In one of our earlier posts, we looked at the history of the ladder. Today, we're going to share with you some interesting trivia relating to Aluminium Ladders….or at the very least were going to share some trivia! If you've ever done even basic DIY tasks around your house or flat, then it's likely you had need of a ladder. Ladders allow us to work at height safely and get those pictures hung or walls painted in a much shorter time span. Did you ever wonder, though, about the types and sorts of ladders that are best for the task at hand? Ladders come in a variety of materials, including aluminium, timber and fibreglass. Aluminium ladders are perhaps the most popular, because they're light in weight, yet strong, durable and resistant to corrosion.
Aluminium Ladders: A Brief History of the Metal Aluminium is a relative newcomer to our array of modern metals and building materials. This is so because until the 19th century, technology had not advanced sufficiently to provide a cost-effective way to extract the metal from its base ore, bauxite. In the mid-1880s, the Hall-Heroult process made it possible to extract aluminium from ores affordably. In some societies, aluminium was more valuable than gold. The French Emperor Napoleon III reserved dinner plates made from aluminium for his most important and revered guests. By the end of the 19th century, aluminium was a preferred building material worldwide. The apex of the Washington Monument in the US and the dome of the Chief Secretary's building in Sydney, Australia both are made from aluminium.
Aluminium Ladders: Some Interesting Facts Aluminium is a silvery-white metal that belongs to the boron group of chemical elements. Surprisingly, aluminium is the third most abundant element on Earth. Only oxygen and silicon are more common. Aluminium makes up about 8% of our planet's solid surface. It's too chemically reactive to be found in a pure, native state. Rather, it occurs in combination with nearly 300 other minerals. The most common ore of aluminium is bauxite. Aluminium sometimes undergoes a procedure called passivation that enhances its ability to resist corrosion and susceptibility to environmental factors like water or air. Passivation processes are used to strengthen and preserve the appearance of metallic substances like aluminium. In industry, passivation involves applying a light coat of a metallic oxide to the surface of a metal to protect against corrosion.
Aluminium Ladders: Reasons to Choose This Material Aluminium is the most popular choice for ladders used in domestic settings. Because they are lightweight, aluminium ladders are easy to lift and move. Do be aware, though, that aluminium is an electrical conductor, which means that it's very dangerous to use an aluminium ladder when working around sources of electricity. A timber or glass fibre ladder is a much better choice when reaching for that light fitting! Aluminium won't rust or corrode the way steel does, and doesn't require maintenance the way timber does. For extension ladders longer than 15 feet, aluminium is the preferred material as fibreglass ladders, although they don't corrode, are much heavier than aluminium models. Glass fibre ladders are also susceptible to cracking under excessive pressure. Even a large aluminium ladder is easy for a single person to handle. Unlike timber ladders, aluminium models are completely resistant to fire. In fact, such ladders often are used by firemen to reach the upper storeys on burning buildings. Perhaps the most important feature of an aluminium ladder, especially when compared to timber and glass fibre ladders, is a property called “consistent strengthâ€. Simply put, aluminium is a more predictable and reliable material because it's manufactured under strict procedures and guidelines that ensure that it is uniformly strong.
Aluminium Ladders: About Maintenance and Cost Ladders made from aluminium are completely maintenance free. Although subject to some minor surface pitting that in no way compromises its strength, an aluminium ladder does not require the periodic maintenance that a wooden ladder does, such as varnishing. Another major advantage of an aluminium ladder is that it can be less expensive than either a timber or fibreglass ladder. This is in contrast to the common belief that aluminium products are more expensive. The truth is that aluminium is a highly abundant metal, but it's important to understand that it doesn't exist in a pure form. Aluminium always is found in combination with other elements, and the processes needed to extract and refine it are what account for its relative expense.
Aluminium Ladders: Safety Procedures Whenever you use a ladder, it's important to check it before climbing it to ensure it's in safe condition. Things to inspect include the stiles (poles either side) and the feet. Do not use the ladder if the stiles are bent or damaged, because such structural weaknesses can cause it to collapse. If the feet of the ladder are missing or excessively worn, the ladder could slip while in use. This is the single most common cause of ladder accidents, and you should inspect the feet of your ladder prior to each and every use. Replacement feet are readily available for most ladders at minimal cost from www.midlandladders.com and should be inspected and replaced regularly in order to prevent accidents. It's a good idea to fit the feet of a ladder with a non-slip, rubberised material available at any ladder suppliers and most DIY stores. Be sure to also inspect the rungs. If you discover any that are loose, missing or bent, do not use the ladder. If you take a ladder out of service, be sure to put a sign on it so others won't use it by mistake.
Aluminium Ladders: A Few Disadvantages Besides being an electrical conductor, aluminium also conducts heat. So, although an aluminium ladder won't burn up in a fire, it will absorb significant amounts of heat that may impair its integrity and significantly reduce its strength. An aluminium ladder tends to be less strong than a ladder made from fibreglass, which has a more uniform composition that lends superior strength. The grade of aluminium used in a ladder can profoundly affect its strength because inferior grades bend more easily under pressure. This is especially true of hollow ladder rungs made from such aluminium, which may bend under an excessive load. Such rungs are hollow, unlike the solid ones on timber ladders, and are much more susceptible to stress or buckling. Aluminium ladders are a great general-purpose choice for domestic, commercial and industrial use. If you would like further information on this topic, you might find the following of use:
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