Extension Ladder Stifness?

[Beemer]

Is there a significant difference in stiffness between a Type II (225# rating) and a Type 1 (250# rating) extension ladder?
For some reason they are called medium duty and heavy duty but only differ by 25# in load rating so is there a more significant, noticible, difference in stiffness?
I'm in the market for a shorter extension ladder, 16 to 20 feet to avoid hauling out the 45 pounder for shorter needs but I do hate a bouncy ladder.
Funny that bouncy floors and bridges don't bother me a bit.

But here is another part of the puzzle; Is a fiberglas ladder of the same Type as an aluminum ladder stiffer?

 

[scooby074]

Go 1A Fiberglass. 300lb rating. Or 1AA fiberglass 375lb. I like the security of a 1AA. Its all we use at work. But it comes at a significant weight penalty over the 1A. We use Featherlite. Real good brand if you can get it.

 

[RTM]

Previously, I had the misfortune of going up both types of ladders within a few minutes of each other. My 200ish # made much more sway on the type II. Was not a comfortable sensation climbing 10+’ up and trying to work on the middle.

The lighter guy and I changed ladders when it mattered, it wasn’t enough to bother him.

 

[Beemer]

Go 1A Fiberglass. 300lb rating. Or 1AA fiberglass 375lb. I like the security of a 1AA. Its all we use at work. But it comes at a significant weight penalty over the 1A. We use Featherlite. Real good brand if you can get it.

Weight of the ladder is a significant deciding factor. As I noted, the 45 pounder has gotten (almost too) heavy for me where it probably doesn't give others a second thought. I suspect Fiberglas is out of my comfort range. Getting old makes me spend money to have lighter tools.

 

[cgrutt]

I have a Werner 22' ladder that folds pretty small and you can run it in an A frame configuration up to about 11 feet I suppose or open it all the way up and it will go to 22. It's not a light ladder by any stretch but probably lighter than a true extension of same size. It's pretty wide at bottom (and top if opened up and fully extended) and narrow in center. It's very stable. Believe it's rated 375#. I realize you said weight is issue. You can remove the outer pieces on both sides if you don't need full extension. It's a pretty versatile ladder and fits in back of my pickup.

ETA like this but mine is older and doesn't have leveling feet. It's 47# though. On sale for $199 which is killer deal believe I paid close to $400 when it first came out.

 

[Wamsutta]

From my experience, fiberglass with aluminum steps is way stiffer than the 100 percent aluminum ladders.

 

[LopezBart]

From my experience, fiberglass with aluminum steps is way stiffer than the 100 percent aluminum ladders.

This has been my experience as well. Lightness matters, though, esp. when I'm trying to move the ladder extended instead of lowering it down, moving it over 5 feet and raising it again.

 

[Beemer]

I have a Werner 22' ladder that folds pretty small and you can run it in an A frame configuration up to about 11 feet I suppose or open it all the way up and it will go to 22. It's not a light ladder by any stretch but probably lighter than a true extension of same size. It's pretty wide at bottom (and top if opened up and fully extended) and narrow in center. It's very stable. Believe it's rated 375#. I realize you said weight is issue. You can remove the outer pieces on both sides if you don't need full extension. It's a pretty versatile ladder and fits in back of my pickup.

ETA like this but mine is older and doesn't have leveling feet. It's 47# though. On sale for $199 which is killer deal believe I paid close to $400 when it first came out.

Way too heavy and a bit tall for my intended use.

Perhaps I need to look at single leaf ladders. It seems that a 12 ft single is almost as tall maximum height of a 16 ft two leaf extension ladder.

 

[pcmeiners]

"I suspect Fiberglas is out of my comfort range"

Stronger, lighter, and does not conduct electricity. Nothing like being on an aluminum ladder leaning on a gutter, electrified by an incoming utility wire....I can attest to that.

 

[aka Larry]

I have a Werner 22' ladder that folds pretty small and you can run it in an A frame configuration up to about 11 feet I suppose or open it all the way up and it will go to 22. It's not a light ladder by any stretch but probably lighter than a true extension of same size.

I have the shorter version of that type ladder. It is versatile, but it's too damn heavy for most of the time I need it. I leave that one out in my (detached) shop and have a 6 ft fiberglass one I keep in (attached) garage. The fiberglass one is soooo much easier to manipulate, but granted isn't as tall or versatile.

BTW I hate the labeling of ladders as "22 ft *reach". It's misleading at best.

