Use and Care Manual

FIBERGLASS LADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL
2
Fiberglass ladder rail will weather, as will most materials, when exposed to an outdoor envi-
ronment. The degree of degradation of surface appearance will be accelerated by warm, moist
climates; areas of high humidity; and high solar ultraviolet (U.V.) radiation. Humidity has the
greatest effect on the degree of weathering.
VISUAL CHANGES THAT MAY OCCUR TO
FIBERGLASS FROM WEATHERING ARE:
1. Surface fiber appearance change — The increase in fiber prominence
due to resin erosion, fiber blooming, etc.
2. Apparent color change — The total effect in color change as a result of
resin yellowing, pigment fading, fiber whitening, etc.
3. Gloss loss — The change in glossiness or light reflection of the sample.
Ultraviolet light will cause oxidation of the polyester resins generally used in Fiberglass
Reinforced Plastic (FRP) ladders just as the oxidation of aluminum affects the metal’s surface.
The oxidation damage will result initially in loss of surface gloss and gradually in a chalky
appearance. After a period of time, which will vary by heat, humidity and chemical atmosphere
in the local environment, and without a surface veil (Werner ladders use a surface veil), the
reinforcing fibers may become exposed to the surface, resulting in a condition commonly
known as “fiber bloom”. Without a surface veil, this could occur in two to five years depending
on the severity of conditions.
ULTRAVIOLET (U.V.) DAMAGE (FROM SUNLIGHT)
Ultraviolet light will attack the polyester resin of an FRP ladder and will definitely
influence the aesthetic and, to a much lesser degree, the physical and electrical properties. The
degree to which each of these characteristics is influenced should be a key consideration.
“Fiber bloom” is mainly an aesthetic condition — not a structural one. Exposed glass fibers
due to UV damage do not reflect a significant loss in physical properties. Test programs insti-
tuted by producers to review structural property loss
due to U.V. exposure as a function of time
show only small losses of strength.
Surface weathering that occurs early in the life of a ladder can be a continuing
phenomenon that may result in “fiber blooming”. Should “fiber blooming” occur, the
fiberglass
will continue to show a worsening
appearance until the end user takes some action to alleviate
this condition. “Bloomed” fibers however, tend to shadow and
protect the surface of fiberglass
ladder rails against direct U.V. action to some degree.
If “fiber blooming” results from U.V. attack it can influence the electrical properties of an FRP
ladder rail. The roughened surface of a ladder rail is now free to pick up contamination such as
dirt or grease that can form an “electrical track”. Furthermore, exposed fibers can now provide
access for water or water vapor to penetrate the laminate. Absorbed water lowers the insula-
tion resistance of the rail and hence its value as an insulator.
If “fiber blooming” occurs, it may also cause the user some discomfort if exposed fibers
penetrate the skin. This is not serious, since it is only a temporary discomfort,
but it is very
annoying and the bloomed rail should be coated to eliminate the problem.
Washing and applying
skin lotion can relieve the discomfort, as long as repeated exposure is not encountered.
In an effort to combat resin degradation in the ladder rail, Werner Co. uses a U.V. inhibitor in the
resin system to retard this weathering phenomenon. This inhibitor alone cannot eliminate “fiber
bloom,” but does extend the potential service life. Coating materials used on a ladder rail extend the
period before fiber exposure is evident.
The Effects of Weathering on Fiberglass
Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Ladders