Expanding Foam vs. Concrete Fence Post Hole Filler
- Durability. Expanding foam offers more support for a simple fence post because it expands to fill every crack and...
- Price. Although expanding foam is significantly more lightweight than concrete, it is also more expensive. Expanding...
- Ease of Installation. Concrete has some installation benefits—namely that it takes at...
Full Answer
How to set fence posts with concrete?
Project Instructions
- Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 ...
- Add about 6 inches of QUIKRETE All-Purpose Gravel into the bottom of the hole. Then compact and level the gravel using a post or 2x4.
- Set the post into the hole and attach 2x4 braces to adjacent sides of the post.
What is the best fence post?
What Trees Make the Best Fence Posts?
- Cedar. Cedar is one of the most ascetically pleasing materials for fence posts. ...
- Locust. Depending on price and availability, locust may be your best choice when selecting wood to build a farm or ranch fence.
- White Oak. White oak provides excellent fencing material, and is resistant to insect infestation and wood rot. ...
- Whitewoods. ...
Should my fence posts be set in concrete?
Most use concrete to create leverage. The main reason is the post length of choice for fence companies is often a 4″ x 4″ x 8′. As a result, the fence post is only two feet in the ground on a six-foot in height wood fence. Hence the use of concrete.
How to install a fence post into concrete?
Setting the Post
- Concrete
- Water
- Wheelbarrow
- Hoe
- Shovel
- Level
Is fence post foam as strong as concrete?
Concrete provides a strong support for these products. Expanded foam has nowhere near the density or rigidity. It is plenty strong enough to hold the post up under normal circumstances, but has little structural strength.Aug 24, 2021
Which is better concrete or foam?
Cost – When comparing price, you will find that a bag of concrete will cost less than a bag of post foam. Heavier – Concrete weighs more than post foam material providing an anchor effect. This is beneficial for those building fences in softer ground.Dec 21, 2020
Is foam good for setting fence posts?
9:3112:01FOAM VS. CONCRETE - Fence Post Setting Test. This may be one of the ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHard foam it's for post setting. And what I would say is if you're gonna have a lot of load like ifMoreHard foam it's for post setting. And what I would say is if you're gonna have a lot of load like if you're gonna go on your deck.
Is Sika post fix strong?
3:203:54Installing a Fence Post with Sika Post Fix vs. Concrete Post Mix (feat. Mike ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd sets in only three minutes it reaches full strength in about two hours no need to wait forMoreAnd sets in only three minutes it reaches full strength in about two hours no need to wait for concrete to harden before fencing. It's a clear win in my books as far as I'm concerned Sika postfix.
Where should you not use expanding foam?
When NOT to Use Spray Foam InsulationFor areas that are too close to electrical boxes:For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:Open-cell spray foam on your roof:For closed-cavity spaces:If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems:Mar 29, 2019
What can I use instead of concrete for fence posts?
GravelGravel can be a great alternative to using concrete, and it does away with any drainage problems either underground or around the base. However, the success of gravel as a post setting depends upon the soil. It doesn't work in loose or sandy soils, but is ideal for heavy, clay-type dirt.Apr 8, 2021
How do you use foam to set fence posts?
0:052:39Sika® Post Fix Fence Post Mix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt is a two-part polyurethane expanding foam for simple post installation. It mixes in just 15MoreIt is a two-part polyurethane expanding foam for simple post installation. It mixes in just 15 seconds sets in three minutes reaches full strength after only two hours and requires.
Can you use expanding foam on concrete?
Geolift can help to lift existing concrete surfaces and fix those problem areas around your house with much less labor. Geolift works for driveways, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, even pool decks. And yes, it is a foam, just like your beloved spray foam!Mar 2, 2021
How strong is expanding foam?
DON'T apply maximum-expansion foam around windows. Low-expansion foam expands up to 30 times its liquid size, while high-expansion foam can expand as much as 300 times its liquid size, quickly putting pressure on a window frame to the point where it's difficult to open and close the window.Apr 22, 2021
Can you use Sika post fix in cold weather?
Seals and protects base of post. Compatible with use in cold conditions without need for additives. Packaging 979 mL (33 US fl. oz) pouches.
How much Sika do I need?
Sika® Post Fix: One 979 mL pouch yields approx. 20 L (0.7 ft3) of expanded foam. Let's take a standard 25-post fence job, your project will require: 50 bags of concrete mix (count 2 bags of concrete mix per post)Sep 19, 2016
How hard does spray foam get?
Once it's applied, the spray foam expands quickly, filling in even the smallest cracks and gaps. The foam will also harden quickly to create a strong air barrier. Spray foam insulation can expand to over 30% of its original size and custom fits around framing.
Why is expanding foam good for fence posts?
The reason that expanding foam is such a great option is because it expands widely filling the surrounding cavities creating a strong seal. Let’s get into the difference between expanding foam and concrete for setting fence posts.
How long does foam last in fence posts?
Good quality polyurethane foam can last between 3 and 5 years, on average. Expanding foam is known to be incredibly durable and not break down easily.
Why use concrete for fence posts?
Concrete is used to set fence posts primarily because of its strength and how long lasting it is. Despite expanding foam being a better option for certain reasons, concrete is a great option if you want your posts to be secure.
What is the best way to set a fence post?
The two most viable options for setting a fence post is using expanding foam or concrete. Between expanding foam and concrete, expanding foam is the better option for setting fence posts. However, concrete is also a classic and viable option and can be done quite easily like expanding foam . The reason that expanding foam is such a great option is ...
How long does it take for expanding foam to set?
Many expanding foams can set within three minutes of application, making it a quick method. Typically speaking, expanding foam is sold in bags that need to be mixed before applying. It has become extremely common to use expanding foam to set fence posts and mailboxes because of how effective it is.
