Should I fill driveway gate post with Concrete?

Submitted by tob007 t3_12093g0 in DIY

I sunk a 3x3 metal post into concrete for a long heavy driveway gate. The post is 10 feet in length with about 4 feet of that set in a large hole with concrete and rebar. But I never put a cap on it and doesnt flex\bounce very much with the gate installed but it has been raining and is probably full of water. Should I fill the post full of concrete or make a cap or both?

Thanks!

2

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

SecuringAndre t1_jdgbcsp wrote

Filling the post with concrete isn't going to add any stability. You only need concrete around the base of the post. Just cap it. Add pictures so we can be proud of your great work. Good luck. 😁

6

phalangepatella t1_jdgf744 wrote

Drill a small hole just above ground level to let any water out. Then cap it to keep more rain from getting in.

5

SillyCubensis t1_jdgbsig wrote

Fill it with rebar and concrete. You’ll thank me the next time some idiot runs into it.

2

yllwjacket t1_jdi7yya wrote

Depending on where OP lives this could be detrimental advice. If someone hits the post and dies the family of the deceased might be able to extract significant assets from them.

1

JonJackjon t1_jdgdf9r wrote

I believe you should fill it with concrete. The reason is to lessen internal rust. If you just cap it there will be condensation on the inside. Adding concrete will lessen the condensation and remove a lot of the oxygen.

2

infodawg t1_jdge8nc wrote

Pics are always nice... But anyways to me the problem your raising is the least of it because if you're dealing with metal and your gate post is 10 units long but your post only goes into the ground 4 units deep, you might end up with the gate shaking loose simply because you don't have enough counterbalance going into the ground. I don't know what the formulas are involved but I imagine they're not too complicated. Re your other question pouring concrete into the upright is a decent idea to strengthen everything up.

1