Ladder stabilizers definitely deserve more attention—seen too many close calls myself. Regarding the fading, UV exposure is usually the culprit. If it's just cosmetic, no worries, but keep an eye out for brittleness or cracking...that's when you might have a real issue.
"Ladder stabilizers definitely deserve more attention—seen too many close calls myself."
Couldn't agree more on the stabilizers. I've seen a few sketchy moments myself, especially when the ground isn't perfectly level or it's wet from morning dew. Honestly, I wonder why they're not standard equipment by now... seems like a no-brainer. Also, about the UV fading—yeah, cosmetic fading isn't usually a big deal, but I've noticed that sometimes discoloration can mask deeper issues. Ever had shingles that looked fine at first glance but crumbled when you touched them? Sneaky stuff.
Good points on the stabilizers, though I'd argue they're not always practical—especially in tight spaces or around landscaping. Had a roofer recently who preferred adjustable feet instead... seemed pretty stable even on uneven ground. Curious if anyone else has tried those?
"Had a roofer recently who preferred adjustable feet instead... seemed pretty stable even on uneven ground."
That's an interesting observation—I haven't personally used adjustable feet for roofing, but I did try them out when building a deck last summer. The terrain was pretty uneven, and traditional stabilizers just weren't practical due to some tight corners and landscaping features. The adjustable feet turned out to be surprisingly effective; they allowed precise leveling without disturbing the surrounding plants or structures. I imagine they'd work similarly well for roofing tasks, especially in tight spots or uneven ground conditions.
Your roofer's preference makes sense to me, given my own experience. Stabilizers are great in open spaces, but sometimes you need something more adaptable. Good call bringing this up—it's always helpful to hear about alternative methods that might suit specific scenarios better.
Adjustable feet definitely have their moments, but honestly, I'd think twice before using them for roofing. I've used them plenty on decks and patios, and they're perfect for tweaking levels without wrecking your landscaping. But roofing is a whole different beast. You're dealing with safety at height, wind gusts, shifting weight—it's not just about stability on uneven ground.
I had a roofer come out last year who insisted on traditional stabilizers precisely because they're rigid and predictable. He argued that adjustable feet introduce too many moving parts, which means more potential points of failure. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable up there knowing my stability depends on something adjustable rather than fixed and solid. Maybe it's just me being cautious, but I like knowing that everything underfoot is as simple and sturdy as possible when I'm two stories up.
Not knocking your roofer's choice entirely—maybe he's found a solid brand or has a system he really trusts—but I'd definitely weigh the risks carefully before making that call myself.
