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We use both typical extension ladders and Alaco sectionals.
They are used for different purposes. At times you may need a one-foot increment that is not possible with a sectional.
Also, with an extension ladder, you can use a stabilizer bar to get a bit further away from the glass, and to avoid resting a ladder on rain gutters.
Often it seems to be a matter of personal preference.
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I use an alaco sectional everyday now. I use to carry my extention ladder all the time until I got use to the sectional. I feel safer on it. You can’t really use it without 3 points of contact … If your going to buy one I suggest getting the 4, 5 , and 6 ft middle sections & an 8 ft top. The 8 ft top can be used by itself in a lot of situations. They are more versatile & take a little getting use to.
I think sectional ladders are the way to go up to around 24 feet. A regular extention ladder is going to be easier to manage in the 30 ft. height situations. I agree having a 4 & 5 foot section in your set will improve versatility when you want a couple more feet on height. Is the 8 foot top section more difficult to manage inside a customers home than a standard 6 ft. top?
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Back in the day a set of sectionals was 5 and 1/2 sections. That’s 5 six ft. and one 4 footer, 29 feet in all. Because of law suites the manufacture recommends only going up 21 feet. It does get much more difficult to set them up higher than 24 feet. I wouldn’t trust a rookie with more than 3 1/2 pieces.
We have both types… Our guys dread using the stacks… Everyone prefers the extensions… They just seem to be quicker.
I would expect someone who isn’t comfortable using stack ladders to dread useing them. There is a learning curve. I have read that the guys who take the time to learn how to use stack ladders do not even carry extentions on the truck anymore. I don’t. I have 4 1/2 pieces and a 2 ft step ladder. They were invented and designed for the professional window cleaner.
I can definitely see the advantages of stack ladders but the extra space they take up in the vehicle and the cost have stopped me from getting any. Plus I use a Little Giant knockoff and have no problems using it inside or out.
All that aside I had a chance several years ago to buy a set of wooden stacks and kick myself everyday for not getting them. 
I don’t have an 8 ft top…I wish I could get a hold of one, but their out of stock. I usually use my 6 ft top & a 4 ft middle with pads on the bottom of the middle piece…but a lot of times those two sections will land you in the middle of the glass, about a ft. too high.
That’s why the 8 ft. middle is so useful by itself. all you need to protect bottom, is a set of ladder stoppers.
You can get more reach on transoms…saves you from extra ladder placements. Getting behind a hedge, rose bushes, you can place it in front of furniture…
I dont use them. I like my gorilla ladder, got a stabilizer for it too. I can use it on the insides for high interiors and windows over spiral staircases too.
Anyone using this service that also has good web presence with their own website. They are about $79 a month.
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I like using the Alaco. Three eight foot sections. My guys complain about the stacking and will always try to use an extension ladder first. Stacking takes some practice but I can move a lot faster with sections.
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Still learning how to get around on this forum. Thought I was starting a new thread…oops !
I use extension ladder only, but really want to but sectionals for interior work. I use a van so space is not a huge issue, but price is right now.
Let one go away on eBay and like Tony I regret that moment every time that I have a complicated inside window.
For the ones that own sectionals …where is the best place to get 'em ? I don’t so used ones around. Dr. Phil had a set for sale but when I saw the ad they were sold already.
Try a local ladder supply store… We have one about an hour away from us, where we got ours sets…
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]It is more important to have 4 and a 5 foot middle section in your set for inside work than it is on the outside. Especially when you ladder up for a sky light. I use orange ladder mitts on the feet for inside work. The feet on my base section have teeth and sharp edges that make me nervous inside a home. I use a middle section as a base inside with the mitts. Probably not OSHA approved. You can flip a sectional upside down when you ladder up in a staircase. I have gone up 2 or 3 pieces with no problem. I have levelok ladder levelers on my base section but prefer to flip the ladder inside a home.[/FONT][/COLOR] 
PS
I got my sec
colker co. pittsburgh
412-391-1955
I am surprised that more people are not talking about sectional ladders here. On other forums it seems like everyone uses them. Very very few people go back to extention ladders once they get use to sectionals. For window cleaning it’s the only way to go, but there is a BIG LEARNING CURVE.
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If I had a company with more than 2 crews the new people would all have extention ladders. The learning curve for sectionals is their only draw back in my opinion.
