Hi to all,
I’m in the process of replacing a wooden fence and gate along the side of my house. While tearing the old fence down, I noticed that the previous builder used a 2×4 post to anchor one side of the fence to the house. The post was fastened with nails driven through the stucco and into a stud. I plan to replace this rotting post with a pressure treated post. As far as fastening it to the side of the house, there must be a better way than with nails. Also, I’m guessing that some type of sealing/weatherproofing compound should be used when going through the stucco. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have as to how I should approach this.
Thanks in advance.
T2
Replies
I would use a long lag screw with some type of spacer to keep the 2x4 slightly off the wall, and caulk the hole well as the screw is inserted, then add a bit more caulk after it is tightened. A stack of maybe 3-4 galvanized washers should be enough of a gap.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I bought a 1928 craftsman in 1992 and it had a 2X4 strapped to the house that had never rotted (painted redwood), but that was pretty beaten up, so I replaced it with a new piece that fit with the gate I built. I used redwood, treated it with Cabot's clear seal, and used 2 1/2 inch lag bolts to anchor it, caulking each hole after I pre-drilled it. I haven't seen that the contact between the stucco and wood has caused any water damage to either, but it's fairly new.
Here's a pic:
http://home.comcast.net/~krausse1/gateinside.htm
Another suggestion--one somebody made to me but I never explored--is to check Home Depot or Lowe's for a kit they sell to attach things to your house. It's supposed to be for exactly your application--hanging a gate off a house.
I would bevel the top away from the house (10-15 degrees), make sure the bottom is a few inches off the ground, and put a piece of tar paper between the 2x and the stucco. Predrill the holes and fill with caulk before screwing/bolting the 2X to the house.
Aaron