Frequently Asked Questions
See below for important information to consider before specifying or purchasing steel polesHow long will galvanised poles last?
What painting system would suit my project?
For an architectural finish, GM Poles offers a range of paint and powder coated finishes. We are happy to discuss project specific paint systems with you, alternatively we offer the following standard finishes:
- Dual-coat powder system provides good durability in most environments and is guaranteed for adhesion and colour in non-coastal and non-industrial locations for 2 years
- Triple-coat powder system provides very good durability in most environments and is guaranteed for adhesion and colour in non-coastal and non-industrial locations for 5 years
- Standard colour, dual-coat marine paint system provides very good durability in most environments and is guaranteed for adhesion & colour in coastal locations for 7 years
- Metallic colour, triple-coat marine paint system provides very good durability in most environments and is guaranteed for adhesion and colour in coastal & industrial locations for 7 years
What do I need to install a pole?
What certification do councils require?
- Design certification for footings
- Inspection certification for footings
- Design certification for pole
- Inspection certification for pole
Check with your local council to see what building and/or planning approvals may be required for your proposed installation. They will also be able to advise you on what engineering certification and inspections are required.
What criteria is used to design poles?
Poles are designed to suit the location specific wind conditions as specified in the Building Code of Australia and the Australian Wind Code (AS/NZS 1170.2:2021). The most important criteria are:
- Importance Level: this addresses the consequence of failure of a structure, having regard for economic loss and/or loss of life.
- Wind Region, e.g. cyclonic, non-cyclonic: Australia is divided into four key regions, namely A, B, C & D.
- Terrain: structures and vegetation in the immediate vicinity (typically up to 2km radius) of the project location need to be considered when calculating the wind loading on a structure.
- Topography: the local topography (i.e. steep slopes, cliffs, etc.) can have a significant impact on the wind loading of a structure.
It is important that all criteria is considered by trained Sales staff to ensure that the structures can be certified by an engineer. GM Poles provides complimentary engineering certification for every product that we sell.
What information do I need to provide when requesting a quote?
Poles are designed to suit location specific wind conditions. The weight and sail area (dimensions) of everything going on the pole is also critical to calculating which pole will be structurally suitable.
Out trained Sales staff will require all of the following information in order to provide you a quote.
- Project Name
- Project location – (Used to determine the wind region and terrain category.)
- Height of poles
- Quantity required
- What is going on the pole – (Brand, model, dimension and weight are essential. Please also provide data sheets.)
- Are Outreaches required? – (Curved / Angled? Length required?)
- Painted or Galvanised finish?
It is important that all criteria is considered by our Sales staff to ensure that the structures are safe and can be certified by an engineer.
GM Poles provides complimentary engineering certification for every product that we sell.