Five bar wooden gate - top horizontal bar is starting to rot, looking for solutions

[Rollerball]

The rot isn't yet bad but it is evident, but short of replacing the whole bar (it's a wide gate and that would be a major undertaking for me) is there anything that I could do to patch it up?

Basically what's happening is that some areas are becoming a bit soft on the surface and splinters are starting to flake off and leaving indentations.

Maybe when it's 100% dry, dig out the rot and use some kind of filler perhaps? That won't add strength of course. Or attach a thinner bar on top and screw or bolt it in place?

Etc.

 

[Koolpc]

Any pics?

 

[foxhole]

Reinforce with a flat steel bar full length.

 

[Rollerball]

Any pics?

Not yet, I'll try and take some tomorrow.

 

[Rollerball]

Reinforce with a flat steel bar full length.

Nice idea, thanks! Should I also re-treat the wood in any way to prevent further rot?

 

[foxhole]

Nice idea, thanks! Should I also re-treat the wood in any way to prevent further rot?

Always helps to treat bare timber .

 

[SalWalsh47]

I would use something like jakcure to treat the wood https://www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/fencing/accessories/treatment

 

[KentExpert]

If the timber is only showing early signs of softness, then painting or staining the gate will certainly help protect it and slow things down. It will seal the surface, keep moisture out, and give the timber a better chance of lasting a few more years.

If the rot has already set in and has gone a bit too far, you do have some repair options. You can dig out all the soft material once the timber is completely dry, then use a large area wood filler to rebuild the affected section. For extra strength, you can fit a couple of metal flat bars as Foxhole said on either side of the rail to brace it and reduce movement. This will give you a workable, short to medium term fix.

The honest question is whether the time and effort is worth it. Once a gate rail has started to rot, it usually appears in other areas before long. It may be simpler in the long run to replace the gate entirely.

If you decide to replace it, Jacksons wooden gates are well worth looking at for the money. They use timber and it does not rot, and their gates are very easy to install. It will save you repeated repairs and give you something that lasts.

Send over some images but hope that helps.

 

[Fred Blogs]

It does depend on how much rot there is but I would use a wood hardener where it is soft. I used Ronseal Wood Hardener when I had a similar problem but there are others. Be very careful with it though. Wear lots of PPE and make sure it doesn't get on your skin or in your eyes. When I used it I spilled some on my hand and it took the skin off. this was a long time ago when I was young and stupid, I pay someone to do dangerous jobs these days.

 

[Rollerball]

Thanks all for the very helpful advice, all duty noted.