Aluminum Access Ladders | Fixed Access | Alaco Ladder Company

January 6, 2025

Fixed Aluminum Access Ladders for Various Applications and Settings

For offices or facilities in any industry, field, or setting, ladders are an essential accessory as these structures have elevated spaces or areas that can only be accessed by ladders, whether steel or aluminum access ladders. From storage spaces to lofts, mezzanines, roofs and roof hatches, durable and sturdy ladders provide a safe access to these spaces and more.

Fixed Access Ladders

A fixed access ladder ensures there’s an always-ready ladder that your workers and employees can use whenever needed. Whether you’re a building contractor that needs a fixed ladder to access the mezzanine you are working on or you’re a roofing contractor that needs a fixed exterior ladder to access the roof for repairs and maintenance, a fixed access ladder is arguably the safest and most convenient way of reaching the roof, mezzanine or other elevated surfaces or spaces.

However, to ensure the safety of all users, it’s important to be discriminating about your choice of ladder and manufacturer. Not all manufacturers are diligent about following safety protocols, particularly those mandated by the OSHA or recommended by ANSI. Remember that not all aluminum access ladders are created equal. Some manufacturers take shortcuts to produce more units, which means you and your workers’ safety will be at risk if you use these substandard ladders.

Alaco Ladder Aluminum Access Ladders

Alaco Ladder Company is one of the most trusted ladder manufacturers in the country. With over 100 years of experience in the industry, they know exactly what types of ladders contractors, architects, specifications writers, engineers, roofing contractors, building administrators, and plant managers need. Fully understanding that workers’ safety is the employer’s top priority, they strictly adhere to OSHA and ANSI standards in the design and manufacturing of all their ladder units.

Additionally, their designs have evolved throughout the years they’ve been in business to keep up with new regulations and best practices thus ensuring all their ladder units will always meet and even exceed OSHA and ANSI standards.

For your reference, Alaco’s selection of fixed aluminum access ladder units include the following:

Exterior Roof
Cage & Platforms
Hatch Access
Mezzanine Access

Contact Alaco Ladder today for high-quality fixed aluminum access ladder units

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.

Heavy Duty Aluminum Ladder | Alaco Ladder Company

December 30, 2024

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.

Loft Ladders | Stylish and Functional | Alaco Ladder Company

December 23, 2024

Functional and Stylish Alaco Loft Ladders Elevate the Aesthetics of Any Space

When considering loft ladders, functionality shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, particularly if you are looking to install a fixed loft ladder, because this means it will become a permanent fixture in the room. Professional interior decorators or designers as well as buyers and users look for loft ladder units that are stylish and functional at the same time, fully understanding that their choice of ladder has a direct effect on the look and style of the space.

Loft ladder vs staircase

There are two general ways to access the loft: ladder and staircase. Some liken a staircase to a fixed loft ladder since they’re both affixed to the loft, giving direct access to its entryway. In terms of function, you think perhaps they are alike, but in terms of style and aesthetics, they differ greatly.

Staircases may appear too bulky and could take up more space compared to loft ladders. They’re also more complicated to install compared to a ready-made or prefabricated ladder unit that takes an hour or two to configure and install.

Additionally, should you change your mind a few years from now, and you want another type and style of ladder, your existing ladder can be easily uninstalled.

Safe, stylish, sturdy, and stable loft ladders

Style and function aside, you’d want a loft ladder that you can safely use to access your elevated space. This means the ladder must be made from a sturdy material, and its design and manufacturing process must follow safety standards. Each stage of the design and manufacturing process must be checked and double-checked by the manufacturer to ensure that every loft ladder unit they put on the market is safe for general use.

On this note, designers and buyers alike must take the time to learn about the design of the loft ladder as well as the way it is crafted and manufactured to for the safety of all users. The ladder must follow load/weight capacities as well as have safety measures installed for easy and convenient use.

Premier ladder manufacturer advises designers and buyers to have these four factors in mind when looking for a loft ladder for their space: Safety. Sturdiness. Stability. Stylishness.

