What causes the deterioration and degradation of utility poles?

Doug Reeves
There are around 150 million utility poles across the United States, responsible for supporting the country’s high voltage electricity supply cables. Wood remains the material of choice for the production of utility poles due to its durability and sustainability. It is also a renewable resource.

However, wood is susceptible to deterioration due to exposure to several different factors, both biotic and abiotic. Biotic threats include termites, woodpeckers and fungal growths. Abiotic ones range from exposure to UV rays, water, chemicals and extreme temperatures. Over time, a combination of all or some of these factors can lead even the best-treated and preserved poles to start degrading.  

Are aging utility poles dangerous?

Wood is naturally inclined to rot and deteriorate over time. When wooden poles deteriorate and start to lose their integrity, they can become a significant hazard. If a rotting pole should collapse, it can cause both injury and property damage, not to mention exposing people on the ground to high-voltage cables. For this reason, utility providers must keep up a rigorous maintenance schedule to ensure that poles stand strong and firm for years. When poles become unfeasible, they must be replaced as a matter of urgency. 



How can the life of a wood utility pole be extended?



Thankfully, with regular maintenance and the right repair products, the lives of wooden utility poles can be extended. Not only that, but poles that are in dire disrepair, as a result of bird or insect attacks or prolonged exposure to the weather, can be restored to pristine condition using products such as GRA Services’ Timberbond. 


Timberbond easily and quickly repairs holes left by woodpeckers or termites, and can also be used to create a robust, watertight seal on the pole cap. 


For more information on Timberbond and our other utility pole installation, care and maintenance products, such as Secure Set contact us.