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Posted by SteveB on March 6, 2008, 12:58 pm
>> I received a bid for a cedar mod panel fence for about $23 per foot with
>> posts set in concrete.
>> For 10% more, they would put a metal pipe inside the posts and set the
>> pipe
>> in concrete. This is supposed to last longer. Has anyone any experience
>> with
>> this? I have to decide whether this upgrade is worth it. Some of my old
>> fence posts did break at the ground level due to moisture.
>
>
> Wood in contact with soil is the major cause of fence failure.
> Poor detailing that traps moisture & prevents the fence from drying is
> another significant cause.
>
> So the metal pipe will help a lot IF the bottom of the post is not in
> contact with the soil.
>
> If the bottom of the fence boards touch the soil, the will still be at
> risk for rot.
>
> What size pipe?
> And do they use other design details that will avoid rot / termites &
> extend fence life?
>
> An extra 10% seems pretty cheap to add a feature that will add a few
> years (at least) to the fence life.
>
>
> cheers
> Bob
The answers are yes, no, definitely, and maybe. I love it when someone
writes in here, and doesn't give a clue about what they are asking about or
where they live.
Meaning ........... what part of the country is this in? You said some of
them had rotted off, so I would ASS-U-ME that you live where rot is a
consideration. I live in Nevada and Utah, and fence posts lasts for decades
out in the worst of conditions.
I am a big fan of do it once, do it right. I would have the metal poles set
in concrete with a small wash on every one. A wash is a rounded top to the
concrete that keeps the water from pooling around the base of the pipe.
Have the wash extend a couple of inches above the soil line.
Fence post failure is a big PITA because you have to take down a lot to
change a fence post. And then you're back in the same position, ..........
wood or steel?
Do it once, do it right.
YMMV. You might be rich and have a lot of money and it doesn't matter. If
that's the case, please contact me at your earliest convenience as I have a
bridge for sale, and it is priced very reasonably. No qualifying, either.
Steve ;-)
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