Deck Post Cracks❗, should you worry about them❓

[@Derek-zz5kq]

As a new homeowner this was an awesome video! I learned a lot more than I’d expect to for a quick google search about cracks in deck beams. This was very digestible and I know what to look out for in the future. thank you!

[@charleschi843]

Beams are different than posts.

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome. I hope you subscribe and join our KZbin tribe 🦍🦍🦍

[@KongArmor]

Yeah but I know what he meant. Also some people in the south call post beams.

[@charleschi843]

@@KongArmor Plumb/level. That one gets me too. Haha.

[@KongArmor]

Lol..me too

[@sarahierstein8169]

I was just writing down a whole how-to page and list of supplies off another video I was watching when I glanced at the side bar and saw your video. You just saved me from wasting hours of work on over a dozen posts. We are restoring a deck that hasn't been cared for in a decade and this is just one less thing to tackle. THANKS!

[@KongArmor]

U are welcome.. please subscribe 🙏

[@alejandrojoga6885]

Thank you so much for this post! You are the motherflowering man!!!!!!! I have been losing sleep over this issue, and you have alleviated a ton of stress for me!!!. Luv ya bruv, and I wish the best for you and your family.

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome Im happy it helped.

[@chestermeeks4321]

Thank you for the checking video we’re looking at a house that has that same problem the inspector mentioned it so now I know I have a blessed day

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome

[@douglass1221]

Such great info. No fluff, just down to business and sharing knowledge. All videos should be like this.

[@KongArmor]

I appreciate that! Id also appreciate if you stuck around and gave me some feedback from time to time. so please do so.

[@brockturner1559]

I Got a 10 by 20 shade structure and one of my posts started this so I am so relieved

[@KongArmor]

thanks subscribe ans stick around

[@HeyDadTv]

Is this normal on brand new install? Just had new post installed on a patio and there is checks/cracking already. Within a day or two.

[@KongArmor]

Yes many deck post have checking right from the lumber yard

[@debbielawless8366]

Thank you for the truthful information. My Deck is less than two years old, and I was very concerned about this. You're the best!!

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome I'd love to have you as part of the channel please subscribe and join the Kong Armor tribe 🦍🦍🦍

[@kschablow]

I just had a deck built in August and was so worried that it’s already cracking after a few months. Thanks for this video!

[@KongArmor]

Your welcome. Please subscribe

[@PostOfficeCore]

Dude thank you so much for this video. This is exactly what I thought it was, but you explaining it so well made my worries go away.

[@KongArmor]

Hey ur welcome James. Please subscribe and join the tribe 🦍🦍🦍 we would love to have you as part of the channel 😀

[@KaylaAndSamantha]

Great info phew 😅 thanks so much! Now what if we have a car port going off of a porch just like yours?

[@KongArmor]

Can you tell me more about your question. Please subscribe. We'd love to have you as part of the tribe. Tell me more about your question and I'll try to answer

[@KaylaAndSamantha]

@@KongArmor hey thanks! we have a covered side porch that looks just like yours but on concrete about 3’ high off the ground. It has like 5 4x4’s on the side away from the house towards the driveway. And we wanted a carport so we built off of it using those 5 4x4’s as load bearing. Attached 2x4’s to the driveway side of the 4x4’s and built the carport starting there. We aligned the beams so it matches the flow of the house perfectly however we noticed the cracks in the 5 4x4’s got a tad bigger over the past month. We’ve been having crazy weather - hot n cold, 80 degrees then 30 degrees or just extreme temp changes in general in short amounts of time (Ohio). Wasn’t sure if it was the added pressure or like what you’re talking about. Because they were there already but we just noticed they changed. Not sure if it’s a coincidence or what but they look just like your video.

[@KongArmor]

Checking in Deck Posts is typically 99 percent of the time normal. Infact extremely mundanely normal. This is not advice, and I'm not a structural engineer. Always consult with a professional about your structure if you suspect weakness or instability, or damage to its integrity. 😀

[@KaylaAndSamantha]

@@KongArmor thanks!

[@johnrobertford8049]

Glad I came across this. This what the posts for my pergolas look like and I've been concerned about them. Thanks

[@KongArmor]

Your welcome Rob

[@KWEENKAREEN]

I am a DIYer and building a pergola from scratch (no kit) and a few of my posts have this ‘checking’..I’m so relieved

[@KongArmor]

Yeah... it can be absurdly normal. I'm glad we could help. You can do us a favor by subscribing and sticking around. ✨️ thank u for ur kind words

[@KWEENKAREEN]

@@KongArmordone!😊

[@dorothycalhoun5090]

Thank you for this video. I have the same problem going on with the column on my porch. My brother and neighbor assured me that everything was okay.

