ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Fiberglass ladders on roof rack

I notice premature fatigue on my 10' a-frame and a 24' extension ladder that have permanent residence on the roof of my van. I think it must be UV plus a little wet and temp difference. I was thinking about getting a good oil-based paint to paint them up to protect them. Do you guys notice this and what do you do?

I just find it ironic that my ladder rack-bound big ladders are the most expensive, least used, and wear out first.

I've heard its an OSHA violation to paint a ladder (hides possible flaws in the ladder). But, that might be one of the many urban legends that are around job sites.

The big ladders stay at the shop, mostly. Our biggest is a 16' A-frame. Who really wants to drive around with that thing up top, killing your gas mileage? I am just resigned to and accept the sun damage the smaller ladders take, but so far I have seen more ladders put in their grave from jobsite abuse than from sun induced deterioration. I'de keep the big boys in the garage or at your shop. Although this may be heresy in here, you can also buy UV resistant aluminium for the big ladders. Takes two people to carry em, but you can leave em in the sun and rain, just stay away from the salt

Some of the local cable TV companies near me have a contractor come in and do PM on their ladders. You may want to call and see if yours has a similar program.

I did see them spraying the ladders with something but didn't ask what it was.

Scan this link for some info also. http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/agengin/g01932.htm

I was informed by OSHA that it is a violation to paint any ladder.Like dmattox said it hides flaws. If caught using painted ladders a fine will be assessed.

IIRC, it's more of the clearcoat on the fiberglass decomposing due to UV exposure.

There may be a clearcoat from an automotive source that could "restore" a ladder... I'm just not sure.

I'd love to see the rule OSHA would cite....just what ever thief needs- unmarked ladders!

Check with your ladder mfr- most actually have a layer of pvc atop the fiberglass, to protect it. You have to cut pretty deep to get to the glass itself.

Of course, there's nothing that says you can't cover the rack with something. something tubular- like smurf tube or PVC pipe- would also make it easier to load the ladders, by rolling as the ladder slides on.

[This message has been edited by renosteinke (edited 09-10-2005).]

The OSHA rule does not apply to fiberglass, unless there is another rule I missed.

LONG ago, we used to coat our wooden ladders with linseed oil. I don't think that would violate OSHA's intent there.

AB Chance, and Hubbell sell coatings for their fiberglass sticks, I'm willing to bet the same coating would make a fiberglass ladder happy as well.

Wasn't there a thread here a few weeks ago on this same subject?

In the name of safety I would rather replace the ladder but somebody actually provided this link http://www.wernerladder.com/catalog/files/rc81.pdf to a Werner ladder .pdf that details maintenance and recoating procedures.

-Hal