Contact Alaco Ladder today for safe, functional and stylish loft ladders

Alaco Ladder offers loft ladders in hardwood and aluminum materials. These come in three designs: Rolling Track, Pivotal Loft, and Fixed Loft. Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries on Alaco’s loft ladder units and other ladder systems. You may also reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040.

Ship Ladders for Small Spaces | Alaco Ladder Company

December 16, 2024

Safely Scale Small Spaces with OSHA-compliant Ship Ladders

Standard size ladder units are used indoors and outdoors for a variety of applications. These are typically made from wood, steel, and aluminum materials. But for smaller spaces, these conventional ladders won’t do. For spaces with limited access room, aluminum ship ladders are the preferred choice of safety engineers, contractors, architects, and spec writers, to name a few.

These are narrower and steeper compared to standard-size ladders, which make them ideal for smaller spaces.

Ship Ladders

Ship ladder units were originally designed to provide ships with sturdy and stable ladder units that don’t take up too much space, given that rooms and passageways in these ships are rather small and tight. These were typically used on decks, in control rooms and mezzanines.

Today, ship ladder units are used in various applications, both in commercial and industrial settings, and sometimes in multi-family residential applications as well. Because of their small size, they’re the ideal access units for structures with restricted access space.

OSHA-compliant Ship Ladders

As mentioned above a ship ladder is steeper and narrower compared to a standard ladder, which means some people might struggle a bit using it, particularly those who are mobility-challenged. For the safety of all users, it’s important to check if your choice of ship ladder has followed the OSHA’s standards on the design and manufacturing of the ladder units.

There are specific safety standards by the OSHA that ladder manufacturers must follow to minimize the risk of ladder-related fall accidents in the workplace, and employers, contractors, project managers, architects, engineers, and spec writers should double-check if these standards have been followed for the safety of their workers and for protection against liabilities.

Alaco Ladder OSHA Compliance

Alaco Ladder Company complies with all OSHA standards regarding ladder design and manufacturing for the general safety and protection of clients and their employees/users.

From regulations regarding the installation of handrails and guides [(1910.25(b)(1)] to adjusting the distance between the stairway landing and platform to equal the width of the stairs [(1910.25(b)(4) and (5), Alaco makes sure to strictly follow these for the safety and convenience of their clients.

Go here to learn more about how Alaco meets the OSHA’s standards for ladder.

Contact Alaco Ladder today for OSHA-compliant ship ladders and other versatile ladder systems

Are you looking for OSHA-compliant, heavy-duty aluminum ship ladder units? Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries on Alaco’s ship ladders and other ladder systems. You may also reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040.

Aluminum vs Steel Ladders | Alaco Ladder

August 14, 2024

Aluminum Ladders vs Steel Ladders: Which One is the Right Fit for You?

When it comes to choosing a ladder for industrial and commercial applications, buyers often only consider two options: aluminum ladders and steel ladders. Both types of ladders have their own pros and cons, so the choice really depends on each buyer’s unique needs. Here are a few common differences between the two that might help you decide if you need a steel ladder or an aluminum ladder for your project or job site:

Aluminum vs Steel Ladders

When choosing between an aluminum ladder and a steel ladder, consider the following:

1. Potential Hazards. Reduced load bearing capacity

A major consideration for a lot of buyers, especially professionals in the building and construction field, is the ladder’s resistance to rust and corrosion. Building construction, roofing applications, and building maintenance often mean that the ladder will be mostly used outdoors, which it means it will be constantly exposed to the elements.

The maximum intended load a ladder can support depends on its material strength and construction. As rust degrades the steel, the ladder’s load-bearing capacity decreases. This can make the ladder unsafe for use, especially if it is required to support heavy loads or frequent use.

Aluminum is a type of metal alloy that is naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, which means manufacturers won’t have to put any additional coating or include other processes to keep rust and corrosion at bay for as long as possible. With steel ladders, manufacturers often include a zinc coating (galvanized steel) to protect it against the elements.

2. Long-term cost savings

Aluminum resist rust while reducing the cost and lifetime maintenance. Steel is harder to transport, maneuver and cost more to ship and install. Steel is difficult to cut on-site, making Aluminum the new material for the modern age.

