I have a gate mounted to a 6x8 post where the center has rotted out of the post. I am looking to fill the center of the post, rather then replace it if I could. The post itself is still solid, just hollow so the mount bolt have nothing to connect to anymore. I am thinking to try the expanding post foam inside the post, but have not worked with it and I have no reference if it would be stong enough to hold a bolt.
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Iβd replace the post.
The foam might work for a hot minute but Iβm not even convinced of that. Iβd think the stress from the weight of the gate will cause it to fail rather quickly.
If the hollow is up in an area where the hinges attach you might split the post with the foam expanding as it cures.
Get longer bolts, go all the way through the post, then a metal plate on the other side. The plate is to distribute the pulling pressure. This is what is done with eg. brick walls.
This is a good idea in general; gate hardware usually attaches by going completely through or around to the back side of the structure. Essentially you do not want the structure to hold the gate hardware with tension, you want the structure to hold the hardware with compression.
This sounds like a bad idea. Just replace the post.
If youβre in the US, replace it with a western red cedar post. It costs more but lasts much longer than standard SPF 4x4s. Let your kids replace the next one.
Or a 3" thick gauge steel pipe, if youβre not concerned with looks. Your great grandkids can replace that.
The thing about the expanding foam is it may force you to get a new post anyway.
When that stuff expands, it can push cracks apart and if you have enough hollow in that center, it may be enough to provide decent compression power to the foam.
On the positive side, the foam will keep water from going in there, which is causing/exacerbating the damage.
Will foam provide support? Marginally. Bolts wonβt get much added strength, but the entire post may flex a tiny bit less, assuming it doesnβt split during the curing period.
Silicone may work better, but Iβm betting the quantity needed would surpass the cost of having someone replace it all.
You wonβt be out much if it doesnβt work, but if it does end up splitting the wood, you may want to be prepared to replace it.
Most of the expanding foams are not waterproof or water resistant. You have to paint or caulk over them to prevent them from absorbing the water