Aluminum ladders represent the construction of two racks, interconnected by the steps. They are usually made of the alloy of aluminum and silicon, which provides high durability of such articles. These ladders usually have different types of constructions. This depends on the goals of their application.
Types of aluminum ladders
According to the type of construction, aluminum ladders are divided into one-, two-, three- and four-section. They have from 6 to 25 steps and are used for different purposes. For performing the household chores, you should use the ladder, able to cope with most tasks. The most common ladders are those with the main part of metal, while their legs and steps are plastic.
Apart from domestic ladders, we can highlight such types of constructions:
- Dielectric ladder made of fiberglass. It is used when working with dangerous voltage.
- Transformers can play the role of common ladder, platform or stepladder. Additional sections of such articles can be extended by fixing with the clamps.
Domestic ladders, as well as dielectrics and most transformers, have many extra details, which increase safety and reliability of constructions.
Types of ladders
Most modern ladders prove to be indispensable when operating at the height (both at home and at the production plants). On this ground, they are divided into domestic and professional.
The first type of articles is made of aluminum. It is characterized by the light weight, simple construction and must meet the important requirements – durability, ease of transportation and mounting, safety and undemanding storage conditions.
Professional constructions have a number of particular characteristics, defining their scope of application. For example, transformers are characterized by the high functionality and are often used as a platform. Telescopic ladders are very compact and allow you to perform the same amount of work as many three-section constructions.
Features of construction
Maximum weight of user of the aluminum ladders ranges from 100 to 150 kg. If the levels are higher, we can talk about the professional construction. Working length is measured from the last platform or step. The height of professional constructions varies from 15 to 20 m.
Note: sometimes, the length from the floor to the second last step (+120 cm) is regarded as the working length. However, you should clear that with the seller.
One-section ladders
This construction is called “attaching ladder” and requires vertical support. To avoid the ridiculous injuries in the use, the legs must be fixed well. Distinctive features of attaching ladders are:
- Wide domestic use. It is indispensable for easy repair, gardening and at the cottage. It allows you to easily harvest and cut off the dry tree branches.
- One-section access ladder will be very useful during the construction and installation. Its frequent use is due to the ease of its use– all you need is to put it against the wall and firmly secure it.
- Choice. When buying a one-section stepladder, the main parameter you should take into account is height. It defines both the functionality and the price of the article. On the building market, you can find different variants: from 1.5 to 5.6 m long.
Materials (aluminum with duralumin, magnesium and silicon) is characterized by high durability and long service life. However, one-section aluminum stepladders still yield to their upgraded versions.
Two-section ladders
The characteristics of such ladders include: anti-slip steps, diversity of models (from 3 to 25 steps) and ability of two-sided climbing. Maximum height of the ladder reaches 13 m. The benefits of the ladder include: corrosion resistance, unlimited operating conditions, small weight and compactness.
Two-section aluminum ladders have 2 types of constructions: folding ladders and extension ladders. The latter model is different in that one part of it extends from the other. Recommended workload doesn’t exceed 150 kg. Such constructions are characterized by high functionality and comfort and can be used as stepladders.
First of all, any ladder (including the two-section aluminum one) must have a necessary functionality.
Three-section ladders
It can be used as a common ladder or an access ladder. This ladder has transverse stretches between the legs, which provides the greatest durability. Aluminum profile allows you to use this construction with a load of up to 150 kg.
This ladder is a product for domestic use. As a stepladder, it usually reaches the height of 6 m. As a common ladder, it can be used at the height of 5 m.
When folded, such ladder usually has the following sizes (height, width and depth): 2,5*0,4*0,15. Approximate width of the step is 25 mm. Plugs are made of two-part plastic.
Four-section ladders
Four-section ladders are commonly referred to as “transformers”. They are the most functional and used both as ladders and as attaching construction. Moreover, they can replace scaffolding.
Main feature of such ladders is a relatively rare use. They have several parts, connected by the articulated mechanisms. Their benefit is compactness in the folded state, as well as high stability and reliability in use.
Distinctive characteristics of such constructions are their high functionality, great working length, the ability to carry a heavy load (up to 150 kg) and the option of using on the principle of stepladder and maximum simplification of the complex construction works.
Small weight of article allows you to carry it easily during the work. Another comfortable option is the ability to quickly change the height of the working surface.
Benefits of the 4-section ladder
Due to its construction, four-section ladder can handle many tasks and has a number of advantages:
- compactness;
- high stability on different types of surfaces;
- presence of special relief;
- high durability of the product, provided by the aluminum profile;
- it is easy to store and transport;
Due to their characteristics, the components of the ladder help it carry significant operational loads. It is suitable both for the amateurs and for the professional builders.
Price of aluminum ladders
Let’s turn to the most interesting question: what’s the price of such constructions? Depending on the characteristics, the price of aluminum ladders can range a lot. Following are the main types of aluminum ladders.
Below you can find the costs of the two-ladder constructions:
- aluminum two-section ladder (maximum length- 314 cm, weight – 6,4 kg) costs about $150;
- the same construction with the length of 427 cm costs about $200;
- universal two-section ladder with the working height of 687 cm will cost about $300;
- extension ladders may cost from $180-400.
- three-section ladders cost between $100-400, and the price for the four-section constructions range from $150-400.
As you can see from the rates, four-section items are characterized by the great operational characteristics and accessibility.
How to choose the right ladder?
Before buying a specific item, you should define the necessary characteristics and operating tasks.
If you choose the right ladder, it will definitely help you achieve the high goals. For example, the common stepladder is suitable for the redecoration. First of all, let’s consider the scope of application of the ladder constructions:
- renovation and construction;
- domestic needs;
- electrical works;
- use in the big libraries;
- gardening.
You must choose the proper working height, maximum load and pay attention to the presence of special fastening.
Purchase and care
Buying the aluminum ladder, you should pay special attention to the color of the plastic panel. It serves as a manufacturer’s identification mark. For it products, Germany uses the red color, Finland – blue, Great Britain – orange, and Italy – green.
You should definitely verify the reliability of every element of fixation and connecting units. Unfolded ladder must have the geometric shape, envisaged by the construction.
Product care also requires special attention. Major producers of the building constructions provide precise safeguards obligations. In case of failure, you should go straight to the shop. To prolong the natural lifetime of access or telescopic ladder, you should follow the simple rules of its exploitation – storage in a dry place, protection against temperature changes and regular test of strength.
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