Pole Barn Post

[MadDog 80]

I have searched and read about how to deal with the ground contact part of the post. I'm familiar with the options, concrete/no concrete/post protectors/footing with earth backfill, etc. Alot of opinions, all good ones.

I'm in VA and have a well drained site. Leaning towards using concrete to fill hole, maybe post protectors but they are very pricey. Post are .80 treated.

Question- Has anyone ever tried or have thoughts on using any coatings on the ground contact area of the post. Something like rubberized roofing cement with fiber?

Thx-MD80

 

[yooperdave]

Concrete above the footing buys you nothing unless the builder is trying to develop a fixed end moment at the base - NOT.

The soil around the post should be granular - non-cohesive and well compacted. Many will hose down the holes afterwards to better consolidate the soil.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

 

[whistlepig]

When we poured the floor in my pole barn we drilled holes in the 6"x6" posts and ran a full length of rebar from post to post the width of the barn. Then we poured the concrete over the rebar.

 

[MadDog 80]

Concrete above the footing buys you nothing unless the builder is trying to develop a fixed end moment at the base - NOT.

The soil around the post should be granular - non-cohesive and well compacted. Many will hose down the holes afterwards to better consolidate the soil.

Good Luck

Yooper Dave

Do you think "Post Protectors" are worth considering? (Poly-something boots that fit over post at the hole end)

 

[SPIKER]

maddog:

the post protectors seem like a good idea until you consider that the posts held into the ground by friction and the sheer building weight. which with some wind loading can lift the building pretty easily. this is where the footing material that is compacted around the post will help hold the posts and building in place... this is what was posted above about granular material (rock crushed so it bites into the wood) is best fill. with sand & clay mist to help fill the voids..

Posts have been put into the dirt for a very long time, the .80 treatment is plenty enough. I say make sure you have good base under the post and good crushed rock gravel fill that is compacted around them and save the money for other nice to do items..

Mark

 

[dave1949]

Do you think "Post Protectors" are worth considering? (Poly-something boots that fit over post at the hole end)

Give me 20 years and I'll give you an answer

There is a sort of fringe type guy who builds very inexpensive houses based on pole construction. His method uses untreated poles, but he puts the hole end of the pole in a couple double-bagged heavy, black contractor garbage bags.

I think if you could keep moisture from getting into the mouth of the bags and collecting in the bags, it would be useful. That's where the duct tape comes in

It's a good question.
Dave.

 

[MarkV]

On going debate amongst builders and internet project doers in my mind. Building practices are generally dictated by regional practices. What is most common in your area? I do see that most professional national pole building companies lean towards a 16"x4" concrete base at the bottom of their posts with well tamped in backfill. What is right and what will last I am not sure. I have seen buildings that are 50 years old without concrete and the same with concrete. I believe the key is an elevated building site with good overhangs on the building that never lets water get to the posts.

MarkV

 

[MadDog 80]

I had a feeling this topic may have been around the block a few times. The problem I've had is right at ground level. I haven't had any problems lower in the ground.

That is why I was wondering if anyone had tried any of the rubberized/fiber sealers used on roofs, foundations, etc. They can be applied 3/16" thick. A footing is a must do thing.

The most common way in our area is.....................Both Ways!

 

[whistlepig]

I seem to be the odd one here. I have always set my treated fence poles in concrete. I did this 25 years ago. In fact, when we sold our old place, it was torn down to build a new hospital. I watched them destroy the place and looked at the 25 year old treated posts they dug up that were set in concrete. I could not see a single sign of these posts rotting. A friend of mine took most of these old fence posts, busted the concrete off of them, and reused them.

 

[dave1949]

I had a feeling this topic may have been around the block a few times. The problem I've had is right at ground level. I haven't had any problems lower in the ground.

That is why I was wondering if anyone had tried any of the rubberized/fiber sealers used on roofs, foundations, etc. They can be applied 3/16" thick. A footing is a must do thing.

The most common way in our area is.....................Both Ways!

At ground level is definitely where posts rot more frequently and sooner. It has to be related to the combination of adequate oxygen and water working together IMO. As MarkV says, good cover and drainage will keep them drier.

WhistlePig - how was your barn sited? High and dry or ?
Dave.