What is the advantage of expanding foam?
The key advantage expanding foam has over concrete is within the expansion itself. Because expanding foam expands up to 15 times its size, it goes the extra mile in securing a fence post. The cavity beneath the post gets completely filled by the expanding foam which gives it extra security.
How long does it take to dry a concrete fence post?
Use balancing braces to hold the post in place for 5-10 minutes. Remove the balancing brace and allow 4 hours of dry time before putting the actual fence itself up. Step 2 calls for adding gravel to the hole.
The Highlight on the Expanding Home Expanding Foam
The product for the expansion and hardening, expanding foam, when it comes in contact with the air, sets the fence posts. Most people find that in the canister with the spray nozzle expanding foam turns out to be easy to apply in various situations.
The Benefits of Expanding Foam for the Fence Post
The homeowners and the builders always use the expanding foam that can help treat the fence post. They’re easy to use and also quickly right within just 5 minutes.
Highlight on the Concrete for Fence Post
Concrete turns out to be the material for setting the fence post primarily. The strength and long-lasting durability make it quite durable.
Now the Question Is Which Is Better?
Ultimately expanding foam turns out to be better in terms of sitting the fence post compared to concrete. With concrete, you can’t expect consistency to the bottom layer. Sometimes you may notice problems even when you mix it well.
The Other Facts Associated With the Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam can give zero support for setting the 4×4 post. The purpose is only to go ahead with insulation and to provide the thermal break between the elements.
The Highlight on Setting the Fence Post With Expanding Foam
Before you can just begin the first step, you will have to always ensure that you have the proper outdoor conditions. That said, you will have to maintain the warmth and dry temperature. You also may be wanting the hole dug. Always make sure about going through the manufacturer’s directions for the specific material.
The Tips That You Need to Maintain for Better Results
With expanding foam, consult the local building code to ensure that you have an idea regarding the frost depth in the area. By getting this idea, you will get the opportunity of determining how deep the holes should be.
What Is Expanding Foam?
Many people aren’t familiar with expanding foam and probably never heard about it until they started looking into how they can install posts in the ground for their new DIY fencing project. However, there are different types of expanding foam, and knowing how to use them is highly recommended.
Best Tips for Using Expanding Foam
If you decide that expanding foam is the best choice for installing and securing your fence posts, then we want to go over a few tips that will help you safely get the job done.
Why Some People Choose to Use Concrete for Fence Posts
One of the main reasons people choose to use concrete to set their fence posts is because concrete is incredibly strong and can last a really long time. There is nothing wrong with choosing to use concrete over expanding foam, and we’ll tell you why below.
Expanding Foam VS Concrete
Like we mentioned above, people are forever debating over which one is better to use for installing fence posts. They both have good qualities and work well for this type of project. However, we tend to lean more towards using expanding foam for various reasons.
The Difference in Cost Between Expanding Foam and Concrete
Some folks will tell you that you’ll spend a fortune on expanding foam compared to using concrete. However, you will spend approximately 25% more on expanding foam than you would on concrete when it comes to cost.
Conclusion
When it comes to using expanding foam and concrete, they both work amazingly well for setting and securing fence posts. We recommend using the expanding foam if you are not highly skilled in using and or mixing concrete. Like we mentioned earlier, the mixture needs to remain consistent throughout the entire job.
Concrete and Expanding Foam: The Basics
Before we start looking at the differences between expanding foam and concrete in terms of setting fence posts, let’s first figure out what both of these materials actually are.
Similarities of Using Concrete and Expanding Foam for Setting Fence Posts
What you are going to quickly realize here is that there really aren’t any similarities between expanding foam and concrete. Sure, there are a couple of minor similarities, but in the grand scheme of things, they’re completely negligible when compared to the vast differences between them.
Differences Between Using Expanding Foam and Concrete for Fence Posts
Let’s now jump into the differences. After all, these will be the factors swaying you in one direction or the other.
Expanding Foam vs. Concrete for Fence Posts: Which Should You Use?
When it comes down to it, although concrete is stronger due to the fact that it is also much heavier, and because it’s not as water resistant as expanding foam, it’s generally not the better option to go with here.
Summary
Both concrete and expanding foam are fine options to go with for fence post setting. There are of course differences between the two, but as long as you are aware of all of the most important ones, you can make an informed decision.
Concrete is the traditional material used to set fence posts
Concrete is made by mixing cement with water, and adding an aggregate that’s usually sand, gravel, or a combination of both. The proportions are important. It might often seem as if it’s thrown together with little care, but the wrong mix can be weak and prone to crumbling or cracking. When made properly, it can last 50 years or more.
Expanding foam fence post mix is a two-part polymer
Expanding foam is popular as a gap filler and insulator. It is usually provided in an aerosol can or will be pumped using dedicated equipment in commercial applications. Expanding foam for fence post fixing is a two-part polyurethane resin supplied in a lightweight pack. The two components react when mixed.
Concrete is much heavier but costs less than expanding foam
When setting fence posts in concrete, experts recommend using at least two 50-pound bags of store-bought mix for a 4x4-inch post in a hole 2 feet deep (available at The Home Depot ). Buying concrete like this is a good idea because it takes the guesswork out of preparation. Just add water and pour.
Concrete takes longer to fully cure, and foam sets in much colder conditions
When using concrete as a post hole filler, it’s usually necessary to provide some kind of temporary support, because the concrete won’t normally set sufficiently for the post to stay upright on its own for at least 30 minutes.
Common fence post repair products are not compatible with expanding foam
A variety of brackets and fence post repair spikes can be used to secure wooden fence posts that have been damaged, or where there is some decay. Concrete provides a strong support for these products.