Flexing Concrete Fence Post - To bodge or not

[Lewis.C]

Hi all,

I've just installed a run of concrete posts, gravel boards and fence panels.

Unfortunately the final post (near enough up against a wall) is flexing towards the top. After further inspection i've found a hairline crack just above ground level. Applying pressure to the post in one direction opens the crack a very very small amount.

I could wedge something between the wall and the post preventing it from flexing, it does feel solid when I have tried this, however this feels like a bodge. It'd be some effort to fix anything to the wall that was the exact right size.

Am I overreacting or am I right in thinking the whole thing need to come out and replaced with new. Cost isn't really a problem, it's just the last thing I feel like doing after a long and difficult install!

I have read that cracks in concrete posts are normal, however I don't think flex at the top is. Arguably it would probably be ok once the panel is in, and you'd only notice if someone were to push on it - granted people don't tend to do this.

Thanks for any advice given

 

[aveatry]

If it has set already in the concrete in the ground then I would leave it. As its the same work digging it out now as it would be in a few years when and if forced to.

If its still going off then maybe dig just enough to remove the post so you will then have a sort of a socket to drop the new post into and then add a strong cement mix around the smaller hole.
As its next to a wall and an end post then it will probably be alright.

 

[Scally-Ho]

If that was my fence, I'd replace the damaged post. The cracks where the movement is will let water in and before long the reinforcing steel wire/rods will rust then expand and as such make the problem worse that before. People pushing won't be the problem but wind will.

 

[Lewis.C]

Thanks Scally, this is what I was thinking too. It’s the thought of an expensive new fence going in and not being quite right. I suppose the good news is the postcrete probably isn’t too hard yet as it’s only been in the ground 24 hours

 

[Lewis.C]

Thanks to you too aveatry, now I’m really stuck! Half of the problem is I know it’s not right in my mind, and will never be forgotten about!

 

[Scally-Ho]

Thanks to you too aveatry, now I’m really stuck! Half of the problem is I know it’s not right in my mind, and will never be forgotten about!

I'm an old school perfectionist, so I'm not able to help you make your mind up.

 

[Lewis.C]

Nothing wrong with that. That’s the same reason my projects take three times as long as they should.

“Finished is better than perfect” I mutter to myself while completely disregarding my own advice!

Appreciate your input

 

[aveatry]

Thanks to you too aveatry, now I’m really stuck! Half of the problem is I know it’s not right in my mind, and will never be forgotten about!

As the concrete is not yet set then get it out. I would do it now and not wait until I have the new post before it goes off fully.

When I have had post delivered I check them for cracks because they are surprisingly easy to bread if you drop them wrong

 

[Lewis.C]

As the concrete is not yet set then get it out. I would do it now and not wait until I have the new post before it goes off fully.

When I have had post delivered I check them for cracks because they are surprisingly easy to bread if you drop them wrong

Just had a look and it’s still pretty powdery so I might be in luck. I think that seals it then. The post must come out. Just glad I didn’t put the tools away!

 

[Scally-Ho]

Just had a look and it’s still pretty powdery so I might be in luck. I think that seals it then. The post must come out. Just glad I didn’t put the tools away

You know that makes sense

 

[Lewis.C]

Appreciate your time Scally & Aveatry

 

[aveatry]

Appreciate your time Scally & Aveatry

Well --- get on with then !!!!!! that mix is setting. Put some beer in the fridge and by the time its out the beer will be perfect