This summer we built a wood fence, using concrete at the base of our 4X4 pine beams. During the ensuing months, a few of the 4x4's have gotten long diagonal cracks in the them, some running in a jagged pattern from nearly top to bottom, mostly on one side of the beam. Should this concern us? Will the cracks keep going straight thru the 4X4's until they split in two?
2006-11-09 11:49:23 · 7 answers · asked by Stephanie S 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If the wood is the type that has been treated with preservative though out its entire cross section, the cracks should not be a problem. If it's the type that has been treated on the surface only, the cracks may expose some untreated wood to the elements. This will result in premature decay and eventual failure of the wood. You can identify which type of wood you have buy marking a cut through it to see of the wood treatment color goes all the way through; It is usually a gray or green color. If the wood is still white or yellow in the middle, it is treated on the outside only. The cracks as you describe is fairly common for wood located in the outdoors and it is mostly an aesthetic issue.
2006-11-09 12:10:28 · answer #1 · answered by my2cents 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you didn't use pressure-treated lumber, you will have to just get used to slowly replacing posts as the rot over the next few years. Pine 4 x 4's are cheap enough that replacing them isn't a big deal. It's possible the posts weren't dry when you put them in, or because they weren't treated before they went in, they are twisting and cracking due to the climate changes. If you don't want to replace the posts with pressure-treated (which I think is ugly anyway), then you can seal the posts where they go into the ground with an epoxy, and, either seal the top end grain, or cap it. Cracking and checking is very normal, and you only have to worry if it affects the strength of the joinery. And if it does, replace it, and do your best to prevent it from reoccurring.
2006-11-10 02:43:34 · answer #2 · answered by furniture_pc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water is causing the wood to warp and twist, creating cracks along the grain. If the cracks are too large they obviously will compromise the strength of the wood. You can prevent/reduce cracks by protecting the wood with a sealer of a coat of paint. Depending on where you live and the amount of rainfall, it may require a recoat every year. Putting caps on the tops of the posts will also add protection. The type of wood you used may not have been suitable for a fence. Standard pine is a soft wood for indoor use, southern yellow pine is better for outdoors. Most commonly cedar or treated wood are used in fence construction due to their water resistance.
2006-11-09 11:58:21 · answer #3 · answered by dantheman_028 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used pressure treated 4x4s when I put up a fence 20 years ago. There are lots of cracks in them, but the offensive line of the Denver Broncos couldn't knock them over.
2006-11-09 12:10:56 · answer #4 · answered by gtk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Split Fence Posts
2016-12-18 17:58:27 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not to worry. This is just a natural occurring thing in wood being exposed to outdoor temps over time. The cracks will not affect the integrity of your fence posts in the least. Hopefully you used pressure treated lumber for your project. I would think about putting a good coat of water repellent on it every few years also.
2006-11-09 11:59:13 · answer #6 · answered by steve-o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitaly! Dogs need secure fences. If you can't find out how she got out, you really should try the Invisible Fence. I think you'll be pleased with the results. Also, it's cheaper than a brand new fence. P.S. Try not to feel so bad about your poor doggie. Once she gets back home, she'll bounce right back and be her old self again.
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2016-04-16 08:39:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-01 18:50:28 · answer #8 · answered by jeanett 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are not likely to split completely. Cracking like you describe is normal as wood dries out. The posts were probably pretty green(wet) when you built your fence. I will say that pine is not the best choice for fences...it is quite soft and tends to rot quickly unless you treat the bottom of the posts.
2006-11-09 12:00:36 · answer #9 · answered by marlio 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2014-09-29 13:30:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