and rung spacing requirements to ensure maximum safety. OSHA has several requirements in standard 1910.23 for ladder rungs and steps that regulate their spacing and width. Aluminum ladders have an ergonomic rung design with a wider profile and serrated grip for improved traction.
Lastly, aluminum is considered much more sustainable than steel because it’s more recyclable, requires less energy to produce, and fewer greenhouse gases.
High Recyclability
Aluminum can be recycled almost infinitely, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than steel.
Lower Production Impact
The process of producing aluminum has a lower environmental footprint compared to steel production.
Lightweight and Durable
Aluminum’s lighter weight reduces transportation needs, and its inherent durability means less frequent replacements, further contributing to sustainability.
Contact Alaco Ladder today for heavy-duty aluminum ladders
What type of aluminum ladder do you need for your project? Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries on Alaco’s heavy-duty aluminum ladder units. You may also reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040.