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome

[@Alexander-o1y6e]

Thank you, sir! I just bought a home and one of the posts has that vertical crack. I was about to panic. Thank you+

[@KongArmor]

Your welcome Alexander. please stay and subscribe, join our channel tribe 🦍🦍🦍 and give us some feedback on our projects from time to time let us know what u think

[@jb7596]

I have a deck post that looks like this but the deck was just built. Should I be asking the builder to replace the post?

[@KongArmor]

No

[@carold7713]

Thank you, thank you. You have saved me a lot of stress and work.

[@KongArmor]

I'm so glad!

[@winowarrior9392]

You just made soooo many homeowners feel a LOT better, hahahaha. Thank you for the information, sir!

[@KongArmor]

@winowarrior9392 thank u for watching 👀 and please subscribe and join our KZbin tribe. Another thing we want everyone to know is SilverBack Epoxy to fill in deck post checking is available at lowlanddecksupply.com talk to yall soon. AND THANKS AGAIN WINO. 😊

[@mw3designs]

If you aren’t wrapping the columns and want to have a more finished look, what about filling the cracks with bondo?

[@KongArmor]

It doesn't have enough psi resistance and it crumbles. SilverBack works

[@rajcha8976]

Very helpful. Thank you. All home owners can't afford to call in an expert for such small things.

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome

[@WestCoast6199]

Just finished building a fence and use those same post I put some strong ties on the cracks didn’t want the fence to fall off thinking it would split in half

[@KongArmor]

Naw

[@riflebear1711]

How do i fix this checking on my posts though? Theyre twisting and checking and overall look like trash. Can i fill them?

[@KongArmor]

SilverBack Epoxy lowlanddecksupply.com

[@1_South_Business_Services]

Thanks!!!! Have the same on new installed deck. Would it hurt to place one more support beam?

[@KongArmor]

Not if it's professionally done. But if your deck was permitted , it's likely it has the correct number and enough support.

[@thesmockinggunYT]

Holy crap. I was literally checking some 4x4s I had installed on my porch and deck 7 years ago. I was concerned, thank you!!

[@KongArmor]

Yout welcome. Please subscribe and join our channel tribe 🦍🦍🦍 wed love to have u

[@thesmockinggunYT]

@@KongArmor I'll recommend you to friends. I live in Atlanta but am originally from Cincinnati. Go Bengals!

[@ScarletCarsonDoll]

what if i need to put a door and windows on it and a drywall to close the patio?🤔should i fill in this gaps. would it crack more?tnx for the replay

[@KongArmor]

Kong Armor 🦍 the World's Toughest Deck Armor and it's Deck Rescue Painters always fill in all cracks in outdoor structures that allow water into wood period. To us it's vital becuase we preserve decks and make them look gorgeous. For your personal Deck you may or may not have the same need or want. Deck Post rarely rot because they don't have a lot of steel or fasteners going through them so is it completely necessary?...... thats for you to decide. We made the decision long ago, that although rare it may be we would rather fully water lock our customers post and also make them gorgeously visually appealing, than have them open to the environment ugly, splintering and taking the rare chance they do rot. Basically it's ur choice. Roll the dice. Or fill them in and forget about it.

[@johnjohnson5489]

Thanks for your insight on checking. I have those on one side of my posts - but the other side shows my 5 x 5 and 6 x 7 glulam posts delaminating after 2 years after install. I may have interior glulams or possibly exterior. Your thoughts on repair vs replace.

[@KongArmor]

Always seek advice from someone that can put hands and eyes on your structure. The video is just knowledge I've learned over the years. It's not advice. Please seek local Professional advice at all-times. We're glad you enjoyed the video . Please subscribe Wed love to have you as part of the channel tribe

[@rhondab5027]

Should we put a sealer on pretreated southern yellow pine that has cracks?

[@KongArmor]

At @kongarmor we don't believe in sealers, stains, thin residential deck paints and stains. Thanks for the question

[@rhondab5027]

@@KongArmor Thank you! My husband is about to drive me coo coo. Lordy.

[@KongArmor]

Thickbuild , high-stretch, ultra-tough, deck coatings that can be maintained for life of ownership, that's how deck owners can win and have 50% to 70% less life of ownership maintenance and care costs.

[@addiboy007]

I have 2 nuts and bolts in each of my deck post. They have gotten loose over the few months. I recently re-tightened it. Should i be concerned? How can i ensure they dont get loosen again?

[@KongArmor]

Perform annual deck maintenance

[@addiboy007]

@@KongArmor ummm okay

[@KongArmor]

Ummmmmmm. If you maintain your deck annually , meaning you wash it , resolve any Maintenance issues , including checking bolts and fasteners for tightness .....there is slim chance they will ever present being unacceptably loose ? You asked. I answered

[@mattmundorf8777]

Should I fill those cracks in before I apply Weather Sealant?

