The question of whether to purchase a steel or aluminum fixed roof access ladder is common. It’s important to examine the differences between the two materials in terms of safety and compliance, lead time, installation process, costs, durability, and climbing experience. From then, you can ensure you choose the solution that best meets your needs. If you think one material is safer or more compliant than the other, that isn’t true. Both solutions, if manufactured according to the required guidelines, are safe but offer a different set of benefits.
From a compliance standpoint, you still comply with an aluminum or steel roof access ladder. If it is constructed in the manner stated by your local safety guidelines and includes corrosion-resistant protection (applicable to only steel ladders), then your roof ladder should be compliant. When it comes to aluminum roof access ladders, there is no need to worry about including a protective film, as the material itself is corrosion-resistant. You also won’t need to maintain an aluminum ladder over the years by reapplying a protective layer (paint), as you would for a steel ladder.
Unsure if your roof meets local height safety requirements? Ask about our complimentary roof consultation program.
Lead times vary for both steel and aluminum ladders, although because steel ladders require a protective coating, it isn’t uncommon to see longer lead times. The added protective coating process will extend the lead time of your order, making it difficult for a quick turnaround when an urgent safety solution is required.
Have you ever worked with aluminum? Your local contractor may prefer a commercial aluminum roof access ladder because of the following reasons.
At Skyline our aluminum roof access ladders are built in modular sections, making it extremely easy to handle, ship and install on-site. If repairs are required, you can easily replace the modular piece versus the whole ladder.
Click here to continue reading the article written by the roof safety specialist at Skyline Group.
Check out more news, articles and blogs here