04-27-2020
When choosing a light pole, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is about the material – do you need steel or aluminum poles? Which is better for your project and your budget? Is aesthetic important? Are there harsh weather conditions to consider?
Here are a few things to consider.
Steel Poles
If you need strong and sturdy, steel poles are the perfect option. They can withstand larger and heavier loadings from fixtures, flags, banners, brackets, and accessories. And their baseplates are more easily modified to fit existing anchorage.
However, while steel poles are known for their strength, their finish does tend to lack the endurance of an aluminum pole due to the natural corrosiveness of the material. Steel eventually rusts over time, which could lead to higher maintenance costs. That said, there are several ways to ensure that you get the longevity of the finish you desire on a steel structure. And at Lyte Poles, we offer several warranty options to keep your poles looking brand new, saving you the cost of buying new light poles.
Aluminum Poles
If you’re looking for a pole with a longer-lasting finish that requires less maintenance, choose aluminum poles. Since they’re corrosion-resistant, they handle wear and tear better than steel. These poles are lighter, too. So, they’re easier to unload at a job site. They’re also recyclable, so when you do replace them decades from now, you can have them recycled and help protect the environment.
While you’ll enjoy their endurance, aluminum has less strength than steel, so it can’t hold as much EPA, or effective projected area, which is the area of the pole that is “loaded” by the wind. There also isn’t much flexibility when trying to match existing anchorage since the bases are all “cast” bases, which means you have limited options for bolt circles.
At the end of the day, it all depends on what you need for your project. Strength, durability, and maintenance are all important factors to consider. At Lyte Poles, we can help you weigh your options and choose the right poles.
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