3. Portability and ease of installation

Stainless steel ladders are heavier than aluminum ladders, which means they are more difficult to handle and transport. Installation could be a challenge as well because you might need to use a crane to lift and install the ladder.

An aluminum ladder, on the other hand, is lightweight making it easy to transport and install. Often, only one qualified personnel is needed to transport and install it.

4. Versatility

Because aluminum ladders are lightweight, corrosion and rust-resistant, and durable, they make for the perfect ladder for various environments and applications. Roofing contractors use fixed aluminum ladders for their roofing jobs, HVAC service use the same to access their units, building contractors use aluminum ladders to scale walls and reach elevated areas, industrial companies use these to access lofts and/or elevated storage spaces, and architects and safety engineers use these during work inspections.

As you can see, aluminum ladders can be used in different settings and applications. So whether you’re looking for a lightweight, yet heavy-duty at the same time, ladder, you can’t go wrong with an aluminum ladder.

If you have more questions or you’d like to inquire about aluminum ladders, please fill out the Contact Form to let us know what you need. You may likewise reach Alaco Ladder at (888) 310-7040.

Aluminum Access Ladders | Fixed Access | Alaco Ladder Company

August 7, 2024

Fixed Aluminum Access Ladders for Maximum Safety and Convenience

In work applications where a fixed access ladder is essential to accomplishing tasks, aluminum access ladders are ideal because they are sturdy, durable, lightweight, and longer-lasting compared to other ladders made from different alloys. If you want a ladder that can last for many years and give you the most value for your money, opt for aluminum ladders.

Aluminum access ladders in various settings

Aluminum ladders are one of the most versatile ladders you can find on the market. They can be used in various applications and settings, both indoors and outdoors. Since they are lightweight, they’re very easy to transport and install. But don’t let their weight fool you; aluminum ladders are durable and sturdy, and can last for many years, even a lifetime, primarily because they are corrosion and rust-resistant.

Where are fixed aluminum ladders typically used?

Fixed aluminum access ladders are generally used to access roofs and roof hatches, HVAC systems, exterior walls, mezzanines, and lofts. These come in various sizes, designs, and weight capacities to give professional buyers like engineers, contractors, roofers, spec writers, architects, and building administrators, a wide range of options. This allows them to choose a ladder that is the right fit for their specific job or application requirements.

What types of fixed access aluminum ladders are available today?

The styles and types of fixed aluminum ladders vary depending on the manufacturer or supplier. Some suppliers have limited styles, while others have a wider range of offerings. To give you an idea of the aluminum ladders available on the market today, below are some of the units offered by premier ladder manufacturer Alaco Ladder Company:

90º Fixed Ladders
Fixed Angle Ladders
Exterior Roof Access Ladders
Roof Hatch Access
Mezzanine Access

Alaco likewise offers cages and platforms for aluminum access ladders for ladders that are over 20 feet and 30 feet tall, respectively.

As you can see, the size/height of the ladder plays a role on not only how it’s used, but more importantly, on what additional safety features are installed for those that exceed the standard 20-foot tall ladder height.

Let Alaco Ladder Company help you find the right ladder for your needs

Alaco Ladder Company has been designing and manufacturing ladders for over 100 years, which means they know what they’re talking about. If you have questions or inquiries about their line of fixed access aluminum ladders, please fill out the Contact Form here. You may also reach Alaco Ladder at (888) 310-7040.

Heavy-Duty Aluminum Ladders | Alaco Ladder Company

July 31, 2024

Professional Grade Aluminum Ladders for Commercial and Industrial Settings

Whether you’re a contractor working on a large construction project or a roofing contractor hired to clean and/or repair a building’s roofing system, you will need a sturdy and durable ladder to give you access to the roof. And if you’re on the market for heavy-duty aluminum ladders, consider Alaco Ladder’s heavy-duty, professional-grade aluminum ladders. They have been a trusted manufacturer and provider of residential, commercial and industrial ladders in the U.S. for over 100 years.

Professional-grade ladders for various light and heavy-duty applications

Any ladder that you will be using for job sites, offices, and commercial and residential buildings whether for light applications like mezzanine or roof hatch access or heavy-duty use such as in construction or roofing, needs to be designed and constructed a certain way. This is to primarily ensure the safety of all users.

