The variety of ladders that exist and are successfully used in a particular area of human life is striking. However, aluminum staircases stand out as they are amazingly versatile structures. We'll talk about them, as well as other aluminum products that are successfully used in the creation of railings and fences, today.
Basic types and characteristics
There are many varieties of these products, which are classified according to the following types:
- application area;
- design feature;
- the size;
- additional functions.
Where and how are used
Aluminum universal ladders have various areas of application, among which it is worth highlighting the main ones.
- Carrying out repair and construction work, which includes the following:
- roof installation;
- facing work on walls and ceilings, including wallpapering, painting surfaces;
- fixing structures for various purposes at the level of the ceiling, roof, etc .;
- installation of electrical wiring, lamps, chandeliers, etc.
- Performing certain works in the garden and in the local area, personal plot:
- pruning trees;
- construction of fences;
- landscaping work;
- harvesting, etc.
Naturally, aluminum stairs are successfully used in various household needs, even if you live in an apartment, and not in a house:
- when replacing lighting fixtures and bulbs;
- cleaning things on the mezzanine, etc.
It should be noted that such ladders are also used in warehouses, libraries, shops.
Design features and size
The universal aluminum ladder is a simple structure, divided into several basic types.
Stepladders deserve mention first of all, since they are the most common and most often used for repair and domestic purposes. Stepladders are a folding L-shaped structure.
They are of two types:
- with the location of steps on one side;
- with the arrangement of steps on both sides.
The angle to which the ladder opens can vary, and therefore some models are equipped with an additional lock that will not allow the ladder to expand or move during its operation.
The next type of such structures is the simplest - this is an ordinary ladder, which must be leaned against a wall or other vertical surface. However, their height rarely exceeds more than three meters, since when this indicator is exceeded, their rigidity decreases, and operation becomes dangerous.
A special type is the so-called transformers or folding models. We can say that they perfectly combine the functions of the step-ladders described above and the attached models. If you need an aluminum ladder of 8 meters, choose the transformer model.
These models are divided into several types and are:
- two-section;
- three-section;
- four-section.
Each section has a certain number of steps. Depending on how high you plan to climb, a certain number of sections are used.
Each of which is equipped with certain details:
- hooks;
- special clamps;
- strong clamps.
This ensures reliable fixation of each section, which will not lead to its inadvertent closure during operation.
The most popular is the model with three sections, which is due to the following indicators:
- optimal maximum height;
- the ability to use at a different range of heights;
- optimal rigidity and reliability;
- multifunctionality.
Also worth noting are the construction hinged models with hooks. Such products are fixed on the surface strictly vertically by means of special hooks that are welded at the end of the ladder.
What to look for when choosing
It is worth noting that even a used aluminum ladder is characterized by increased strength and reliability. However, when choosing a specific model, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to what kind of loads it can withstand.
The optimal indicator for household models ranges from one hundred to one hundred and fifty kilograms. If the model is capable of withstanding a heavy load, then it can be safely attributed to professional construction ladders.
The second indicator that should be considered when choosing a product is its maximum height, which is determined by the distance from the bottom to the last step.
In particular, if we talk about height, the products have the following classification:
- up to one and a half meters - household models;
- up to three to four meters - construction and repair models;
- more than four meters (up to twenty) - professional and industrial models.
Naturally, the height largely depends on the number of steps, of which there can be only three or even twenty. It is recommended that each step has a grooved surface or raised bulges, which will provide additional safety for the person working on it - the foot will not slip.
Advice. Pay attention to the ends of the legs. They can be equipped with small rollers, metal tips, rubber pads. The first ones make it easy to move the structure along the floor, the second ones are used if the stairs are used on sand or soft ground, and the pads are needed so as not to scratch the floor covering.
If you need a universal aluminum ladder, pay attention to the presence of special fasteners and clamps that will ensure the safety of the working person.
In particular, models of any type - from household to professional - must be equipped with special devices:
- durable clamps;
- screeds that provide insurance;
- staples;
- belts preventing arbitrary unfolding.
Also, when choosing a ladder, pay attention to how exactly the steps are fixed - the safety and durability of the structure will depend on this indicator. If you want to purchase a really reliable ladder, then choose models in which the steps are depressed or rolled.
It is desirable that the width of the steps is equal to the thickness of the racks. However, it is better if, nevertheless, the steps are slightly wider than the racks - this will give more support to the foot and the legs will not be so tired.
Features of operation and maintenance of the structure
It is recommended to adhere to certain rules for the care of stairs:
- store only in a dry place;
- wipe if the ladder has been damp as a result of use;
- protect from sudden temperature changes;
- lubricate moving parts a little from time to time;
- periodically check the strength of the structure.
In this case, you can extend the life of the aluminum ladder, as well as identify possible problems in time.
Advice. If you purchase a truly branded ladder, then it will necessarily have a warranty period. Therefore, if problems arise with the performance of the product, damage is found or breakdowns occur, you can safely contact the service center of the company that developed and released the model you are using.
Not single ladders
However, aluminum is used not only for the manufacture of industrial, household stairs. It is also successfully used in the arrangement of the fences of ordinary stairs erected in a house or apartment.
Aluminum railing for stairs is the best option if you want the steps and marches in your house to be not only safe, but also have an incredible aesthetic appearance, which can be seen even in the photo.
Such designs have a lot of positive characteristics, among which the following should be highlighted:
- do not contain harmful volatile impurities;
- do not emit any volatile impurities under the influence of temperature and direct ultraviolet rays;
- perfectly tolerate temperature differences;
- perfect for any type of interiors - from economical to aristocratic.
Anodized designs
Aluminum stair rails are best made from anodized material.
This is due to its excellent performance properties, which allows it to be used in any conditions:
- in residential enclosed spaces;
- in industrial and warehouse premises;
- in office and public institutions;
- on the streets, etc.
The price of such structures is relatively low, but they are incredibly durable and reliable.
This is facilitated by a special anodized coating that can withstand:
- abrasion;
- mechanical damage of various types;
- long-term preservation of the original aesthetic properties.
Ease of installation
It should be noted that the aluminum stair railing is easy to install. It is easy to install it yourself.
In particular, the instruction provides for the following manipulations:
- individual structures are assembled using special screws and epoxy glue;
- the presence of special fittings allows you to create structures of various sizes and any shape.
Particular attention should be paid to balusters, which are covered with a thicker layer of coating, and an aluminum profile with a diameter of at least forty millimeters is used as a base, which guarantees increased strength and reliability of products.
Advice. In order for the balusters to have increased strength, it is recommended to choose models with a special rod installed inside the profile, at least five millimeters thick in diameter.
There are several options for attaching balusters, in particular, they stand out:
- installation on the base of the stairs;
- fastening to the side of the steps.
Aluminum handrails are also attached in different ways - either on balusters, or slightly to the side of them.
Various color options for the design of individual structural elements allows you to choose products that will fit optimally into the overall interior design.
The most popular and demanded parts are made in the following colors:
- silver matte and polished;
- gold matt and polished.
In conclusion
As you can see, aluminum is successfully used in the manufacture of durable durable construction and household stairs, as well as in the arrangement of ordinary marching or spiral staircases erected in private houses, apartments, public and office buildings.
In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic.
I always used stepladders as in photo 3, and always with aluminum ones they served more than iron ones and with fixators better than ordinary ones. I have my own house and garden. the ladder should always be at hand. it is convenient to use a stepladder not in all places, so sho I also bought myself an attachment, too, aluminum
I advise all owners of their own houses to buy shtob