Caps Necessity

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Permalink Reply by Chris Wood on June 12, 2009 at 5:06pm

Hello Neighbor,

Any wood with exposed end grain, especially upfacing grain without roof to protect from weather and sun needs a cap or protection from wicking water. White Cedar is known for durability and will last longer than Red cedar, or other species. Maybe long enough for you to warrant no cap. Any wood allowed to "wick" moisture will and eventually rot, split or need replaced.

Some of the "end seal" or wax products will help short term, but tend to break down with UV and contact. I like a metal cap, hammered, bent and cut around the shape of the post with small finish nails or screws (fastened on the side) to hold in place. Copper looks great, but is expensive if you have lots of posts. Galvanized and painted aluminum another option.

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Permalink Reply by Neighbor Haber on June 15, 2009 at 9:07am

Thank you very much for your advice ...... greatly appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Neighbor Haber on June 15, 2009 at 9:08am

One more question please ....... what if the tops of the posts are uneven ..... should they be level prior to installing the caps ?

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Permalink Reply by Tim Bullock on June 13, 2009 at 6:25pm

Please go here and put Impel Rods in prior to installing the caps.

http://www.nortekcopperworks.com/

Ignore at your peril.

Tim Bullock

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Permalink Reply by Craigmandu on June 13, 2009 at 11:36pm

Tim,

Would you recommend impel rods at all exposed corner and beam locations?

Craig

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Permalink Reply by Tim Bullock on June 14, 2009 at 7:52am

Craig, I think Impel Rods or Cobra Rods are cheap insurance for a log home......IF you have any locations where water will sit.....IMPEL!!!!!!!

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