[@KongArmor]

Yes SilverBack Epoxy lowlanddecksupply

[@christinewolf887]

Our 4 x 4 posts hold up our front porch. Will it compromise the posts if we install a cable railing? Is that up to code? TY

[@KongArmor]

Without seeing I wouldn't know. The best thing to do would be to ask your local building dept in your city what the code is, it's different everywhere. Typically drilling holes 🕳 large enough for cables would not compromise a post. However I wouldn't do it without being 1000 percent sure. And I cannot give you that assurance.

[@jmiller81]

Thanks! Was concerned with my covered patio but look very similar to what you’re showing.

[@KongArmor]

No problem. Please subscribe. We'd love to have you as part if our KZbin channel

[@chriseads4791]

What about on a 4 week install

[@KongArmor]

Deck post cracks are very normal, post often come with cracks now new. I see brand new decks all the time with deck post checking. A lot of post new have cracks in them. But for sure seek advice from a local professional that can look at your structure in-person. This is not advice or professional advice or instructions of any kind. Seek a local professional or structural engineer if you have doubts about the soundness of your deck or structure.

[@adamg574]

Is it less likely for this to happen if you oil them with decking oil?

[@KongArmor]

?

[@rhondab5027]

My 6x6 have cracks but some of them are shifting there are post that I put up to replace old outdated columns. They have only been installed for 8 months. I don’t know what to do…

[@KongArmor]

Always check with a local professional

[@yousefhamed]

Thanks dude for the video, i have checking in the horizontal beams but my patio cover is not connected to the house its a stand alone structure. I treat termites immediately when i spot them but it was built in 1965 and now i have concerns if its going to hold up any longer

[@KongArmor]

I've seen them hold up for longer. Just get a local pro to look at it. Deck builder etc. That's always the safest bet. Also , we'd love to have you here on our channel as part of the tribe 🦍🦍🦍 so please subscribe

[@yousefhamed]

@KongArmor i subscribed! Thanks man! It sucks because youtube guys that are honest are never close by, i have trust issues with anyone that does work lol i had about 4 ppl trying to screw me over, plumbing, AC, concrete, i ended up doing it myself but this is a big project if it needs repair that i know nothing about hahaha thanks dude!

[@KongArmor]

👋 Joe I completely understand. Hang in there. And don't give up faith. Remember that's on them. They will have to answer for every hair on their head one day 1 by 1. Stay strong. Mad 🙏 respect too you. And welcome to the tribe 🦍🦍🦍

[@tomyang5991]

Thank you! How to take care of patio post to prevent from terminate infection.

[@KongArmor]

Our coating system which is only available via our application to our customers has a optional addition of what we call #insectcontrol . It's a insecticide that can be added to coatings that's safe to humans. It kills termites and poisonous spiders. But in general the idea would likely to be to use a termite treatment on your yard likely if you know they are present. There are numerous pest companies that will come out and install the treatment centers in your yard that disperses the termite killer into the ground around your home and outdoor structures. Our #insectcontrol additive should be a last line of defense for termites. They crawl on Kong or bite into it they die. It's exceptional at killing the black widow , and brown lacrosse spiders , and will often apply it selectively up under rails where wasps nest to kill them and prevent that. Or on band boards and post to stop and kill carpenter bee's. It's a great feature that we have.... not everyone wants it , because even though it's labeled safe for humans and pets... it's hard to convince someone to put insecticide in a deck coating when their kids and pets play on it. So generally we use it in select areas

[@gybx4094]

Mine look about the same as yours. This gives me an idea for a project design. I can envision a metal brace system that would keep a 6x6 from separating further. I wouldn't want to penetrate the wood with any type of screw or bolt system that would cause rot. The brace would simply tighten and restrain opposite faces of the 4 sides with external bolts.

[@KongArmor]

Hey.. I just seen some of these sir

[@orainey890]

I am years late seeing this. Thanking you for posting, just had new deck built and saw post splitting. Feel better now

[@KongArmor]

Your welcome please subscribe and join our tribe 🦍🦍🦍

[@tailzzzzz]

I have those vertical cracks, and my ex-husband, in a hurry one day, decided to ram the riding mower into one post, making it much worse. Those cracks are carpenter bee magnets. I saw a male bee hovering near them this past spring, giving a female a heads up as to where she could lay her eggs. The males don't sting, just hover, and resemble bumble bees. If you see one, you either have carpenter bees somewhere or are about to. The entry hole she'll drill will be a perfect small circle, but there will also be channels inside the wood and huge exit holes when the mature bees emerge later in the summer. The deck posts in my garage, the deck leading up to my foyer, look like hell with all the exit holes, and the holes were right by the foyer door. Never even knew they were in there. So this year, April through June, I made sure to keep the garage door down to prevent further damage until I can repair and paint. So if there's a crack, worry. They like wood, especially unpainted wood. Paint deters them better than stain. And oil-based paint deters them better than latex. Hope this helps.