This is why building contractors, spec writers, architects, engineers, roofing contractors, HVAC maintenance specialists, and building managers are choosy and meticulous when it comes to purchasing a ladder unit for their job sites, buildings, or industrial plants. Everyone’s safety should always be your No.1 priority.

On that note, it’s important to choose a ladder that strictly follows OSHA and ANSI safety standards. These are respected independent institutions that oversee the safety of workers (OSHA) in their respective workplaces or job sites, and the general public in America (ANSI).

For the most part, professionals purchasing heavy-duty aluminum ladders focus on OSHA compliancy, which is good; but for those who wish to be doubly certain that the ladders they are purchasing are indeed safe, they look for OSHA and ANSI compliancy in their units.

Alaco Ladder’s heavy-duty ladders are made from industrial-strength, aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy that exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards.

Customer Support Service

A huge factor in your buying experience is the ladder manufacturer’s customer support service. If you need help finding the right ladder for your job site, you would want to be able to talk to someone who knows their ladders like the back of their hand.

Alaco Ladder’s customer support service is provided by factory-trained staff who can answer all your questions about the design and craftsmanship behind every unit that they are offering, as well as provide helpful design input and product recommendations to ensure you get the exact ladder that best fits your job or application specifications.

Get in touch with Alaco Ladder today for all your ladder needs!

Do you need further assistance with choosing a heavy-duty ladder for the application you had in mind? Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries. You may also reach Alaco Ladder at (888) 310-7040.

Loft Ladders | Pre-Assembled | Alaco Ladder Company

July 24, 2024

Pre-Assembled, Ready-to-Mount Loft Ladders for Easy Installation

Residential and commercial spaces with lofts pose a challenge to interior designers in terms of finding the right means of access as they will need to factor in the style and look of the space, as well as the safety and convenience of the users. Typical options are loft ladders and a staircase. The choice lies in determining which of the two options is the right one for the space and the users, and the installation process.

Why loft ladders make for the best loft access

Back in the old days, the usual means used to access lofts are either a fixed staircase or a portable ladder (usually wooden). Over the years, the staircase proved to be costly and inconvenient, and the portable ladders to be unreliable and unsafe.

It is exactly for the reasons mentioned above that designers and users prefer loft ladders over staircases and portable ladder units. A well-designed and carefully constructed loft ladder offers maximum stability and reliability, providing a safe and sturdy access to the loft with ease and comfort. The dilemma now lies in choosing the right loft ladder for each space, understanding that each space has a unique design and therefore unique loft ladder needs.

Choosing a loft ladder for your space

When installing a ladder for the loft, designers consider these top four things: aesthetics, sturdiness/durability, safety, ease of installation.

First, the aesthetics. The loft ladder not only has to enhance the look of the loft itself, but the interiors of the space as well. Consider the loft ladder as part of the design.

Next, sturdiness/durability. You’d want a ladder that will last for many years, maybe even past one’s lifetime, so you want a ladder made from quality aluminum alloy or natural hardwoods. You also want a ladder unit built to support the weight of its users, so make sure to check the maximum load capacity of the loft ladder you’re looking to install.

Safety is of course non-negotiable. It doesn’t matter if the ladder ticks off all the boxes. If it isn’t built to provide a safe access to the loft, you’d best look for another supplier. Apart from sturdiness, safety features like handrails, sturdy mounting brackets, and maximum strength rolling tracks that can support the ladder and users at the same time, are features you want to double-check with your choice of loft ladders.

Last but not the least is ease of installation. Pre-assembled loft ladders with clear and concise installation instructions are what you should check out. Not only will these ensure that the ladder can be immediately used, but also that you won’t spend a huge amount of time figuring it out and installing it.

Got questions? Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries. You may also reach Alaco Ladder at (888) 310-7040.

Ship Ladders | OSHA-compliant | Alaco Ladder Company

July 17, 2024

OSHA-compliant Ship Ladders by Alaco Ladder Company

In industrial and commercial settings where access space is limited, ship ladders come highly recommended by premier ladder manufacturer Alaco Ladder Company. These ladders don’t come in a standard size, which make them ideal for spaces with unique measurements.

