Stopping top of fence posts rotting with flashing tape

worded

Peal off self adhesive flashing bostic tape is very versatile I find

Would this work at the top of square fence posts or cause the wood to not be able to breath and cause issues ?

Thanks

Screenshot_2024-09-11-19-00-26-503-edit_com.android.chrome.jpg

10-10-20

If it's installed on the top few cm's of the post then it will be fine as the moisture will leave lower down. It's the base of the posts which rot quickest though.

Lumen

It should be enough to cut them at an angle so the water sheds. Some water will get wicked down but then just evaporate again.

Rows Grower

As above cut them at an angle, a dab of waste oil over them will help.

The Continental Op

Why waste your time? I've never had the top of a softwood post rot out before the bottom.

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122607687#Comment_122607687

Ours not to reason why, ours but to do and this thread die. 😎

worded

Posts were attached to a wall to increase height for fencing security (don't hit the soil or ground). Then hit and miss lats attached

Unfortunately they didn't cut tops at an angle. Good idea.

Some tops now starting to rot a cm or two, some are OK.

Some good tips there ... Thanks

The Continental Op

The other option which is a little expensive now a days but looks really nice is to use lead. Buy a roll and it can be cut and shaped to fit then nailed on the side. Copper if you can find an old tank is another options or just buy ready made fence post caps https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=galvanised+fence+post+cap

worded

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122608029#Comment_122608029

Sounds good. Thanks for the suggestions

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122608151#Comment_122608151

A bit flash, copper post caps!

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122609129#Comment_122609129

I've seen tin cans bashed out as post caps but that is a bit down market.

Mr321

No I wouldn't use the tape that stuff only likes sticking to clean solid surfaces.

Either lead as already mentioned. Damp course (DPC) stapled on or plastic bucket lids. First two would probably look the best around a house

worded

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122609468#Comment_122609468

Ive found the tape sticks to dry wooden surfaces. I will give it a try anyway and post back the results.

worded

On the subject of posts - whats the best trweatment for posts before they are being put in concrete in the ground?

Is soaking them in used oil a good idea like someone referred to earlier?

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122609485#Comment_122609485

There isn't a good treatment when they are being inserted into concrete, they retain damp and combined with the acidity of the concrete they rot quickly. The best solution is to not insert them and use stands/shoes instead.

https://www.goodwins.ie/post-hardware-for-80mm-3/c-3823.html

The Continental Op

Best wood preservative I've used and I use a lot on chicken runs and sheds is Protim 265 but they don't seem to be making it anymore. As a result I've been using this

https://justfunplaytowers.ie/product/3-in-1-wood-preserver-dark-brown/ there is also a green and a clear version

which is very similar and seems just as good - smells like it should kill everything and soaks in well - unlike the low odor water based preservatives which imo are rubbish.

GreeBo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122607822#Comment_122607822

If they are tight to the wall you might also have an issue with the back of the post rotting out, is the wall concrete?

After a dry spell I would probably seal the posts to the wall to prevent water getting behind.