The attached aluminum ladder is a reliable "helper" if you have a private house, a garden, or if you are just building. Aluminum structures have replaced wooden ones - the more familiar to everyone, but they compare favorably with traditional ones: light, compact, durable, reliable, allow for a large load (up to 150 kg), low maintenance and durable. We will talk about them in our article.
Aluminum stairs - selection criteria
As a rule, metal attached aluminum ladders are made of an alloy of aluminum with silicon and magnesium or duralumin - this combination gives the products special reliability and durability.
It should be noted that they have the simplest structure: two guides connected by crossbeams. The rungs are fastened in a proven way - by flaring them into racks (i.e., they pass through the guides, and their edges are bent from the outside).
The steps of the attached ladders are made with a grooved surface in order to prevent slipping. The very same ladder structure (for example, an aluminum step-ladder), when used, rests on special support-plugs, which do not lose their stability even on slippery floor coverings.
For information! Any aluminum model is lightweight (2.9 to 6 kg) and the maximum allowable workload is 150 kilograms.
Varieties
Portable ladders have been used by mankind for more than one century. Previously, they were the most important attributes of siege equipment, and were also used by artisans and builders. The attached structures have not lost their relevance now. They are actively used by workers in production facilities and warehouses, professional repairmen, and home craftsmen. You can often find such a staircase even as an interior element.
The prevalence of these devices is explained by their compactness and ease of use: lean the ladder against any vertical surface and calmly climb to the desired height (attic, wall, tree, roof, etc.). In addition, today there are several modifications of attached aluminum ladders, each of which is unique in its own way.
Let's take a look at them.
- Single section aluminum ladder. Consists of one block, which simplifies its use: the structure does not need to be laid out, it is enough just to lean against the supporting surface. Most suitable for home use, gardening, shops, offices, small factories and warehouses.
Single-section models can be equipped with from 6 to 18 steps, so the instructions suggest using them for various works at a height of up to 6 meters.
Note! In order to secure the ladders as much as possible, the steps are made of a rectangular shape with a corrugated surface.
- Two-piece models. They are universal devices that can be used both as attached sliding ladders and as step ladders. The possibilities here are expanded due to the presence of a second section and a telescopic structure, which allows the use of 2-section models at different heights.
They themselves can be from 2.5 to 7.5 meters high, and the number of steps varies from 6 to 15 pieces. In addition, in order to avoid unexpected folding, manufacturers have equipped these aluminum structures with special ties, which give the frame additional rigidity and stability.
For information! 2-section ladders made of aluminum are most often used for domestic needs (in summer cottages, personal plots), as well as in the construction industry (facade, finishing, electrical, etc. work).
- Three-section. This modification combines three functions at once: it can serve as a simple attached ladder, a stepladder and a retractable 2-section. Currently aluminum three-section ladder, perhaps, the most popular model, because in fact the consumer gets two stairs and a step-ladder, and the price comes out much more profitable.
The length of 3-section aluminum structures can be from 3.5 to 10.5 meters. They are also equipped with extended lateral stabilizers for excellent stability and secure latches. The number of steps is from 3 to 20.
- Transformable aluminum stairs. These products consist of 4 sections and can also perform several functions at once: thanks to hinged joints, the aluminum structure can easily turn into a double-sided step ladder, a ladder with a console (shaped like the letter "L", with an emphasis on the wall) or into a convenient platform.
Indispensable devices for finishing, installation, painting and other works in a variety of conditions. They can be installed even on uneven surfaces, where the use of a conventional ladder is not possible.
Note! Transformers are lightweight, small in size and fold up like an accordion, which makes them easy to operate, carry with your own hands, transport in the trunk of a car and storage.
- Telescopic aluminum ladders. Another interesting modification that combines a ladder and a stepladder. What is good, in the position of the stepladder, lateral stability is maximized due to the expansion at the ends of the rails. This greatly reduces the risk of overturning.
In addition, with the help of side clips, the height of each of the sections can be adjusted, which opens up a unique opportunity - to install both sections at different floor heights (for example, on steps).
The choice of an attached aluminum ladder is a competent approach
How to select and purchase a ladder model for specific operations?
First of all, before buying, you need to decide for what purpose you are going to use this device:
- Repair and construction. During roofing, finishing, painting and other types of work, the attached ladder structure is subjected to heavy loads, and therefore it must have high stability and strength.
Advice! We recommend taking a closer look at the German-made Krause STABILO model. It is made of a thick profile, and the attachment points are connected in the most reliable way - by rolling (i.e. the metal is pressed into the metal).
- Chemical industry and electrical installation operations. Here, in addition to stability, it is also important what material the staircase is made of: it should not conduct electric current and be destroyed by the effects of chemicals. A fiberglass construction is preferred (eg model Krause 817549).
Reference! The German company Krause is one of the world leaders in the production of such equipment, which guarantees strict quality control at each stage of production. All products meet the necessary safety and reliability requirements, which is confirmed by numerous tests, certificates of conformity and customer reviews.
- Warehouses, shops, libraries - in general, those places where you often have to remove and arrange boxes, goods, books from high shelves. For this purpose, the Krause SIBILO ladder with high working height or the telescopic model is suitable.
- Household tasks.A conventional metal ladder - compact, lightweight, but reliable nonetheless - will do a great job. If we consider the products of the same German company Krause as an example, we advise you to pay attention to the model range of the Krause Corda series.
The next thing to consider when buying a staircase is comfort and safety. When choosing a model, do not forget to look at the quality, properties and features of the product:
- Reliable build. All fasteners must be strong, and the "parallel-perpendicularity" of the racks and steps is strictly observed. Check that the steps do not move or sag under load. There should be no chipping on the details of the structure, their surface is well processed. The protruding parts and attachment points are covered with plastic pads so that it is impossible to scratch or tear clothes.
- Convenient rise. As a rule, the distance between the steps is about 28-34 cm (no more) - this is the normal average step of a person climbing stairs. All rungs should be grooved so that your feet do not slip off.
- Excellent stability on any surface. Check - the supports (guide profiles) must have plastic "shoes" for secure installation on a smooth floor, or pointed tips for easy entry into the soil (in the case of work outside the house).
Last but not least, what you need to do before buying is to calculate the optimal working height of the ladder. That is, that point above ground level, to which a person standing on this structure will need to reach. Usually, manufacturers and dealers indicate this figure in the cards for goods, but there it is calculated for people of average height.
Output
So, we examined the types of attached aluminum ladders that exist today, told which model would suit a librarian, and which one would suit an electrician or a gardener. You also learned about the quality indicators of these devices and the calculation of the optimal working height (also find out how the balusters of wooden stairs are fastened).
Now it's easy to choose the right model for you! And in the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.
