What is better an aluminum or fiberglass ladder? Why?

The truth of it is "wood", but it depends what dear old mom is doing...the aluminum is lightest.......but the worst in most cases, not all, the fiberglass is the best if you don't get to long......then it would be heavy for her. I love a good 3 legged wood ladder.....either a 6 or 7 foot. Fiberglass ladders for getting on roofs...........aluminum is good for getting on a roof, but you need one that is strong. Not a widow maker, shaky one. Good luck.......I'll pray for dear old mom:)

Fiberglass is an all-around safer ladder. All ladders have a weight rating, so take that into consideration as well. Fiberglass gives a little protection against electrical contact too. I've had my best luck with having a 4 foot and a 7 foot ladder in the house. The 4 foot one is easy enough that you will actually use it instead of standing on a chair, and the 7 footer is great for painting.

Fiberglass ladders are heavier, and more expensive. Aluminum are dangerous when used around electricity. After a while the fiberglass ladders start deteriorating and the fiberglass particles will start sticking in your skin and make you itch. I prefer a wooden stepladder over fiberglass or aluminum. Extension ladder- I choose aluminum because of the weight.

They are both good. When you set up a fiberglass ladder it sounds a little less "rattley" than aluminum. Aluminum will likely be lighter for your mom to carry. Just make sure its no longer than 7-8 feet in

length so mom can manoever it .

My vote goes to a fiberglass and/or a composite ladder

I like my fiberglass ladder because it is lightweight, sturdy, and has much better traction on the rungs than aluminum. And, because it's molded, it has holes for a hammer and screwdrivers, and a recessed tray to hold screws, paint, and whatever else will fit there. Thus, my ladder often plays toolbox when I'm in a hurry.

Fiberglass is much heavier, but stronger. The advantage of fiberglass is it is non-conductive so it's a lot safer around electricity. If she is not going to be working around electric wires, sawing into walls etc. aluminum is just fine.

As far as being safe, make sure the weight limit is correct. It will be listed on the ladder.

For a standard step ladder (6 feet high or less), aluminum is fine as long as you don't buy a super cheap one (you get what you pay for). It will be considerably lighter than a fiberglass ladder.

If she has managed so far with wood, either one will be an improvement. I've had a couple of fibreglass ones for years and like them a lot, used them a lot at work and at home and after 10 years the oldest one is still functioning perfectly. Aluminum has to be very good before it's any good at all, I think. They come with different weight ratings so check before you buy, and don't go too cheap. Mid-range weight rating and price will be good for general house stuff. 6 step is a good size, not too heavy, and allows you to reach ceilings easily unless you have very high ones. If you can find one with a fold-down tray for paint and stuff to sit on, that's very nice.

Aluminum is very strong and very lightweight. A full size aluminum ladder weighs around 25lbs or more.

Fiberglass because it doesn't conduct electricity and you won't get shocked,