When should i replace my ladder?

[littlebigdad]

I was going to a roof top today and got to looking at my ladder, got me to thinking at my age and weight i could be in danger. When should i replace my extension ladder. I know it is at least 6 years old and knowing my old employer its alot older. any thoughts

[Baycienda]

At LEAST 24 hours before it breaks and you fall off.

[matt1124]

Any damage?

[rscamaro]

I was going to a roof top today and got to looking at my ladder, got me to thinking at my age and weight i could be in danger. When should i replace my extension ladder. I know it is at least 6 years old and knowing my old employer its alot older. any thoughts

Look up ladder inspection guidlines, probably found on the OSHA site. Generally look for cracks, worn hinges, worn feet, worn hooks, worn anything, delamination of the fiberglass, etc.

...Ron

[2sac]

When the fiberglass fibers start coming apart.

[Pete838]

A fiberglass ladder that spends 6 years baking in the sun and freezing in the cold and loaded and offloaded hundreds of times has to be showing its age. I like to replace them once the fibers start breaking loose of the gel coat. By then the fibers usually start finding their way into hands.

If the ladder sides crack or a step breaks it gets cut up into short pieces and placed in the trash. If you don't render them unusable someone will dig that dangerous ladder out of the garbage and use it.

[Snapperhead]

Which is why mine is aluminum ..... and ALOT lighter

Only think i dont like about alum , it sways more , but you get used to it

[2sac]

Which is why mine is aluminum ..... and ALOT lighter

Only think i dont like about alum , it sways more , but you get used to it

That and the fact it's a good conductor of electricity

[supertek65]

Do they make copper or gold ladders?

[Joehvac25]

I thought aluminum ladders were illegal, maybe not though

[2sac]

I thought aluminum ladders were illegal, maybe not though

Our shop has a 32' and a 36' aluminum ladder. The fiberglass ones get too heavy when they're over 26'

[hearthman]

I prefer aluminum ladders. They are lighter yet strong and I don't get those fiberglass splinters in my hands, which can cause nasty infections. Just buy one with the appropriate duty rating--at least 1A.

As for the electrocution hazard, you can get electrocuted on a fiberglass ladder. I prefer being VERY cognizant of where all power lines are and keep further than the fall radius of my ladder away. Never heard of aluminum being 'illegal'--according to whom? Note that most fire depts use ultra HD aluminum ground ladders.

Replace your halyards annually before they rot away. Use ladder leveler feet and standoffs such as http://shop.gutterworks.com/Open-Run-stand-offs.html

BTW, the people climbing on the ladder conduct electricity, too.

[desert guy]

I don't know about the "legality" of aluminum ladders but the easiest way to get booted off a commercial construction site around here is to take one off your truck and try to use it.
Same thing with a Little Giant.