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jawon
Feb 2, 2010, 6:51 AM
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Registered: Apr 10, 2005
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I'm putting up a wall in my backyard and it will have full exposure to the sun and elements. Any suggestions on protecting the wall to maximize lifespan? I figure a good coat of wood waterproofing every few years will suffice. I'm not planning to texturize. Is it worth getting a big ol tarp? I figure that's overkill and would just be an inconvenience preventing me from spontaneous climbs.
(This post was edited by jawon on Feb 2, 2010, 6:53 AM)
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airscape
Feb 2, 2010, 1:24 PM
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Just don't let it crack... Cracks cause all sorts of protection problems and it might start a bolt vs gear war...
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dynosore
Feb 2, 2010, 1:54 PM
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I made my wall from untreated 3/4" plywood 7 years ago and it sat outside the whole time. I used CFW-UV sealant on it (Ace or Home Depot) as I've had good luck with it in the past. It was still in good shape when I tore it down last fall (moving). It doesn't leave a slick surface at all either like regular polyurethane.
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airscape
Feb 2, 2010, 2:11 PM
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Could be a good idea to use marine ply. I would still put a coat on it though.
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jawon
Feb 2, 2010, 6:10 PM
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Registered: Apr 10, 2005
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How about the bolts and t-nuts? I know the standard bolts for climbing holds will rust pretty easily, but I'm guessing that's just cosmetic. Or should I invest in stainless steel? I believe the standard t-nuts are zinc plated and won't be directly exposed to the elements, so probably not as big a deal? I'm just planning on getting deck/fence stain with water protection to give the wall a nice color and protection for a few years. Seems like a simple and effective way to go. Any other suggestions for maximizing the wall's lifespan?
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treemonkey
Feb 3, 2010, 5:01 AM
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save your self, and go with stainless.
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Kevthecoffeeguy
Feb 3, 2010, 5:44 PM
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jawon wrote: How about the bolts and t-nuts? I know the standard bolts for climbing holds will rust pretty easily, but I'm guessing that's just cosmetic. Or should I invest in stainless steel? I believe the standard t-nuts are zinc plated and won't be directly exposed to the elements, so probably not as big a deal? I'm just planning on getting deck/fence stain with water protection to give the wall a nice color and protection for a few years. Seems like a simple and effective way to go. Any other suggestions for maximizing the wall's lifespan? After decades in construction. the inexpensive waterproofing works just marginaly less as well as the upper end stuff. (you should recoat every year anyway) Go with the stainless bolts. it will save you money and trouble in the long run
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imnotclever
Feb 3, 2010, 6:13 PM
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Registered: Sep 8, 2003
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Use the treated plywood. The chemicals that the wood is treated with now a days are harder on zinc plated stuff and deteriorate it. They've upped the coating to try an accommodate for the deterioration. I think g60 didn't cut it enough and they raised the standard to g90? I don't know where this all shakes out currently. ^ given that, if you go with the galvanized stuff, and you are painting/ coating everything anyway, give the back of the wall a coat and cover up the t-nuts for some added protection. You'll keep an eye on it down the road and see if they look bad.
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tslater
Feb 26, 2010, 4:46 AM
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Registered: Mar 21, 2005
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SS for sure, if not, they'll rust enough to where if you try and tighten/loosen them they might just spin after the nut/bolt lock up on you. It happend to me after 4 months and now everything is SS. It's worth it. I used a wood stain, and will do it once a year. I actually cover the two mattresses with a blue tarp with tent stakes. It's an el nino year, tons of rain, and so far so good! you can see my plans on slatervision.com Tons of pics showing step by step as well. Good luck!
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