The risk of a weakened wood utility pole

Doug Reeves
Wood utility poles are one of the mainstays of the country’s power supply infrastructure. As vital as they are, they also present several risk and maintenance problems. In fact, in certain circumstances, when they get weak, they can be quite dangerous. Let’s look at some of the dangers of wood utility poles, and possible solutions to help make them safe and extend their lifespans.

Why a wood utility pole can be dangerous

Wood is a strong, sturdy and versatile material, but it is also vulnerable to the elements. Over time, wood utility poles are exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, which will cause them to rot and deteriorate over time. Also, wood is a favorite target for birds, insects and fungi. Termite infestations are all too common, as are attacks from woodpeckers. All of these cause damage to the poles, weakening them and increasing the risk of collapse. A weak pole may struggle to remain standing in a bad storm or a heavy wind, possibly resulting in a fall which could cause damage or injury, and create a strong possibility of electrocution. 

When would I need to replace a weak utility pole?

Hopefully, your maintenance teams are maintaining and checking the poles regularly. Provided they are keeping the poles in good condition, you will not need to think about replacing them for anywhere between 30 and 40 years. However, if a pole has fallen into disrepair, and there are advanced signs of bird or insect attack, you may need to replace them immediately unless you can salvage it with an effective restoration solution.

Don’t wait until it’s too late: repair while you still can

GRA Services’ SecureSet is the perfect solution for keeping poles secure and upright throughout their lifespans. It is a strong and fast-setting foam that works better and lasts longer than compacted soil.. Regardless of the condition of your poles, SecureSet will keep them firmly in place. With your poles in a firm foundation, you can also restore them to strong and stable condition after weather, insect and bird attacks, using Timberbond.


Contact GRA Services for more information on our wood utility pole setting and repair products.

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