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biggerken t1_jdsb7f6 wrote

Reply to comment by allangee in are cement posts bad for house foundation? by cadisk

I think I screwed up. Been stressed about it all winter. In SK. Last year summer I set 6 6x6 12 ft posts PT in concrete for a future gazebo. 4 feet deep in sonotubes filled with concrete. Then I finished the pavers around them in the fall.

If I could do it all over again I would do as you said. Concrete piles and brackets. Have been debating all winter about starting over, but man that would be so much work.

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allangee t1_jdteqh7 wrote

The "best" approach is only an opinion -- mine in this case -- and not-best doesn't mean disaster. Stop stressing.

If the top of the concrete is above ground level, you're already off to a great start. If you want, you can get those inverted cone things, or install flashing around the bottom of the pole, about an inch off the concrete, so water is directed away from where the wood goes into the concrete. The gap allows air to circulate in that area.

Fence posts can last a long time, buried, in direct contact with soil -- so chances are your gazebo posts will outlive you. If you live long enough for the posts to rot, take care of it then and rejoice in the long life you lived!

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biggerken t1_jdtjh2l wrote

Thanks, I needed that. Top of concrete is above ground level, and I was careful to slope pavers so water runs away. You are probably right. I didn’t do enough planning/research and rushed it a bit given our season for outdoor projects is so short and had a few projects on the go. Then started second guessing when winter came and I got time to plan the roof and rest of finishing.

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allangee t1_jdtjuar wrote

Since you're in SK and I'm in MB, I'll stand on my roof this summer and take a look at your gazebo.

Have a good one!

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