ch47dpilot
Gold Member
I'm currently starting the layout for a 24x36x14 pole barn. Here in Alabama the roof trusses are made from steel not wood(Dixieland Metals of Dothan Alabama - Manufacturers of Metal Roofing and Siding). The manufacture includes about 4 bags of ready mix for each pole. From the threads I've read here everyone says that concrete isn't good for back fill and it should be loose material, ie gravel, dirt ect. I have a few questions that someone could maybe answer.
1. Are we talking about treated or untreated post when people say they will rot in a few years if you use concrete in the complete hole? A book i bought says the complete concrete encapsulation is best to maximize side loads but they never talk about it reducing longevity.
2. Everyone seems to think the best way is to first lay about a 6' layer of concrete first before placing post in hole. If you first let the pad cure won't there be issues with the cold connection between pours. I would think water would wick between the 2 separate pours causing faster decay. If so is there anyway to minimize this? I was think of something like pour the pad dry, place pole in hole then wet just before I do the second pour, which would be mixed prior to going into hole.
3 To help protect the pole below grade has anyone heard or seen of using something in addition the the factory pressure treatment. I would think something like a roofing tar, waterproofing paint, or even some of the do-it-yourself bed liner would make an excellent protectant provide it adhers to the wood.
1. Are we talking about treated or untreated post when people say they will rot in a few years if you use concrete in the complete hole? A book i bought says the complete concrete encapsulation is best to maximize side loads but they never talk about it reducing longevity.
2. Everyone seems to think the best way is to first lay about a 6' layer of concrete first before placing post in hole. If you first let the pad cure won't there be issues with the cold connection between pours. I would think water would wick between the 2 separate pours causing faster decay. If so is there anyway to minimize this? I was think of something like pour the pad dry, place pole in hole then wet just before I do the second pour, which would be mixed prior to going into hole.
3 To help protect the pole below grade has anyone heard or seen of using something in addition the the factory pressure treatment. I would think something like a roofing tar, waterproofing paint, or even some of the do-it-yourself bed liner would make an excellent protectant provide it adhers to the wood.