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I am a contractor building a pole barn and am concerned with losing longevity due to rotting timbers below grade. Conventional methods of preservation would include using treated lumber, which has a life expectancy of around 50 years, which is not long enough.
I have considered using tar, linseed oil, tar paper, or tamped gravel around the base of the poles in addition to the use of treated lumber to aid in preservation; also I have heard of an above ground alternative that consists of using cylindrical cement pylons which would reach below frost level in the ground and support each pole a few inches above grade.
Does anyone out there have any experience dealing with either of these methods, or have any “evidence” of structures built a long time ago which are still standing and in good condition today?
Also, if you have any advice on a method I have not considered which you feel would benefit better than the above, please let me know.
Replies
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I am a contractor building a pole barn and am concerned with losing longevity due to rotting timbers below grade. Conventional methods of preservation would include using treated lumber, which has a life expectancy of around 50 years, which is not long enough.
I have considered using tar, linseed oil, tar paper, or tamped gravel around the base of the poles in addition to the use of treated lumber to aid in preservation; also I have heard of an above ground alternative that consists of using cylindrical cement pylons which would reach below frost level in the ground and support each pole a few inches above grade.
Does anyone out there have any experience dealing with either of these methods, or have any "evidence" of structures built a long time ago which are still standing and in good condition today?
Also, if you have any advice on a method I have not considered which you feel would benefit better than the above, please let me know.