[@KongArmor]

Silverback Epoxy closes off carpenter bee holes 🕳 for good. Https://lowlanddecksupply.com

[@angie00718]

I have a deck like this with 2 swings for my little kids anchored to it. I'm terrified it'll fall apart even tho it feels very sturdy . Colum is split like this in your video should I be worried. Wood against the house seems good

[@KongArmor]

I cannot tell u if you should be worried about something I've never seen. The video is not professional inspection or advice. Rather opinion. Please consult a local Professional if you believe your structure has weaknesses that would cause collapse

[@aloharose]

What if your beam slightly twist

[@KongArmor]

I've seen them before. What I've found is most of the time it's not a big deal. However you want to check with a professional in your area just to be sure. 90 percent of the time I find twisted deck post they are decades old. So..... Doesn't mean your deck is safe or that you should ignore it. I'm just telling you my experiences. ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL LOCAL HELP IF YOU BELIEVE THE INTEGRITY OF YOUR STRUCTURE IS IN JEOPARDY. THIS IS NOT ADVICE OR PROFESSIONAL CONSULT

[@TimSip12]

What if all 6 of your posts have cracks? And some cracks are half way deep (ours are the same thickness as this videos’)

[@cday34]

Your awesome, I was about to buy structural screws do drive through them, glad I didn't, would have probably hurt them more!

[@KongArmor]

Hey! it was our honor. We hope you stick around the channel and give us some feedback from time to time. thanks for watching

[@1ginarossi]

So helpful. Thank you. Can you fill in the cracks? Or will they just crack again.

[@KongArmor]

Lowlanddecksupply.com

[@clarenicola1]

I have the same checking split in my 6 ft gate post ,causing the gate to catch in the paving flags,besides replacing it what else could i do?

[@KongArmor]

Https://fb.com/silverbackepoxy

[@jacm7256]

glad i found your video..you just saved me sleepless nights..keep up the good advise

[@KongArmor]

Please subscribe.. im making alot of content.

[@gasp9608]

Same!!

[@FeedbackFarmacy]

Thanks for the great useful video. I have the same deck pillars and planning to do “Base Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer”. Do you think this would help in the long run?

[@KongArmor]

You welcome. Please subscribe. We would love to have u as a channel #tribe member

[@gregy5182]

Hi, so my concern is not only I have some checking, but also my deck was probably built a little cheap with smaller posts. My posts are 3.75” and you can tell much smaller than your posts in the video. Would you be concerned? I’m worried about like hanging up a hammock between posts is a bad idea with the thinner posts. Thinking about hiring a professional to come and reinforce the posts

[@KongArmor]

Always contact a local Professional that can put eyes and hands on your structure for advice

[@turnsout5061]

This is helpful. Question though - how about on a brand new deck that isn’t even finished yet? I have some guys here putting one on, and one of the posts has a split running top to bottom on both sides. Fairly wide and fairly deep. It doesn’t go all the way through, but I mean, it’s brand new. It’s been in the ground less than a week. Thanks!

[@KongArmor]

Normal for new decks too

[@rizwanholo1]

Should we fill the cracks with wood glue or something?

[@KongArmor]

SILVERBACK EPOXY ®️ lowlanddecksupply.com

[@PaulMcLellan]

Oh man, thanks for making this video. I have 3 posts that look just like that and I was freaking out. Thank for making this video!!!

[@KongArmor]

You got it.

[@KongArmor]

Please subscribe 🙏 We would love to have ya as part of the tribe.

[@nehalpatelvidoes]

You got my like in first 20 seconds. Big relief hearing this. Thanks

[@KongArmor]

I'm glad it helped u

[@kulheo6096]

Hi. Thanks for the info. Do I have an option to repair or just leave it?

[@mucdoc]

Hey is this your house? I noticed your walkout basement is sort on a low ground. Do you have any issues with water? I also noticed you have a small curb against the slope is that to protect from water?

[@KongArmor]

Not a residence.

[@robertperkins4909]

Structurally sound, but large cracks. Planning on re-painting deck support posts and joists. Can I fill the large cracks before painting or ignore? If filling, how and with what. Thanks - good video post.

