I have acquired 15 sections of Rohn 25G from a Silent Key. The tower was standing for 30 or more years and has some rust issues. I do not plan on erecting the whole thing, but I would like to put up 80 feet or so.
I do have an antenna installer helping me. He has been working on them for 30+ years and he is ensuring that we take our time and observe all structural and safety rules. He has assured me that the rust on the tower sections are not going to affect the structural integrity.
The other posts here give me some really good information on tower placement, grounding, base installation etc - and I see that there is a lot to consider before we start any assembly. I plan to rely on the installer for those items. The only part that is on me is making sure the rust is removed and the sections are painted. That is what my question is about today. I've heard a lot of different opinions on the local repeaters, so I wanted to get some views from the site here.
The wire brush/cold galvanizing spray route seems like an easy way to go, but it isn't terribly cheap. I estimate that it will take 1 1/2 cans of Rustoleum Cold Galvanizing Spray per section, and those cans are $10 each at Lowe's. How does that compare to the cost of having a section Hot Dipped? I've found one place in Birmingham, AL that does that, but they haven't gotten back to me with a price yet. Someone on the repeater guessed it would be $30 a section, but I don't know if that is accurate.
Plus, if $15 worth of Cold Galvanizing Spray gives it good coverage - is that enough? I would assume after reading the site here that there is as much or more rust on the inside as there is on the outside. Would the Hot Dip be better overall insurance?
I don't want to go overboard on cost if there is no reason for it, but even more than that I do not want to compromise on safety and integrity of the structure. Any help is appreciated!
Kyle
I do have an antenna installer helping me. He has been working on them for 30+ years and he is ensuring that we take our time and observe all structural and safety rules. He has assured me that the rust on the tower sections are not going to affect the structural integrity.
The other posts here give me some really good information on tower placement, grounding, base installation etc - and I see that there is a lot to consider before we start any assembly. I plan to rely on the installer for those items. The only part that is on me is making sure the rust is removed and the sections are painted. That is what my question is about today. I've heard a lot of different opinions on the local repeaters, so I wanted to get some views from the site here.
The wire brush/cold galvanizing spray route seems like an easy way to go, but it isn't terribly cheap. I estimate that it will take 1 1/2 cans of Rustoleum Cold Galvanizing Spray per section, and those cans are $10 each at Lowe's. How does that compare to the cost of having a section Hot Dipped? I've found one place in Birmingham, AL that does that, but they haven't gotten back to me with a price yet. Someone on the repeater guessed it would be $30 a section, but I don't know if that is accurate.
Plus, if $15 worth of Cold Galvanizing Spray gives it good coverage - is that enough? I would assume after reading the site here that there is as much or more rust on the inside as there is on the outside. Would the Hot Dip be better overall insurance?
I don't want to go overboard on cost if there is no reason for it, but even more than that I do not want to compromise on safety and integrity of the structure. Any help is appreciated!
Kyle