Billboard Insider is running a series on what to do with old monopoles. On Monday Jeremy Mattson reviewed when to scrap, re-engineer or refurbish monopoles.  Today All Steel Structures President Ted Bratsos talks about whether you can reuse an old billboard structure.

I often get asked whether an old monopole structure can be reused once it’s been taken down. The short answer: it depends — but in most cases, it’s not worth it.

The first question is how old is the structure? Engineering standards, materials, and code requirements have changed a lot over the years. Any time a sign is relocated or reinstalled, it needs to be brought into compliance with current codes. That process can get expensive fast.

Here are some key issues to consider:

• Do you really know what you have?
  Many older structures lack proper documentation or as-built drawings. Without those, verifying dimensions, welds, or materials becomes a guessing game.
• What grade of steel was used?
  Steel grades and design standards have evolved. Older poles might not meet today’s strength or ductility requirements.
• What’s required to bring it into compliance?
  Refurbishing typically means re-engineering, inspecting welds, repairing corrosion, and replacing parts as needed.

It’s also important to remember that most older signs were not designed for digital faces. If there’s any chance you’ll want to install digital displays at the new location, the upgrades required to meet those higher load demands can push the costs past a total replacement.

When all the work is factored in, the cost to refurbish an old structure is often very close to — or even greater than — the cost to fabricate and install a new one. A new structure also gives you certified materials, code compliance, and a much longer service life.

In short: while reusing an old monopole might seem economical at first glance, it rarely makes financial or structural sense in the long run.

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