Harsh winter conditions can take a toll on outdoor streetlights. As the spring season approaches, it is imperative to plan for the inspection of your street light poles and detect any damages the winter season has caused. High winds, vibrations, moisture, and road salts are all extremely harmful to outdoor lamp posts.
While determining winter damage, remember that the base of the light pole suffers the most exposure to the elements that cause deterioration. The wear on the base covers allows moisture to seep into the bottom of the light pole and affects the structural integrity, which is why a seasonal inspection is crucial.
Typically, the paint lifts and peels due to wet conditions, causing rust and corrosion. The poles must be sanded, primed, and painted to minimize hazards and potential failures. The traditional base covers made of steel, cast iron, or cast aluminum can be difficult to work with when inspecting or replacing them due to their weight.
Elements to Look for in Seasonal Inspections
When performing a seasonal inspection on outdoor light poles, it is imperative to pay close attention to the following:
- Pole shaft for signs of rust, corrosion, dents, or any other conditions that may compromise the pole’s structural integrity
- Brackets, arms, luminaires, and welds for the sign of metal fatigue
- Handhole, base, and bolt covers for signs of degradation or any missing or loose parts
- Electrical equipment for signs of corrosion, check for stray voltage
- Entire unit for signs of vibration, such as noise or humming in the pole and visual movement
Preventive Solutions to Skyrocketing Maintenance Costs
With rising global temperatures and the onset of drastic climatic changes, the need for sustainable solutions has gone up. TerraCast® Products manufactures light pole base covers and various decorative products made with resin material to help protect your street light poles from exterior elements. Here are some notable facts about the resin we use:
- Our proprietary LLDPE resin is non-porous and is not affected by moisture. It will never rust or corrode and is easier to work with on-site because it’s lightweight.
- Our decorative light pole base covers are a fantastic resource for educational facilities, commercial establishments, and historical sites because they have little to no maintenance needs and will last well over ten years.
- Resin does not conduct electricity, making our products safer and reducing stray voltage risk. Compared to conventional options like wood and metal, our resin is far more outperforming and safe in many regards.
Slipover Sleeve and Fluted Pole Sleeve
A slip-over sleeve, also known as a slip-over luminaire or a slip-on luminaire, is a lighting fixture that is designed to be mounted onto an existing pole or post. On the other hand, a fluted pole sleeve refers to the decorative or protective sleeve that is installed over an electric light pole. They are perfect for adding extra protection to the pole’s surface.
Slipover Sleeve works for a smooth, straight round pole with a 3″ outer diameter, while the Fluted Sleeve works for a 10″ outer diameter pole. The pole sleeves add protection against harmful UV rays and other damaging exterior elements and eliminate the painting and refinishing needs of the pole altogether.
Preserving the Environment with Resin Products
TerraCast® (originally RotoCast®), has been in the business since 1969 and as an American-owned company, is dedicated to preserving the environment by using sustainable materials in the manufacturing process. Our offerings include planters, site furnishings, light pole bases, small cell concealment, and more, made from up to 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials. Give us a call today to learn more about our products!