How to seal creosote poles?

[liz73]

We have used old telegraph  poles to build a barn now renovated for lliving but the creosote in the poles gases off and smells now we find it is dangerous for health and want to seal them , has anyone any experinece with this??  , what about the bunnings product B.I.N primer sealant woud that work? The poles have cracks that we think need to be filled as the poles were possibly impregnated with crosote so the fumes will come oout of the cracks

[EricL]

Hello @liz73 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's magnificent to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question regarding sealing creosote poles. 

Using the Zinsser 946ml B-I-N Primer Sealer Stain Killer is effective for cigarette smoke contaminated walls. But I'm afraid it's not strong enough to stop the off gassing of creosote poles. Even stripping and sanding the surface is not enough as the creosote has travelled inside the pole.

In this particular instance, I suggest engaging the services of a creosote sealing specialist. My only other recommendation is to replace the telegraph poles with standard framing timber.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[liz73]

thanks Eric for your response it's not possible to replace the poles so we now think we will fill the cracks with silicon and staple thick plastic over them then recover with curved ply wood.Do you think this idea will work?

You suggested a creosote sealing speciallist , do such people exist in NZ?   ive not been able to find anyone so interested if you have a contact 

regards Liz

[EricL]

Hi @liz73 

I'm not sure if the plastic and plywood would be enough to stop the out gassing of the creosote. I've had a quick search as well and could not find a creosote specialist in NZ. However, as an alternative, I suggest speaking to your local registered builder regarding this issue. Perhaps they've run into this kind of situation before and they might be able to offer a solution.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[liz73]

Many thanks Eric

 Ive found out that metal will stop the gassing off and it has been suggested to use a double layer of heavy duty tin foil and fill the cracks with wood filler then cover poles with curved fine ply wood .

liz

[EricL]

Hi @liz73 

That's good to hear. I hope that kind of cover will be enough to supress the off gassing of the creosote.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[liz73]

 Now I have found a product that reacts with the chemicals in creosote and renders them less harmful so Im looking to bring this in from the states

 its called Clear  Penetrating expoxy sealer CPES  and I will need to cover with three coats of this after sanding back poles

 So stilll making progress