Under which conditions do natural fiber ropes deteriorate with age?

Natural fiber ropes, such as those made from manila or sisal, will inevitably deteriorate over time due to their organic composition, regardless of storage conditions. This deterioration is primarily a result of factors like exposure to moisture, sunlight, and environmental elements, which can lead to the weakening of the fibers themselves as they age.

Even when stored properly, natural fibers can suffer from intrinsic factors like dry rot, which occurs due to a lack of moisture, and slow degradation caused by UV light if the ropes are exposed even occasionally. Additionally, natural ropes can absorb moisture and promote microbial growth, which can weaken the fibers over time.

In contrast, while improper storage such as keeping them wet, allowing mildew growth, or running them over rough surfaces will certainly accelerate the decay process, the fundamental property of natural fibers is that they age and deteriorate gradually even under optimal conditions. This understanding is crucial for maintaining safety and effectiveness in fire service operations where rope integrity is vital.