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Should you or not cover the end bits when you use bitumen on wooden posts?
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Should you or not cover the end bits when you use bitumen on wooden posts?


I’ve heard mixed views. Some say you shouldn’t cover it so the water can escape which makes sense. Do you agree ? p.s I know I’ve painted a little too much. Apparently you only need to cover around 30cm. (1ft)

by bonfido

12 Comments

  1. 1Check1Mate7

    You absolutely should, but Karen diy’ers will say it’ll trap the moisture and rot it from inside or you won’t see the benefits because you’ll move out soon.

    It’ll effectively increase the life beyond 40 years assuming it’s done right and you don’t live in a swamp.

    Edit: I coated my posts to just above ground level and the end face at the bottom

  4. melk8381

    I’ve done this and I’m pretty sure I did cover the ends. Probably shouldn’t have but too late now. I think at the time my thought was it could still wick up and perspire out the top of the post? In any case I would never use the tar again, too much of a hassle / mess to deal with. I used thick butyl tape on the remainder of the posts which is super fast and easy to apply. 

  5. trailoftears123

    I’d always paint the base,the end grain is quite open and is the most vulnerable part.
    Ideally,Its nice to sit the posts in a bucket of the solution for 24 hours before use.Telegraph posts are completely bathed in creosote-and its not unusual for those to do 30+ Years.

  6. StevieG-2021

    Yes. The end grain is what soaks up water the most and if not treated will rot.

  7. Inturnelliptical

    Cover everything that goes in the ground

  8. wookiex84

    I just dunk my ends into a 5 gallon bucket that’s been sitting in the sun all day.

  9. mantisboxer

    I did it recently, with the material painted on before setting in concrete, to about 10′ above the ground surface to shed mud splash

  10. GreenWoodDragon

    Why wouldn’t you paint the bit where the water is most prone to capillary action. If nothing else you would seal the ends first.

  12. Gullible-Minute-9482

    It is really all or nothing with sealants IMO.

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