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Posted By: Jps1006 Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/09/05 07:59 PM
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.
Posted By: dmattox Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/09/05 09:31 PM
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.
Posted By: trollog Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/09/05 10:25 PM
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 [Linked Image]
Posted By: Jim M Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/09/05 10:46 PM
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
Posted By: luckyshadow Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/09/05 11:35 PM
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.
Posted By: DougW Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/09/05 11:58 PM
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.
Posted By: renosteinke Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 12:27 AM
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).]
Posted By: iwire Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 04:50 AM
The OSHA rule does not apply to fiberglass, unless there is another rule I missed.

Quote
1926.1053(a)(12)
Wood ladders shall not be coated with any opaque covering, except for identification or warning labels which may be placed on one face only of a side rail.
Posted By: George Corron Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 09:58 AM
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.
Posted By: hbiss Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 01:49 PM
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
Posted By: walrus Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 04:18 PM
I don't know if that Werner link shows parts but you can buy steps and other things that might break on your ladders. I carry a 12 foot step all the time and it seems vibration rattles rivets loose on the straps from the rails to the steps. I just count on buying a new one every 5 or 6 years.
Posted By: iwire Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 04:24 PM
I just turned in my 24' extension ladder to the shop.

After 4 years on the roof of the truck the rivets where loose and some where missing, just as Walrus mentioned.

I really do not use the ladder very often
Posted By: Redsy Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 07:14 PM
OK, George, I can't help it.

How long ago?!

[Linked Image]
Posted By: hbiss Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 07:29 PM
I know not everyone has this luxury but several years ago I opened up the end of my garage and installed a new 8' high rollup door and operator. Now I can keep the entire truck and ladders inside when not on the road. You can imagine how great that is during the ice and snow of winter and the garage is heated!

Not only does this keep the ladders in better shape but the truck as well. I figure that what I spent on the carpentry and door is more than covered by not having to purchase new ladders and a truck as often.

-Hal
Posted By: iwire Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/10/05 07:44 PM
Hal

Quote
You can imagine how great that is during the ice and snow of winter and the garage is heated!


Why would you want to avoid this much fun?


[Linked Image]

I am jealous of you garage guys. [Linked Image]

Bob
Posted By: Larry Fine Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/11/05 03:09 AM
Don't be jealous, Bob. You get to play basketball between jobs!
Posted By: macmikeman Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/11/05 04:24 AM
quote"I know not everyone has this luxury but several years ago I opened up the end of my garage and installed a new 8' high rollup door and operator."

I did the same, I have 2 side by side 9' garage doors that follow up a sloping cieling. Vans with ladders fit really nice inside.
Posted By: Trumpy Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/11/05 04:29 AM
I have a 10metre (30ft-extended)wooden ladder, a 21ft fibreglass/aluminium extension ladder and a 7ft fibreglass step/extension ladder on my Faults truck.
Both of the extension ladders have out of factory white paint on them at the top so that you can see where the top is when setting them against a pole in poor light.
The base used in Oil-based paints will attack fibreglass and I would recommend that if any painting was to be done, use water based paint.
George,
Quote
LONG ago, we used to coat our wooden ladders with linseed oil
Mate, That was one of the first lessons I learned as an Apprentice Line Mechanic.
"Here's your tools for today son, a paint brush and a can of linseed oil and 28 extension ladders".
Oh well, at least I got paid for it. [Linked Image]
Posted By: foestauf Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/11/05 01:23 PM
Mine don't do that:-)
I take mine off in the morning and put em back on at night time...

You just have to work and actually use em:-)
Posted By: togol Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/15/05 11:02 PM
Try Penetrol from the Flood Co. you can find it in any paint aisle, they claim it will restore faded fiberglass
Posted By: techie Re: Fiberglass ladders on roof rack - 09/16/05 12:45 PM
You might also consider a fabric cover, especially if you leave the ladders on the roof most of the time.
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