Replies

1. 
   Danno | Oct 13, 2008 03:40am | #1

   Any really good fix I can think of would entail disturbing the asphalt a lot more than just digging holes. I guess I'd try just compacting gravel around the posts and hope the good drainage prevents frost heave (though, the clay at the bottom of the hole is not good). (Maybe pound a thick piece of reinforcing rod or pipe into the clay at the bottom of the hole--pound it in a foot or so and leave enough sticking out to provide a good amount to seat into a hole in the bottom of the post?)

   The re-rod may help prevent tipping--Maybe in conjunction with putting a concrete collar around them, with the collar of concrete resting on the asphalt? (or just under the surface).  Not sure of a good solution. I guess I'd just see how they come through a winter and if they tip, try something else!

1. 
   oldfred | Oct 13, 2008 04:32am | #3

   Danno,Thanks for your reply.
   I figure I may have to do this more than once. The neighbor had hung a cheap picket fence on steel posts, and I got sick of keeping it upright. Will probably use tamped gravel so I can get the posts out to fix 'em. But I too am concerned with the clay trapping water.
   Worth a try.... oldfred

   Edited 10/12/2008 9:33 pm ET by oldfred

2. 
   MikeSmith | Oct 13, 2008 03:42am | #2

   tamped gravel

    

   Mike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
1. 
   oldfred | Oct 13, 2008 04:36am | #4

   Mike,That's the way I'm leaning..... just hope the posts don't. Thanks,oldfred

2. 
   collarandhames | Oct 13, 2008 06:35am | #7

   second that!  Tamped gravel! 

1. 
   IMERC | Oct 13, 2008 06:46am | #8

   third that... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

3. 
   shtrum | Oct 13, 2008 05:08am | #5

   Here in Columbus, Ohio, frost depth is at 3'-0".  I'm assuming deeper in Maine.

   But if you're comfortable with what you've dug, perhaps make the panels demountable and use concrete with the galvanized U-brackets.  If the posts end up shifting, the panels could be removed and the brackets bent to an upright position.  Your post bases might need to be shaved to reset in the altered saddle.

   Still a hassle either way.  Getting below frost line with some gravel for drainage is probably your best bet.

    

1. 
   oldfred | Oct 13, 2008 05:23am | #6

   shtrum,

   Converntional wisdom in Maine says four feet for frost, but here on the coast it's probably safe a bit shallower.    Hoping any water will drain below the frost line.

   I like the concrete and saddle idea.  Not sure I could apply it where these are going to have to sit.

   Thanks for your reply

   oldfred

    

4. 
   Ray | Oct 13, 2008 07:02am | #9

   pour redi-mix around the post & tamp it - DRY.  It will attract moisture from the soil and make a good bond with the surrounding soil as it cures.  I think it works better than gravel. 

1. 
   MikeSmith | Oct 13, 2008 07:21am | #10

   don't do that...that's like the worst of both worldsMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Ray | Oct 13, 2008 07:36am | #11

   Why is it worse?  I've been setting sign posts, fence posts, and anchor posts for porch railings that way for a long time & haven't had any fall over yet.  The contractor who put up my fence after a hurricane set the posts with wet concrete and most of them have failed in 4 years.

1. 
   MikeSmith | Oct 13, 2008 08:19am | #13

   both amount to the same thing....posts encased in concrete

    

   subject to frost heave

   holds moisture against the post

   compacted gravel works fineMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Ray | Oct 13, 2008 03:32pm | #16

   Thanks for the info.  Never considered frost heave, living in South Alabama :-)  I'll remember that if I move back to the frozen North.

2. 
   MikeSmith | Oct 13, 2008 04:01pm | #17

   funny how what works in some places just don't work in otherskeep on keepin onMike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   oldfred | Oct 13, 2008 02:52pm | #14

   Thanks,

   In this situation, the middle of asphalt covered  space, I need something I can repair without messing up the asphalt if the posts do move..

   oldfred

5. 
   JeffBuck | Oct 13, 2008 07:47am | #12

   coupla inches of tamped gravel on the bottom

   then tamped gravel around the posts.

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

1. 
   oldfred | Oct 13, 2008 02:58pm | #15

   Sounds right.  

   Thanks

   oldfred

6. 
   rasconc | Oct 13, 2008 05:58pm | #18

   Something I did for some 4x4 clothesline posts was to use pvc post covers buried and inserted the posts into them.  I dug out with post-hole digger, put some gravel in bottom ( could even mix with some packing peanuts) put in pvc, insert post, plumb, dump in concrete mix.  Post can be removed and doubt if it would heave.

    

   For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 10/13/2008 11:00 am ET by rasconc

1. 
   oldfred | Oct 14, 2008 03:36am | #19

   Hmm....... interesting. 

   Thanks!

   oldfred