A ladder I-beam is most commonly made of which material?

The most common material for a ladder I-beam is aluminum. Aluminum is favored in fire service applications due to its lightweight properties, which make it easier for firefighters to handle during emergencies. It also has excellent strength-to-weight ratios, allowing it to support significant loads while remaining manageable. Additionally, aluminum has good corrosion resistance, which is essential for equipment that may be exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

Fiberglass, while also used in the construction of ladders, is more commonly found in non-conductive ladders for electrical work, where insulation from electrical currents is crucial. Wood and steel have their uses in various applications, but they come with drawbacks in weight and susceptibility to environmental wear or corrosion. Hence, aluminum is typically chosen for I-beam ladders to balance strength, weight, and durability effectively.