[@KongArmor]

Robert fill with the World's Toughest Deck Post crack filler/ deck repair epoxy silverback epoxy lowlanddecksupply.com

[@KongArmor]

Ps please sub wed love to have u part of the tribe if u haven already

[@marydesimone2944]

Can I fill it with wood filler and paint it? Will that weaken it? Thanks, your videos are very helpful.

[@KongArmor]

Mary... we don't like wood filler because it cannot put up with the movement. It has no really ( anchoring) ability. So it can't fight the crack from opening . It is better than caulk however in our opinion.

[@Katherine-lt2vc]

Thank you so much for the information!! I saw the cracks on my deck posts and was worried that I needed to replace my deck 21 year old deck after just having the floor boards replaced.

[@KongArmor]

Hey you got it

[@nealpatterson7272]

Can you use wood filler or caulk to seal them?

[@KongArmor]

No. They both fail horribly long term and leave a mess in your cracks. SILVERBACK EPOXY ®️ WILL NOT FAIL UNLESS WERE TALKING SOME SORT OF UNGODLY RADICAL MOVEMENT. THE FORCENOF THE CRACKS OPENING NEEDS TO EXCEED 7K TO 10K PSI. NOT GONNA HAPPEN UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. HAS UV BLOCKERS , CURES 3X HARDER THAN CONCRETE SO YOU CANT REALLY EVEN BEAT IT OUT OF THERE. WERE TALKING MILES AND MILES ABOVE WOOD FILLER OR CAULK. MILES ABOVE. get it at lowlanddecksupply.com Where the nation's #1 deck rescue painter Anthony Ford offers refinishing solutions for decks . See ya

[@VTgirlandherbeagles]

I have some posts and beams in our Off grid camp (heat with wood stove) and those posts and beams are checking really bad this year. It gives me so much anxiety because I know the hubs is going to tell me I kept the stove too hot. I bought a humidifier and have been keeping that on 24/7. UGH. Thanks for this!

[@KongArmor]

Hey u got it.

[@kaosaephan123]

Thank you I have a post just like this one similar cracking in my basement which supports the middle of the room. Since it’s supporting the weight of upstairs will I need to do something about it? The cracking is similar maybe a little smaller than this.

[@KongArmor]

Your very 🙏 welcome 🦍.... please join our Tribe 🦍🦍🦍🦍 and subscribe we would love to have you

[@SoyInmortal1]

Do you have a video on pergola maintenance or proper staining?

[@KongArmor]

Prolly somewhere in there. The big things with Pergola are to just make sure you get a film thick enough to.fill cracks. IT NEEDS UV BLOCK ... AND IT NEEDS TO BE THICK ENOUGH TO ABSORB ANY UV RAYS THAT DONT GET BLOCKED. AS WELL IT NEEDS GREAT EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION ABILITY.

[@KellyVictor-r9s]

What do you recommend to make cracks less hideous? We just had our deck stained, and they attempted to fill the cracks with caulking. It didn't make it look better, and it looks actually worse. Thank you for your video.

[@KongArmor]

Lowlanddecksuppy.com silverbackepoxy. May not cover with transparent stains though. Caulk fails in Deck cracks and causes rotten wood. It promotes the growth of bacteria In rare circumstances, with enough shade. Bad idea. 👎 Painters don't know any better though, that's just what they believe their supposed to do. Actually most of them don't even try to fill them in any more. So atleast they tried

[@jdunnByHisSpirit]

Awe man!! Thanks so much bro! I was about to go after the guy who installed for the church 😅

[@KongArmor]

You got it sir. No problem whatsoever. Thanks so much for your viewership

[@popalot711rb]

Should I put calk in it ??? Will that help

[@KongArmor]

No. Don't do that... use SilverBack Epoxy lowlanddecksupply.com

[@MHS_ART]

So we don’t need to cover it up with wood glue or anything? Looks kinda ugly I have the same size of these on my deck

[@KongArmor]

Https//fb.com/silverbackepoxy

[@chickenfoundation9323]

My house is from 1960 and I got 2 in my kitchen and I believe one is supporting a load bearing wall is it still safe?

[@KongArmor]

Sorry.. we don't determine whether anything is safe.. this video was just general commentary on things we see.on the field. IF u have concerns about the safety of any support structures .. u should always seek local professional help.

[@rud8051]

Should you fill these cracks with wood filler?

[@KongArmor]

Small cracks we use a oil based tri polymer because they will still grow. Large cracks we believe won't get much larger we use silverbackepoxy Http://www.fb.com/silverbackepoxy Cures harder than concrete.

[@SkidinDingo]

if anyone is worried about it, you can bore a hole through the wood perpendicular to the crack, then split both ends of a dowel with a saw, glue the dowel in the crack, then glue/hammer a wedge in to the split of the dowel. for the split to continuee spreading it has to break that dowel longways.

