David J wrote:
My trusty aluminium extending ladder has lasted at least 20 years, and
is still in very good order - except that the rubber/plastic 'buffers'
at the ladder ends have begun to deteriorate. These help grip the
walls at the top, and the ground at the bottom, so they do contribute
to safety of the ladder unit in use.

Can replacement buffers be obtained from the ladder manufacturers?

Obviously that will depend on the manufacturer, won't it: and what
better way to find out than to ask them?

I think for anything 20 years old you're going to be lucky, though.

David