Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 09, 1999 06:52am | #1

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   Suzanne.

   Using a product such as your describing would do a satisfactory job of replacing the wood that has rotted, however it won't keep the piling from rotting further.

   I live on the coast so I've seen my share of pilings (ferry docks, piers, etc.) The way they treat them here is after they've driven them in they pound a piece of heavy sheet aluminum over the top and nail it to the sides of the piling thus protecting the vulnerable end grain from the elements.

   It isn't pretty but it works.

   Good Luck.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 09, 1999 08:24am | #2

   *Albert's right about the patching and the capping. Aluminum will work, but copper looks much better. Cut a circle about 4"-5" larger in diameter than the diameter of the piling, then snip in from the edge about 2"-2-1/2", spacing your cuts about 1-1/2" apart all around. Lay the sheet on top of the piling, then bend all of those "tabs" you just made down around the perimeter of the piling (you can use a mallet or hammer to flatten them all around if necessary). Then, using small copper or bronze nails, nail each tab to the piling. The other alternative is pre-made black plastic piling caps, which are actually pointed a little on top. Not sure of a source for those, but I've seen them around more than one marina lately.---Jay

2. 
   ToolBear_ | Apr 09, 1999 10:43am | #3

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   S -

   The marine hdwr store should have Git Rot - which does work. (Don't ask me how I know.). I think it comes in gallon units.

   You can also fill the hole with epoxy once you have removed ALL the rot - just like the dentist does to a tooth. If you are looking at a big hole, the technique is to insert wood blocks and epoxy to cut the use of epoxy. If doing the epoxy bit, break down and get the West system. It is superior to anything Home X has on the shelf. The metering pumps are sooo nice.

   If you don't really care that much or want the lowest cost job, pack the cavity with hydraulic cement - which sets up when wet (rapidly, in fact). (I repaired a deck with the stuff once.)

   ToolBear, the Sailor

1. 
   Suzanne_ | Apr 12, 1999 10:51pm | #4

   *THANKS SO MUCH for the help and insight!

3. 
   Suzanne_ | Apr 12, 1999 10:51pm | #5

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   I know this is a little off of house building, but I would appreciate any insight anyone may have...
   We have a bulkhead that was constructed with creosote-covered pilings, some of which have started to rot at the top. I am wondering if I can use a liquid-wood type of product to seal the cavity, once I clean out the rot??? THANKS.