I work on decade old aluminum ladders on a daily basis, I fail to see how wooden ladders last longer under regular conditions. An aluminum ladder conducts elec

I work on decade old aluminum ladders on a daily basis, I fail to see how wooden ladders last longer under regular conditions. An aluminum ladder conducts electricity, but also conducts heat. I let a ladder on a black shingle roof one day in the middle of summer and I had to get gloves to hold it long enough to literally throw it off the roof. > "You don't want to use a 50-foot lightweight aluminum ladder in heavy winds -- it's too dangerous," Cohane said. Can and do, but fixing the feet and using tie-offs isn't exactly practical for firefighters. > The largest ladder they make is 50 feet, weighs 350 pounds and takes six firefighters to lift. Compare this to the largest ladder we use, which is IIRC 40 feet and is easily moved by one man if done properly (we've had guys fall with them before).