Concrete caps for fence posts - types and uses
Precipitation can have a negative effect on concrete and brick supports for fences. Therefore, in order to extend the operational period of the latter, it is necessary to worry in advance about their additional protection. In such cases it is rational to use, for example, concrete caps on brick pillars, which not only protect them, but also give the structures an original and aesthetic appearance.
Concrete cap for the fence - what is it
Such covers can vary depending on:
- forms of manufacture;
- sizes;
- colors;
- style.
The most popular option are caps on fence posts, the shape of which corresponds to the four-pitched pyramid. However, products with unusual outlines that are made to order, whose price is slightly above average, are gaining popularity.
But, first of all, such materials should protect, and not decorate brick, stone and concrete supports.
If they are constantly exposed to temperature extremes, as well as moisture:
- the rate of seam washout will increase;
- concrete and brick will crack;
- their service life will be significantly reduced.
Using concrete caps on the fence posts, you can avoid all these problems, as well as unnecessary costs for reconstruction.
Color and appearance
The most commonly used covers are with concrete color, i.e. gray. However, when using vibratory casting, various pigments are added to the composition, which will give any color to the product.
This type of staining has several advantages:
- it is not washed away under the influence of moisture;
- resistant to UV rays, therefore does not fade in the sun;
- since the paint is not outside, but is evenly distributed throughout the product, there is no need to constantly update it.
Tip: after buying a gray cap, it can be easily repainted using the facade-type paints.
In appearance, the cover of concrete into the pillars are divided into:
- Pitched (two or four).
- Bulging (flat).
- With rounded (sharp) corners.
- Ribbed (smooth).
- Spherical or stepped.
- With the presence of rush and balls.
- Using architectural elements.
- Round, square or rectangular and many other varieties.
Production of really high-quality products is carried out on modern equipment. And as a base material, moisture and cold resistant concrete is used. In addition, the composition can be added to other components, imparting certain properties, such as fiberglass, which reduces the likelihood of cracks on products.
Advice: there are cases when it is necessary to draw lines of communication through a concrete foundation; diamond drilling of holes in concrete with crowns of the required diameter helps best.
The text uses only two main names - a concrete cover and a concrete cap, but this product has a number of names, including:
- cone;
- fungus;
- crown;
- tip;
- the tip.
Why concrete
Currently, there are a number of materials used for the manufacture of covers for the supports of the fences:
- metal coated with zinc or other material;
- polyester;
- pural, which does not fade;
- plastisol, which does not appear scratches;
- rubber;
- plastic;
- PVC
Each of the above materials has its advantages and disadvantages, and they all guarantee good protection for the pillars. However, the choice in favor of concrete for the manufacture of hubcaps for the supports is made by the owners, who think about the durability of such products, as well as their reliability.
It should be noted that such covers will be harmoniously combined with the fence, made of virtually any material.
Tip: for supports made of metal, use caps of other materials.
The popularity of concrete for the production of "tops" is explained by three things:
- The ease of processing the material itself.
- Quite affordable price.
- Easy installation process.
In addition, concrete products are hydrophobic, they are not affected by the ultraviolet radiation of the sun, and they are not destroyed by exposure to a chemically aggressive environment.
Another useful feature of bell caps is that you can easily install lighting on them. It is necessary only before installation to make a corresponding hole in the cover through which the cable will subsequently be pulled.
Tip: if you need to process reinforced concrete surfaces of various thickness, for this purpose, cutting of reinforced concrete with diamond circles using special tools and with the help of professional brigades is used.
Additional application and installation
Если столбов много, и вы хотите на каждый повесить какой-либо светильник, лучше позаботиться о независимом выключателе для каждой цепи. Это поможет не только контролировать освещенность своего двора, но и существенно экономить электроэнергию (читайте также статью «Маркировка бетона и изделий из него: учимся читать символы»).
If you yourself do not want to mess around with a lid (drill holes, install lighting), you can purchase products with already installed lights.
Such devices:
- Will look aesthetically pleasing.
- Save installation time.
As already mentioned, the installation of concrete caps on the pole is carried out without any effort, you just need to prepare a cement mortar or adhesive composition.
The instruction is as follows:
- At the first stage, the surface of the support is cleaned with its own hands.
- Then a deep penetration primer is applied.
- Then glue or mortar is applied.
- The process ends with the installation of the tip.
It is necessary to ensure that it is slightly hanging over the support from all sides, which will help protect the seam from leaching.
Tip: in situations where the concrete cap is placed on the same level with the side surface of the support, it is desirable to apply a composition with water-repellent properties to the joints.
Conclusion
Protecting structures made of concrete and brick from moisture, in particular, pillars for the fence with the help of concrete caps, makes it possible to preserve them intact for a long time. Installation of products is not difficult and it can be easily carried out independently.
The video in this article will help you find additional information on this topic.