I’m getting ready to install my deck railing, which will be a red cedar top and bottom rail with 1″ copper ballisters. On the top, they will go up through a hole bored through the top sub-rail (an Ipe 1X6 will be the finished top rail) and into a hole bored into the bottom cedar rail. The fit is snug but not tight (I’m boring with a Forsner bit). I’ll be drilling a moisture relief drain all the way through the bottom, but the 1″ copper ballister will only go in about 3/4″.
So my question: what would you use to seal the copper ballister where it goes into the cedar bottom rail:
a. Polyurethane caulk (Vulcum)
b. Polyurethane adhesive
c. silicone caulk
d. exterior adhesive: like PL 200, or
e. chewing gum
Thanks
Replies
At the current price for scrap copper - you better install it with an alarm system!
Assuming you are not worried about the copper tubing falling out and are just looking to seal out the elements - I wouldn't caulk anything. The small amount that will infiltrate will drain out your weep hole.
Terry
BruceCM
Another vote for a dry fit. Makes maintenance easier down the road, too. Whatever you do, don't use silicone.
Bill
For the bottom rail connection, don't drill a hole, just another place for water to get in.Instead, make some mounting nipples for the copper pipe to fit around. If you're using 1" pipe, get some 5/4 Trex, and with a 1" hole saw, or a 1" plug cutter, cut a bunch of 5/4 thick x 1" around Trex Plugs. Use a screw to mount each one on the top surface of the bottom rail, then slip your copper pipe over them.you need to experiment with the hole saw or plug cutter to get just the right radius to fit snug inside the pipe.
Speaking of such things, I could swear I've seen actual plastic nipple-type things made specifically for mounting deck balusters (the aluminum type). Anyone know who makes 'em?
Jason