I'm sure many of us have experienced the frustration of having a concrete pole crack or suffer damage. Whether it's a fence post, a decorative square base, or a concrete base, it's important to know how to repair these issues. In this article, we'll discuss the steps you need to take to repair cracks in concrete poles and ensure the longevity of your project. The first step is to identify the source of the damage. If there is a concrete base, you'll want to dig a new post hole right next to the old one.
The old pole can be cut one or two inches above the ground. Next, you need to remove the pole. You can move the pole without concrete and lift it with the help of an assistant. Then, the hole should be cleaned while making sure that the fence is plumbed. Once you've identified the source of the damage, you'll need to fill it with an epoxy putty.
Activate the epoxy putty and fill the damaged hole, crack or corner with it. Press as much epoxy as possible into the area. If the pole has a decorative square base and has damage, try to form the epoxy in the shape of the square. Use a towel to soften the epoxy and press it inward to fill the crack.
Allow the epoxy to sit for at least two hours. If there is a concrete base, you'll want to make sure that it is mixed correctly. All brands of ready-mix concrete are different, so read the bag for the proportions of water to concrete mix. When using concrete tools, such as a manual concrete mixer, it is important to follow all instructions that are included for both the mixer and the concrete mix itself. It's also important to make sure that your post holes are wide enough for 4x4 poles and deep enough for your project. Coating the bottom of the pole with a water-repellent preservative will also ensure its longevity.
If your door is six feet high, its posts should be 3 feet on the ground before adding concrete. Sometimes these problems will not manifest themselves until later, once the concrete has been exposed to elements for a certain period of time. The most common examples of damage to concrete poles are holes, cracks and damaged corners if the pole has a square base. In order to prevent future damage, you can shore up your fence on all sides of the bad post and place blocks under its rails. You can also insert shims into existing concrete on all sides of the pole if its base is still strong but its pole has rotted or shrunk. Finally, if there are tight joints between your pole and its base, you can trim them to level with concrete and then apply a transparent silicone putty bead to seal them. Damaged concrete poles can cause serious structural problems that cost hundreds of dollars to repair. With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your project lasts for years without any issues.
