In the world of post-frame construction, your building is only as strong as its foundation. In Ohio, where the soil can be heavy with moisture and the seasons bring everything from deep freezes to humid summers, choosing the right support for your structure is critical.
At Burkholder’s Custom Construction, we often see clients weighing the pros and cons of traditional treated wood against the advanced Green Post foundation. To help you make the best investment for your property, let’s break down why this choice matters for the longevity of your post-frame building.
The Traditional Standard: Treated Wood Posts
Pressure-treated wood has long been the industry standard due to its affordability and accessibility. These posts are infused with chemical preservatives to resist rot, decay, and insect damage.
- The Pro: Lower upfront material cost.
- The Risk: Even the best chemical treatments can eventually leach into the soil or deplete over time. Once that chemical barrier breaks down, the wood becomes vulnerable to the "rot zone"—the area 2 inches above and 16 inches below the ground line where moisture and oxygen are most prevalent.
The Superior Choice: Green Post Foundation
For those looking for a "lifetime" solution, the Green Post foundation offers a level of protection that standard treated wood simply cannot match.
A Green Post is a wood column (often a 3-ply or 4-ply laminated post) that has been protected by a heavy-duty, UV-stabilized polyethylene wrap. This wrap is coated on the inside with bitumen, which is heat-shrunk onto the post to create a permanent, moisture-proof seal.
Why Green Posts Outperform in Ohio:
- Total Decay Prevention: By completely isolating the wood from soil, moisture, and oxygen, the Green Post eliminates the possibility of ground-line rot.
- Advanced Uplift Restraint: Ohio’s high winds are a major concern. Green Posts feature patented uplift restraint notches that, when set in concrete, provide superior anchorage compared to traditional smooth-sided posts.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Unlike standard treated wood, the Green Post wrap prevents chemical preservatives from leaching into your surrounding soil and groundwater.
- Lifetime Warranty: Because of its durability, the Green Post system often carries a lifetime warranty against moisture damage and decay, giving you ultimate peace of mind.
Making the Right Investment
While treated wood may save some costs initially, the labor-intensive expense of repairing a rotted post down the road can far exceed the initial savings. At Burkholder’s Custom Construction, we recommend the Green Post system for any structure where long-term durability and structural integrity are the top priorities.
Whether you are building a custom horse barn, a commercial shop, or a hobby garage, we can help you design a foundation that stands the test of time.
Contact Burkholder's Custom Constructions for a Free Quote & Custom Blueprint Today!
Call us at (419) 631-0372 to discuss your project!