How to strengthen a vinyl Fence post?
I have to replace two fence posts for a customer. They are vinyl 5×5 and the fence is of a basket weave design. I can up load a photo later but the slats slide into the post.
The slits that they slide into are cut on the sides of the post 1/4 of an inch from the post face.
The slits alternate so the first is toward the front of the post the second up one and toward the back of the post. Thus creating the basket weave and a solid wall. This fence is a bit taller then I would like almost 6’6.
What happened is a wind storm of 50 mph caused the post to crack at the first slat. So in setting the new post I would like to reinforce it. But how? The slats slide in so something solid won’t work.
The supply house has something called z metal but that is 70.00 a stick have not seen it, just talked on the phone with them. They say it will do the job but wow.
Any one any thoughts on something cheaper?
Could fill with concrete but that is a lot of crete!
Replies
You could sink a tubular fence post (for chain link) same diameter as the ID of the post. Corners would still be free for slats penetration. If the tubular fence post is too small diameter, you could drop a sleeve of 4" ABS or PVC over it. If that's not big enough diameter, put an ABS coupling at the top.
Maybe just an ABS or PVC cap large enough to fit the inside of the vinyl post with a succession of smaller diameter bushings or couplings to reduce ID to fit on the top of a 2" tubular steel post.
BruceT
Edited 5/5/2009 11:08 pm by brucet9
I have put my boards in the slats and then slid rebar in and mixed my concrete thin and used an orange pylon as a funnel.
You have to pour concrete and rebar for gate posts but they use adjustable eyebolts with pvc pipe sleeves.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Good suggestions to both, but problem may be solved. I called around some more. Not too many fence suppliers in my area for vinyl. But I found a second supplier their z metal is 16.00. So I called the first supplier back thinking they made a mistake. They did It is not 70.00 but 54.00. So It looks like one town over to save a bunch. I like the chain link post Idea, and again concrete is good too but that is a lot for an 8 foot post, total fill.Thanks guys.Wallyo
strengthen vinyl posts
you've got a couple options, for the cheaper option you could fill it up with concrete and rebar (i wouldn't couch for this because I've seen vinyl posts crack because expansion of cement) or you could get something called a post stiffner. its an aluminum insert that you insert in the post and screw it into the post, you could find them online from http://www.deckandfencestore.com or I think home depot/lowes has something like that