When should utility poles be repaired or replaced?

Utility poles provide power to homes and businesses, but sometimes, they need to be repaired. These poles carry electrical wires, such as telephones and fiber optic cables, above ground. If you have any of these structures located on your property, it is essential to be aware of their condition. Any damage could present a severe safety hazard to your property and passersby. There are a few telltale signs that can inform you when it is time to repair or replace a utility pole. Fortunately, some of those signs are visible and easy to spot.

Signs of utility pole damage

Here are some of the most common signs that indicate the need for a utility pole repair or replacement.

1. Decaying wood:

Wooden utility poles are susceptible to deterioration from insect infestations such as termites, weathering elements such as rain or snow, as well as damage from woodpeckers. If the wood shows signs of decay, it is vital to contact a hole drilling contractor as they can drill beneath the surface of the pole to look for any signs of insect infestations and replace the pole if necessary.

2. Leaning pole:

If the utility pole is leaning at an angle, this is a significant safety hazard. A severe storm could cause the pole to fall, which may cause damage to your property or injure a person. To prevent such a disaster from occurring, place warning tape around the structure to warn passersby of its fragility and schedule a pole repair or replacement immediately.

3. Power line decay:

If the electrical wires' insulation begins to decay, this increases the risk of severe electrical hazard. When these wires become exposed, the electrical currents will travel to nearby metal objects, such as manhole covers and fire hydrants. Touching this surface, especially in a storm, can deliver a life-threatening voltage shock. Look out for exposed electrical wires, and be sure to warn surrounding property owners while the pole is scheduled for maintenance.

Fiberglass Repair System for wooden utility poles

Wood utility poles make up around 60% of a utility company's assets. Wooden poles can be expensive to replace, and damage to these poles can be costly to repair. The Fiberglass Repair System (FRS) is a cost-effective fiberglass repair sleeve used to extend the life of damaged wooden utility poles. FRS sleeves are available in 4-foot, 6-foot, and 8-foot lengths. These versatile sleeves are wrapped around damaged wooden poles and then strapped in place. FRS is quick and easy to install and requires limited installation tools, saving both time and money.

Concrete Products Repair for concrete utility poles

Besides utility power usage, concrete poles are often used for traffic signs, streetlights, and public safety equipment. As with any structures exposed to the environment, the damage is inevitable. However, municipalities and utility companies can easily repair concrete utility poles with Concrete Products Repair (CPR), our versatile product for repairing various types of damaged concrete. CPR is a high-strength, two-component formula that is the easiest and strongest structural repair and restoration solution for concrete infrastructure.

When to replace

The most obvious way to know if you are due to replace a pole is when it is no longer functioning correctly due to age. When a utility pole is nearing the end of its lifespan, you may notice intermittent outages or sagging wires. If you experience these types of activity for a prolonged period, it may be best to replace the pole. When a utility pole appears excessively dry, cracked, chipped, or gutted, it is ripe for replacing. Severe deterioration may not only affect performance but can also be hazardous if it eventually starts splintering and collapsing. Another easily noticeable mark of a utility pole ready for replacement is if it leans excessively. Leaning poles are especially dangerous as they are more prone to snap during wind or rainstorms. They are also more likely to make contact with greenery or nearby structures, increasing the chances of a fire.

Utility pole repair and maintenance are essential to prevent the costly replacement of utility poles. When it is time to repair or replace utility poles on your property, turn to GRA Services for superior adhesion and utility pole repair products; contact us today.