 

[cgrutt]

I have the shorter version of that type ladder. It is versatile, but it's too damn heavy for most of the time I need it. I leave that one out in my (detached) shop and have a 6 ft fiberglass one I keep in (attached) garage. The fiberglass one is soooo much easier to manipulate, but granted isn't as tall or versatile.

BTW I hate the labeling of ladders as "22 ft *reach". It's misleading at best.

Yeah it's heavy but good for what I use it for. What I like most about it is the fact that it fits in back of my truck. Not sure what you mean by misleading I believe the ladder itself measures 22' when fully extended. I was just using it this past weekend to install cameras on 2nd story soffits and had no issues at all with it.

 

[Beemer]

"I suspect Fiberglas is out of my comfort range"

Stronger, lighter, and does not conduct electricity. Nothing like being on an aluminum ladder leaning on a gutter, electrified by an incoming utility wire....I can attest to that.

I seriously doubt that any FG ladder is lighter than aluminum.

 

[NUTTSGT]

From my experience, fiberglass with aluminum steps is way stiffer than the 100 percent aluminum ladders.

Yes, very much so unless you are talking about an all aluminum ladder from a fire department.

 

[pcmeiners]

"I seriously doubt that any FG ladder is lighter than aluminum."

Cheap, non professional aluminum ladders are lighter than FG ladders , you are correct.

 

[Kurt4440]

Go 1A Fiberglass. 300lb rating. Or 1AA fiberglass 375lb. I like the security of a 1AA. Its all we use at work. But it comes at a significant weight penalty over the 1A. We use Featherlite. Real good brand if you can get it.

You need the 1AA ladder for when you carry 3 bundles of shingles up to the roof.

 

[Beemer]

You need the 1AA ladder for when you carry 3 bundles of shingles up to the roof.

That part of life is well behind us. You'll understand someday. Don't blink, it comes fast!

 

[PoorUB]

I have a Werner type II 24" aluminum extension ladder and am comfortable with it. I used the quality fiberglass ladders for years on the job.

Check Facebook marketplace. I bought mine used, in great condition for $125.

Three bundles of shingles? I have to break the bundles in half to be able to carry them up!

 

[finn]

I have a Werner type II 24" aluminum extension ladder and am comfortable with it. I used the quality fiberglass ladders for years on the job.

Check Facebook marketplace. I bought mine used, in great condition for $125.

Three bundles of shingles? I have to break the bundles in half to be able to carry them up!

I’m more of a three shingles at a time type of guy than a three bundles at a time type of guy.

I’m with Beemer on this one.

 

[RTM]

I’m more of a three shingles at a time type of guy than a three bundles at a time type of guy

I pay the truck to deliver to the roof. And to install.

 

[senlow]

There is little difference in stiffness between Type 1 & II. Ladder safety is very important to me. I will not climb more than 2 steps on anything less than Type 1A.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Box beam is stiffer than i-beam or c-chanel. All the type ones are box beam I believe. I've been siding for 35 years and until recently didn't know about the "type" ratings... But experience tells me...

 

[afazz]

I can't speak on the difference between Type II and Type I, but I can say that the difference between Type II and Type IA is dramatic. I have a 16' Werner Aluminum Type II for the same reasons (lightweight, portable) and it feels shaky at full extension. It is narrower and much lighter than my IA fiberglass and aluminum Werner models but perfect for touch-up paint, changing smoke detector batteries or light bulbs, taking measurements before the real work begins, or throwing in a truck bed.

Fiberglass ladders are usually heavier and a bit stiffer than aluminum ladders of the same brand and rating. Werner publishes weights and widths (1-2” extra width makes a big difference in stability) which is how I chose the 22lb Type II aluminum. A 16’ aluminum IA is 30.5lbs and might be perfect for your needs: much lighter than 45lbs but not bouncy.

 

[Kurt4440]

That part of life is well behind us. You'll understand someday. Don't blink, it comes fast!

I am turning 60 this year and my left knee is helping me to understand. I also haven't worked on a roof in a few year, but, sometimes you have to let the kids know that you still have "it".

 

[Packard V8]

Only slightly OT, but I have a fifty-year-old 28' magnesium extension ladder. In my younger days, I wasn't scarda shite, but I was never brave enough to climb that POS at full extension. When used at shorter extensions, it can be excused because it weighs next to nothing; doubt it would even be rated Type III today; know nothing that flimsy could never be sold today!

jack vines

 

[scooby074]

Weight of the ladder is a significant deciding factor. As I noted, the 45 pounder has gotten (almost too) heavy for me where it probably doesn't give others a second thought. I suspect Fiberglas is out of my comfort range. Getting old makes me spend money to have lighter tools.

