Post savers are specialized protective sleeves designed to prevent damage from rot and decay and extend the life of your wooden poles and posts, especially where they come into contact with the ground. They act as a durable, waterproof barrier, shielding the wood from the primary causes of deterioration.
Understanding Post Savers
Wooden posts, whether used for fencing, decking, or structural supports, are highly susceptible to rot and decay when buried in the soil. The ground-line section experiences a critical combination of moisture, oxygen, and soil-borne fungi, creating an ideal environment for the wood to break down. Post savers address this vulnerability by encasing the vulnerable part of the post, offering long-term protection.
How Post Savers Work
The effectiveness of post savers lies in their innovative dual-layer construction. These sleeves are comprised of:
- A durable polythene outer layer: This strong exterior provides physical protection against soil abrasion and punctures.
- A meltable bituminous layer: This inner layer is made of a special bitumen compound that, when heated, melts and forms a complete, watertight, and airtight seal directly onto the wooden post.
Upon heating, the bitumen creates an impenetrable bond with the wood. This seal effectively starves the rot-causing fungi of the oxygen and moisture they need to thrive, thereby preserving the wood from within.
Key Benefits of Using Post Savers
Utilizing post savers offers numerous advantages for any outdoor construction project involving wooden posts:
- Extended Lifespan: Significantly prolongs the life of wooden posts by decades, preventing premature failure due to rot and decay.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the need for frequent post replacement, saving time, labor, and material costs over the long term.
- Enhanced Durability: Provides a robust barrier against moisture, soil organisms, and harmful chemicals.
- Environmental Protection: Helps to reduce the consumption of new timber by making existing posts last longer.
- Versatility: Available for various sizes of wooden poles and posts, catering to different project requirements.
Common Applications
Post savers are ideal for any wooden post that will be in ground contact, ensuring longevity and stability.
- Fence Posts: The most common application, protecting agricultural, residential, and commercial fences.
- Deck Supports: Essential for the structural integrity of decks and pergolas.
- Garden Structures: Used for arbors, trellises, and raised bed supports.
- Signposts: Ensures the stability of street signs, property markers, and informational displays.
- Utility Poles: Though less common for very large poles, smaller utility and guide wire posts benefit greatly.
Installation Process
Installing post savers is a straightforward process that significantly boosts the durability of your wooden posts. While specific instructions may vary by product, the general steps include:
- Preparation: Ensure the wooden post is dry and free from loose debris.
- Sleeve Placement: Slide the post saver sleeve onto the end of the post that will be buried, positioning it so it covers the ground-line section and extends slightly above.
- Heating: Using a heat gun or blowtorch, carefully heat the sleeve, focusing on the bituminous layer. The bitumen will melt, bubble, and then adhere firmly to the post, creating a tight seal.
- Cooling & Curing: Allow the sleeve to cool and the bitumen to cure, forming a solid, protective layer.
- Installation: Bury the protected post as usual, ensuring proper drainage.
Material Composition and Types
Post saver sleeves are engineered for maximum protection against environmental stressors.
| Layer | Material Type | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Outer Layer | Polythene | Physical barrier, UV resistance, abrasion protection |
| Inner Layer | Bituminous | Waterproofing, airtight seal, anti-fungal barrier |
These sleeves are available in a range of diameters and lengths to accommodate various post dimensions, from slender garden stakes to robust fence posts.
Why Protect Your Posts? Understanding Wood Rot
Wood rot is caused by fungi that thrive in specific conditions:
- Moisture: Wood needs to have a moisture content above 20% for rot fungi to grow.
- Oxygen: Fungi are aerobic organisms and require oxygen to survive.
- Temperature: Fungi grow best in moderate temperatures, typically between 40-100°F (4-38°C).
- Food Source: Wood itself provides the necessary nutrients for the fungi.
The ground-line area of a post consistently provides these conditions, making it the most vulnerable part. By sealing off moisture and oxygen, post savers effectively eliminate two critical elements required for rot development, offering unparalleled protection.