However, contractors, construction professionals, engineers, architects, and spec writers warn first-time buyers that ship ladders available today don’t offer the same safety and stability as one would expect. Unfortunately, there are ladder manufacturers that don’t follow OSHA safety standards in the design and construction of their ladder units. And there are buyers too who don’t mind purchasing non-OSHA compliant ladders if it would mean saving a few bucks.

The importance of OSHA-compliant ship ladders and other ladder units

Ship ladders are not only used on ships, although they were originally designed and built for them, but are also used in various industrial and commercial settings, as mentioned above. Their compact size and versatility make them the ideal alternative to fixed standard ladders.

In industrial settings, these ladders are used to access low-story mezzanines, lofts, and overhead storage areas with limited access space. Factories and manufacturing plants opt for these ladders to provide safe, fixed access in tight spaces.

In commercial settings, offices, retail stores, and restaurants with limited access space in their storage and work areas rely on ship ladders for their safe access to these spaces as well.

Using non-OSHA compliant ladders in industrial, commercial and even residential settings where the ladder units will be used by the general public or by workers and employees could eventually mean revocation of their license to operate, fines and penalties, and even revocation of one’s professional license, among other things.

Alaco Ladder OSHA-compliant ship ladders

If you want to make sure that the ship ladder unit you’re buying for a construction project or industrial access is OSHA-compliant, get your ladders from the most trusted ladder manufacturer in the country (with more than 100 years of experience), Alaco Ladder Company.

Alaco makes sure that all the ladder units they offer follow strict OSHA standards to ensure the safety of their buyers and users. For ship ladder units, they follow OSHA standards for rails, open risers, treads, and steps that slope 50º to 70º horizontally, as well as standards on handrails, guides, and load capacities.

Contact Alaco Ladder Company to day for all your ladder needs

Do you need more help choosing a ship ladder unit for your job site or structure? Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries. You may also reach Alaco Ladder at (888) 310-7040.

Aluminum Access Ladders | Maximum Strength and Durability | Alaco Ladder

July 10, 2024

Alaco Aluminum Access Ladders: When Safety, Strength, and Longevity Matter

Aluminum ladders are used in various work environments, from construction to industrial, commercial, and residential settings. However, first-time buyers should know that not all aluminum access ladders offer the same durability, strength, and longevity.

To put it simply, not all aluminum ladders are the same. This is why buyers who will be using the ladders in a professional capacity, whether for roofing applications, HVAC maintenance, roof hatch access or mezzanine access, should be meticulous about their selection process.

First, what you want is a ladder that offers maximum strength and stability for you and your workers’ safety. You also want a ladder unit that will stand the test of time. You’d want to get the most out of your investment, so you have to be picky about what you choose.

If you’re a spec writer and this is your first time looking for an aluminum access ladder for a construction project, there are two distinct factors that can help you find the right ladder for the job: Ladder Manufacturer and Ladder Material. Building contractors, roofing contractors, architects, engineers, building administrators and other professionals consider these two factors above all others when choosing a ladder for the job or purpose they had in mind.

Alaco Ladder Company Aluminum Access Ladders

For over 100 years, Alaco has been the trusted ladder manufacturer and provider in the country. As the go-to supplier of top-quality aluminum ladders, Alaco knows they have a reputation to protect and customers to satisfy, which is why they take thorough and painstaking steps in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of every ladder unit they offer.

Using high-quality, aircraft grade aluminum alloy that exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards, their suite of access solutions, including aluminum access ladders, are by far the most functional, durable, and stable units you will ever find today.

Aluminum is naturally corrosion-resistant, which means they can outlast your stainless-steel ladders. But some aluminum ladders aren’t sturdy and stable. They can be bent with minimal effort, which is risky since it might not be able to support a user carrying tools or equipment. With Alaco’s aluminum ladders, you can be sure that the unit won’t bend or collapse, provided users follow the maximum weight capacity of the unit.

Please fill out the Contact Form to let us know what you need. You may likewise reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040 for questions or inquiries.