30 lbs for the 16' 1a fiberglass isnt too bad https://featherliteladders.com/ladder/6916/

 

[scooby074]

You need the 1AA ladder for when you carry 3 bundles of shingles up to the roof.

More for the 350lb millwrights !

 

[5ubtle]

@cgrutt , @aka Larry

Multi Ladders

Werner multi-position ladders are versatile, easy to transport, and with their many uses, these multi-purpose ladders fit all of your climbing needs.

www.wernerco.com

"Size 22ft"
"Straight Ladder Length 21ft"

 

[Beemer]

30 lbs for the 16' 1a fiberglass isnt too bad https://featherliteladders.com/ladder/6916/

I'd have to take a home equity loan to afford one of those.
Equivalent (type and length) Werner aluminum is near half the price.
Besides, the only major brands around here appear to be Werner and Louisville.

 

[kngelv]

What is your intended use?

James

 

[Beemer]

What is your intended use?

James

Funny you should ask, the question leads me on a tangent;
The National Building Code sections related to loadings for building design have different "Importance" factors to apply (multipliers) to environmental loads that are based on the importance of the structure's use.
Essential uses like fire, police or hospitals are at the top of the list and have the highest design loads.
Then loads are incrementally reduced for less important losses in the event of a failure.
Sorry to say that my use is near the bottom of importance, just above barns.
Farm animals and residents are not so important in the overall picture of life safety.

So to answer your question, use is homeowner occasional property maintenance.
I have a 28 ft Type 1 and spending some time on it recently, bouncing around a bit, is curing my discomfort with heights but I need something in a shorter range and significantly lighter.

 

[Beemer]

Box beam is stiffer than i-beam or c-chanel. All the type ones are box beam I believe. I've been siding for 35 years and until recently didn't know about the "type" ratings... But experience tells me...

Never saw one.

 

[Beemer]

I am turning 60 this year and my left knee is helping me to understand. I also haven't worked on a roof in a few year, but, sometimes you have to let the kids know that you still have "it".

They will laugh all the same.
I only do things to impress myself anymore.

 

[Beemer]

"I suspect Fiberglas is out of my comfort range"

Stronger, lighter, and does not conduct electricity. Nothing like being on an aluminum ladder leaning on a gutter, electrified by an incoming utility wire....I can attest to that.

So being near the top of a 28' aluminum ladder when thunder rolled in, wind started whipping the tops of the 100 foot tall oaks around....a storm chase's dream.

 

[Beemer]

Someone made a very interesting point that had not occurred to me (Duh): Width affects sway. Wider is better. Thanks for that.

 

[dimichele]

I have werner aluminum ladders. 225lb 16ft, 250lb 24 and 32ft. The difference is definately noticeable.

 

[Beemer]

I have werner aluminum ladders. 225lb 16ft, 250lb 24 and 32ft. The difference is definately noticeable.

Noticeable difference comparing the 16 ft or just the others taller ones?
No doubt the 32 ft ladder is going to be different than the 24 ft.
Is the 16 ft reasonably usable? I see they only extend to 13 ft.

 

[dimichele]

The 16 ft is useable. When I painted my house, I needed something inbetween my step ladder and th 32 ft. The 225lb was on sale so I chose it over the 250, it is noticeably flimsier. If it was longer it would be scary.

Eventually, I bought the 24 ft because it was on sale, came with levelers, and I was tired of the weight of the 32 ft ladder.

 

[tez929rr]

Yes, very much so unless you are talking about an all aluminum ladder from a fire department.

I took some pictures a while back at ladder testing. Fascinating and I never saw our ladders flex like that before.

 

[Muckin_Slusher]

I took some pictures a while back at ladder testing. Fascinating and I never saw our ladders flex like that before.

Was that a "yearly" non-destructive test?
That thing is flexed pretty good.

 

[tez929rr]

Was that a "yearly" non-destructive test?
That thing is flexed pretty good.

Yes. All the ladders from 7 fire departments get tested on the same day. I stayed to watch ours go through the test. If you handle them often like we do the flex was surprising. We’ve never had a ladder fail. When I took this picture the ladder being tested was 20 years old.