When you need a ladder for any condition, a fiberglass extension ladder is your best option. Fiberglass extension ladders tend to be the most durable ladders in any weather condition. Fiberglass is also resistant to electricity, a big safety plus if you’re doing home repairs or working in an area with electrical cables. Unlike their wooden or aluminum counterparts, fiberglass ladders are also much more lightweight in addition to sturdy. That means increased mobility, and creativity, in where and how you use your ladder.
Choosing the type of fiberglass extension ladder that’s right for you, first consider how you’ll be using the ladder. Fiberglass ladders come in different sizes, with various weight restrictions. Usually they fall into one of two groups: longer extension, or higher weight restriction. The longer a ladder is, the lower the weight restriction is likely to be. A 20+ ft extension ladder is going to have around a 300lb weight limit on average. Whereas a slightly smaller ladder of around 16ft can go up around 400lbs.
If you find that you’ll be using the ladder mostly for tasks like painting, window washing, or light repairs, a longer ladder is probably best. But if you’re planning on more heavy duty work, roofing for example, you’ll want a ladder with a higher weight limit. Safety is of chief importance, so take your own weight into account, and think of how much on average you would be carrying up the ladder. Make sure you find a weight limit that you feel comfortable with, otherwise you run the risk of putting too much stress on the ladder. Fiberglass ladders are durable, but too much stress can cause them to snap apart.
Now you should have a good idea of which ladder would be most useful to you. Fiberglass extension ladders tend to be more expensive than aluminum or wooden ladders, but make up for that price with their durability. A fiberglass ladder usually costs in the area between $200 to as much as $500. One of the biggest factors contributing to price is the ladder’s durability. A ladder with a higher weight limit will usually cost more. A cheaper ladder usually doesn’t have quite as much durability, and will have a lower weight limit.
There are several places to purchase a fiberglass extension ladder, and usually a big chain is your best bet. Bigger chain stores keep more items in stock, allowing them to charge less per item. Stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and even Walmart will give you the most value for money. You can find cheaper ladders at secondhand stores and pawn shops, but this usually isn’t a good idea as the ladders aren’t often guaranteed by any sort of warranty. Always make sure the ladder has some sort of warranty, in case the ladder was manufactured improperly, or in case any damage happens that would require repair.
Finally, concerning the best fiberglass extension ladder brands, Werner and Louisville are the most widely approved. Both offer durability, and guarantees regarding longevity of the ladder. Werner tends to be the better name, also providing better customer service and support, but they are also more expensive on average. Weigh price against the factors that are most important to you, and you’ve found the best fiberglass extension ladder for your needs.