the vinyl coated aluminum is bubbling from the pressure treated lumber, how do I rewrap that post?

Question

Can I seal the pressure treated lumber so the chemicals dont seep out through the vinyl coated aluminum again?

Answer 1

I answered this question from a different perspective, not knowing the pressure treated lumber may be the culprit.

The newer treated lumber often has a lot of copper in it, and can react badly to aluminum. You won't need to seal the lumber, that may not work long term. Try wrapping the wood posts in some house wrap like Tyvek or even 15# roofing paper before installing the aluminum trim. This will make a permanent and water resistant barrier between the treated lumber and the aluminum.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Mr Dav is right, it is a chemical reaction between the copper of the pressure treated wood and the aluminum. Housewrap or thin roofing felt is the way to go. Wash your hands after messing with pressure treated wood, it also has pesticides in it.

Answer 3

If you can save the vinyl....drill some small holes (1/8") at the top and bottom of each side of the post(2 per side, centered).....the wood needs air flowing around to to prevent it from sweating. Sealing the PT with an oil primer will help too....don't forget to hit the top really well, because the end-grain is the door to moisture.

Answer 4

this is normal, especially when the posts dry in place, or under pressure. As for repair, unless they're structural members, there's really no need, though replacement is probably the only way. As for prevention of future cracking, get a good water-sealing compound (like Thompson's water sealer. This helps prevent the swelling and shrinking of temperature and moisture changes.

Answer 5

I agree with mrdav 76.

Answer 6

Yet one more example of how vinyl is EVIL; paint everything!!!

Answer 7

Some good answers here.