[@KongArmor]

Cool

[@KongArmor]

Cool

[@manojr3941]

Thanks a lot for this video. I had my sleep over the crack.

[@KongArmor]

Your welcome

[@John-mh6mi]

Thank you I do have this issue.

[@KongArmor]

Cool

[@charlesshi3048]

thanks, haha, I was working in my new basement and suddenly found this issue.

[@KongArmor]

Please subscribe and check out silverback epoxy at lowlanddecksupply.com it can help

[@jwthefencer]

Thanks,..so,..even for fences,..it's just fine,..checking,..I will remember that when I am explaining things to my customers,..keep smiling!

[@KongArmor]

Most of the time ⏲. So it's very normal right... but there are rare situations... I'm not super trained of support posts for fence. But I would suspect.. it's very normal there too... Now I know there are some very exotic wood species used in fencing that I'm not familiar with... but pine , cedar.....absolutely

[@jwthefencer]

@@KongArmor Thanks

[@Anupkulkarni23]

May 2024. Liked and subbed.not worried about my deck

[@KongArmor]

We're happy to have u

[@tikibar1169]

Good to know

[@OverkillWoodcraft]

Thanks for the video and clarity! Semi-unrelated question, what about all the mildew underneath that deck? I have the same thing under mine (but worse) and in some spots it's even turned black. Problem is it's about 15' above the sloped ground below it. Thinking of just ripping it all up eventually and replacing it with composite, even though I hate how slippery that stuff is...

[@KongArmor]

Your deck is specified to be washed well annually. It's specified to have mildew and algae and organic growth removed annually. Unfortunately painting the underside will not stop this growth. Nor will composite. You should see the composite deck we are coating this spring. It's 2 yrs old and totally full of mildew , algae and even mold. Annual cleaning and deck coating check up will keep the underside of your deck healthy. This particular deck in this video The owners don't care about it. Or there investment in it. That's why it looks like that. But I was just demonstrating even after years of non maintenance. The underside of elevated decks are typically ok minus minor maintenance issues. No need to coat them. The ones that need coated are low lying ones, but that's a catch 22 because u can't get under them to coat them

[@OverkillWoodcraft]

@@KongArmor Hey I really appreciate the detailed response and insights, definitely helpful and eye opening. Didn't realize that about the composite...bummer! Guess this means I'll need to dust off my hazmat suit, hop on a treacherous ladder, and get to pressure washing haha.

[@alexk729]

I just set up a pergola with 6"x 6" posts. Would you recommend some 6"x6" OZCO post bands to help? Or are the OZCO post bands going overboard? Thanks!

[@KongArmor]

I don't have the context to make a reccomendation...are u talking about post bands that stop expansion?...

[@alexk729]

@@KongArmor Yes! I bought a Hampton Bay Pergola from Home Depot. A reviewer said he put up some ozco post bands to help protect from possible post checking. There were several other product reviews/pictures of the posts checking/splitting after some time after setting up. I live in South Florida where it gets very hot and humid. The pergola posts are made of hollow Cedar and was wondering if using some post bands would be a good idea to help extend the life of the pergola posts. I hope this extra info helps.

[@KongArmor]

I would be interested in seeing those..... we may benefit our customers from them as well up here in and around Cincinnati.... I would say yes.... anything that would stop checking would keep water and dirt and GRIME from building up inside your post and causing rot would be beneficial, now, do they cause any other problems from constriction would be the question. Interested in this...and would like to see a follow up with pictures and possibly a video ( [e-mail] ) I'd like to make a video about this and see how this turns out. Very interesting. I'm not familiar with brace manufacturer your speaking of...but I will look them up..... If you can send me some pictures of before you put them on and after.... ND maybe a picture of the Brace itself... And your location ..... any other info u have to the email above..... Let's find out

[@alexk729]

@@KongArmor Thank You!

[@halloffamer30]

Good stuff! Hope your business is doing well.

[@KongArmor]

KONG IS HEALTHY STEVE , WE ARE EXPECTING A 20% REDUCTION IN GROSS SALES IN 2022 . BUT ITS EXPECTED FOR REORGANIZATION AND GROWTH

[@cindywick7802]

Thank you so much for sharing your video it's good to know what's going on with things on & around my home.

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome. Please subscribe. We'd love to have you in the tribe

[@ben-si3dk]

I have peace of mind now, thank you!

[@KongArmor]

Your very welcome.

[@Turk_2023]

Just had a deck installed and every post had cracks, they bought Menards lumber. Good to know.

[@KongArmor]

Normal

[@mandylwilsonable]

what if it is on a swing set?

