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The Fence Post

The Frost Line and Your Fence Post

December 24, 2019 | by Joe Morrell

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Expansion

Frost heaves are caused by water that is drawn up through deep unfrozen soil to varying depths of frozen soil beneath ground level. A horizontal ice lens grows particularly in clay-type soil, collects below the frozen soil, and then expands as it freezes, slowly pushing soil, as well as rocks and debris, upwards.

graphic drawing about frost heaves science

                                                                                                   Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

What Lurks Below 

Certain types of soils are not a concern. Gravel and sandy soil are not susceptible to the exchange of moisture that create frost heaves. Very thick clay soil is also immune. Also, where frost only penetrates the soil an inch or two there is no need to be concerned about frost heaves, such as on the west coast and the southernmost parts of the U.S. 

However, where freezing goes deeply into the soil, your fence posts (and the footings of your deck) are subject to this upward pressure. The concrete in the fence post's base is an excellent conductor of heat and attracts moisture which can form an ice lens around the concrete base, rendering it susceptible to movement. A pressure-treated wooden post is not a good conductor of heat, particularly when wrapped with plastic or coated with tar; this helps prevent the up and down movement of the post. 

General Guidelines

Most likely, setting a post a couple of feet, and up to 5 feet, is required to offset this issue. Your local town building inspector probably has guidelines for the best depths for fence posts in your particular area. If you dig a hole that's wider at the top in a V shape, you'll have a problem. The smaller bottom of the hole will provide little resistance for the upward pressure of the moisture and what follows it. A hole dug in the shape of a bell (wider at the bottom) is better, fill it with:

  • concrete
  • gravel or gravel with masonry sand for good compaction
  • then tamp it down every six inches

Bring the concrete or fill within a few inches of ground level and fill the rest of the way up with tamped-down dirt. Concrete footers are the best bet for offsetting the pressure that works on the fence above the frost line. Some experts recommend an insulating pad of Styrofoam about 2 inches thick beneath the footer. However, when all is said and done, setting your posts at least 2 feet underground is a safe bet. 

Frost heaves can also push up plants and expose roots to damaging wind and cold, not to mention poorly prepared roads and sidewalks.

Here's a thorough going-over of the process with a variety of scenarios:  

 

Do you have expertise in your area on the subject of frost heaves? Please share your insights or recommendations below.

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Topics: concrete fence posts, wood post & rail fence, how to, posts, Fencing Tips

Concrete Fence Posts

November 30, 2009 | by Duncan Page

concrete posts & braces

Quite a Few Advantages

In a 1925 booklet, the Portland Cement Association praises the superior qualities of concrete fence posts. Apparently at that time these posts were becoming very popular for several reasons. Concrete posts:

  • become stronger with age
  • are not damaged by fireconcrete mailbox post
      • weeds along the fence line can be burned without damaging posts
  • are not affected by weather, insects or fungi
  • will not rot
      • reducing expense and time of replacement
  • are uniform in size and shape
      • easy to line up and set for an attractive appearance
  • stay put

Concrete fence posts are fairly easy to make. Their final shape will be determined by the molds used. Wood or metal molds are acceptable. At the time the booklet was printed, metal molds for posts were available to purchase. Reinforcement rods are required for strength.

Concrete posts were used extensively by some of the railroads for their right of way fences. Use by farmers quickly followed. They were recommended as ideal permanent posts for vineyards to support grapevines. It was claimed that they would outlast the vineyard.

concrete vineyard posts

Providing Style with Substance

Corner and gate posts were often made on site due to the increased size and weight required to resist the tension and bear the weight. Angle braces to give the fence rigidity can also be made of concrete.concrete gate post

It is possible to make elaborate and decorative posts. The forms or molds can be made with interesting angles. Laying small stones against the form face in the mold gives the posts an interesting texture.

Are concrete posts a thing of the past, when "Spare time can be profitably used in making them?"

Would attractive concrete posts be of interest today?

Would you want concrete posts surrounding your garden or property?

Here's a formidable woman setting some posts:

 

concrete posts along lane with field

 

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Topics: concrete fence posts

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