[@KongArmor]

Without seeing it in person. I would have no idea. If u have safety concerns consult a local expert

[@JayN4GO]

Just saw this video. Yep I have checking on mine also however it appears there is a pipe inside. The failure point on mine is at the Simpson strong ties as you said. Any advice on replacing those one at a time? One is completely rusted at the bottom and only nailed on the sides. Also my deck looks like this one underneath. Green. Can I have someone pressure wash that off? Deck is stable but shows one 2x6 black in one spot. Not sure where you are located. I noticed the 859 area code. Thanks man.

[@KongArmor]

The posts?

[@JayN4GO]

@@KongArmor the Simpson brackets

[@KongArmor]

I'd need to see a picture of it. [e-mail]

[@PEREZCHOOCH]

My 4x4 hammock post are checking. Should I be worried about laying in my hammock?

[@KongArmor]

You should consult a local deck professional.

[@kevinarmstrong3109]

Thanks dude , I was freaking out because my 6×6 cedar gazebo post is cracked . I was thinking about putting 3 or 4 pieces of 5/8 well glued dowling through it . And then filling the crack with something I can stain . What do you think ?

[@KongArmor]

We have just the thing for you. It's the World's Toughest Deck Post Crack Filler. It cured 3x to 5x harder than concrete and once dry can be beat on with hammer and chisel without failing. It's our official deck post crack filler and general deck repair epoxy ... SilverBack Epoxy ®️ and it's available to the General Public at lowlanddecksupply.com ( but just a fair warning ⚠️ it's not cheap knock off sissy stuff, it's the real deal) 😉.... either way... we want u to subscribe and become part of our KZbin tribe 🦍🦍🦍 we need you here on the channel for support and commentary. 🙏 welcome to the Tribe Kevin #4life

[@johnwilliams-uy2xl]

Hey I just had my deck built in September and the 6x6x12 wood is checking. Should that be happening now 7 months later?

[@KongArmor]

Many of them are checking before they leave the mill. Its normal

[@johnwilliams-uy2xl]

Thanks my wife and I were worried about it but I’m gonna show her your video and thanks again

[@KongArmor]

No worries... checking is a normal and natural occurence in wood and is rarely a danger or a sign of bad wood etc. As always if u have concerns about the safety of your deck system you should consult a professional in your area

[@joemarchand8313]

Great video! Question.....I have a composite deck with white plastic posts. I accidentally got liquid iron on 2 of the posts. Tried EVERYTHING to remove the stains......not happening. Can this type of post be painted? Or, do I need to replace the posts? Thanks in advance.

[@KongArmor]

They can be coated. You just have to find a coating system that will adhere to them. How big is the area that u got it on?

[@joemarchand8313]

@@KongArmor It's 2 posts, 4 feet long each post. How would you recommend that I do this? And what type of paint?

[@KongArmor]

If there composite or vinyl , I would use krylon spray paint and hit them if I didn't have access to Kong Armor. Now our coating system straight encapsualtes everything and gets insane adhesion. So that's what I would use. Bit you since you don't have access to Kong , I would likely use krylon plastic spray paint. Its good for vinyl and composite. Likely you may need to touch it up every 3 to 5 years. Mayne not.

[@jackwardley3626]

seal the cracks up with boiled linseed oil then get pointing mastic mixed with double boiled linseed oil this will stay soft and flexible for a long time or lime putty will work. before all that strip the plastic coating off and replace with natural linseed oil paint

[@KongArmor]

Hey , there are lots of schools of thought on protecting decks. I've never heard of the boiled linseed oil thing ur talking about , so I cannot speak on it. But if your talking about using it as a penetrating sealer. It won't be effective at actually protecting ur deck or structure. it may give it some minor water deterent ability , however the sun and expansion and contraction will decimate it off your deck within a few months. It will leave all of your fasteners absolutely unprotected and readily open for water to corrode. But outside of those facts that I'm positive of , I couldn't speak on it very much. Never tried it or looked into it. Oh yeah... linseed oil has absolutely no uv blockers..... so that's another really really really really bad problem. I seen a guy put a interior stain on his deck a few months ago that had no uv blockers. It's all gone already. Other than that I can't speak on it , I've never tried it or looked into it.... Oh yeah , forgot..... linseed oil has absolutely no elongation or expansion and contraction ability. So I'm concerned that if u convince one of my viewers to actually look into this and do it , that when there wood expands and contracts , the ( oil) (linseed) ( not a coating) will not be able to withstand the radical movement and crack and start flaking and start just disentegrating #disentegratingstain #peelingdeckpaint Other than that I've never tried it , I can't really speak on it. Oh yeah 😎......... You know why I've never tried protecting a deck with linseed oil... because it's a absolutely very unintelligent thing to Do. Please don't come on here making comments that could cost someone 10s of thousands of dollars .... these people that come here are often looking for help with their Decks. They see a comment like urs , and they may believe it's viable.

[@jackwardley3626]

@@KongArmor i was referring to the post's in my comment never said anything about treating decks with boiled linseed oil on its own i said for the cracks you could use pointing mastic mixed with double boiled linseed oil which is breathable and wont trap moisture and very flexible or lime putty and before this strip all the plastic coating off and replace with linseed paint not oil linseed paint i only said prime the cracks with linseed oil before filling or you could use shellack knotting for quicker drying for decks i would recommend linseed tar oil which is boiled linseed oil mixed with pine tar put 3 coats on in first year 2 in second year and 1 in 3rd year and it will last years longer than anything i know off ive been a decorator 15 years in uk and have worked on many grade 2 listed buildings building's that are 100's of years old. were talking as far back as 1600's

[@waldog38]

Just observed small cracks in on my patio support beam. Good info👍

[@KongArmor]

Http://fb.com/silverbackepoxy

[@jpl8085]

Great information to know! Thanks.

[@KongArmor]

Your welcome

[@silascz3535]

Thanks for the video. I have a question unrelated to checking, but related to this deck (and mine). I noticed that those posts do not appear to be notched. Instead it appears that the beams are attached to the posts with carriage bolts. A number of other KZbinrs suggest that this is an unsound construction, because the weight of the deck rests not directly on the post, but instead on the bolts, which have no sheer strength. I am not making that claim (as I have no expertise in this area), but merely repeating what I have heard others assert. So my question is, is this a problem? Is it a problem to have a deck that is hung on the posts by bolts, rather than sitting in notches and resting on the post. My deck is hung on bolts. Your opinion on this would be greatly appreciated. Related to that, assuming the bolt hung construction is a problem, or at a minimum not ideal. Are there corrective measures that could adequately correct the issue (short of demolition and reconstruction)?

[@KongArmor]

?

[@ikeo8666]

@@KongArmor I think he's saying that the beams are not resting on the posts but rather held up by lag blots or screws. This comment is pretty much of every deck video on the interwebs, people freak out about it all the time

[@luzsebastian6212]

Awesome video! I had a little bit of this going on on my deck's support posts and this gives some peace of mind. I do have a question though - what about 4x4 support posts that twist in addition? I live in a 20 yr old house and the deck is all original I've been told. I had a guy come out to redo the deck boards and pointed it out to him and he assured me they were structurally sound many times and they'd last many more years. Had the same guy come out 5 months later for more work and now he says I should probably change them within a year. I wonder if he recalls what he told me a few months ago... At any rate, if you have some info on twisted posts, I would be very grateful!

[@KongArmor]

We will look into the situation immidiately and reply back as soon as possible If u could send pic too: [e-mail]

[@KongArmor]

Im working on your video

[@969Garage]

Looking a a composite deck . I had a guy come out he said we can use the exsisting 8x5 frame and posts. I was worried about checking on one post but he said the frame looks good. If the exsisting frame is 20 years old, would u you start from scratch with new frame considering the age or just lay over it?

[@KongArmor]

As long as the frame was sound, I would lay over it...

[@jerigabbard6825]

The Mr Know it all man says to fill the cracks. Are you saying "Not to fill them"?

[@HurricaneManu]

Great video, thanks. We installed a pergola at our home in March/April of this year. The wood is checking, but this video reduces some stress. Question though. Is it normal for wood posts secured in cement to rotate/twist? Should I be concerned? Thanm you!

[@KongArmor]

We advise everyone to have twisting checked... however it can be a non issue as well.. we've seen them twisted up like twizlers.... thats why we use more than a couple.

[@extremerecluse6548]

You're more than a stones throw away from me but thank you for the info! You put my mind at ease!

[@KongArmor]

Absolutely.. please subscribe... we would love to have you here in our KZbin #tribe

[@melgal8647]

Thanks!! Quick and to the point.

[@KongArmor]

U got it

[@jacksonvang2946]

I thank you! Love the video

[@KongArmor]

You are so welcome! Please subscribe , we'd love to have you as a sub

[@potapik]

Thank you very much for this video. You're a pro brother!

[@KongArmor]

Your welcome. We'd love to have you as part of our tribe 🦍🦍🦍 here on KZbin. Please subscribe 🙏. Thanks for your kind words. They really help me😁

[@timmo-x]

Thank you, very clear, thorough and educational. I appreciate you taking the time to explain.

[@KongArmor]

Please subscribe and thanks for ur viewership and kindness

[@chrisunpluggedable]

Thanks!

[@KongArmor]

Ur welcome