I have a split rail fence that is very old and showing a lot of rot. I need to replace at least 15 - 20 rails. They are so rotten they are literally disintegrating. My dumb question is: I'm sure these rails were pressure treated when new years ago. Is there a time period where the chemicals break down to a point when it is safe to burn? Do they ever break down?
Not a dumb question at all. Treated lumber contains chromium, copper and arsenic. I think the ingredients changed in the past couple years to more copper with little to no chromium. These heavy metals will remain in the wood. If you burn it, I would not breath the smoke and would dispose of the ashes.
JUst trying to save myself a trip to the dump. The fence is very close to my fire pit but I don't think I'll burn it if any nasty stuff lingers. Too many kids around.
Are you sure it isn't a cedar fence? Pretty common for split rail. If it is, it probably is not treated.
Just my thoughts.... I'm not a chemical engineer, but I do work in the haz-mat field on a regular basis here in the USCG because of my job. "I" would not burn them! They do loose some/most of the chemical properties in the wood over the years and it does brake down but it "can" still be toxic. Cedar is fine and if it's very old it is more likely cedar, best way to tell is to just cut a piece with your saw. Unfortunately you may have to just haul them off to the land fill.
I probably wouldnt burn it, but if you do make sure to clean all the ashes out completely before having a fire again. And especially if you use the same firepit for bonfires.
Bv those are cedar rails non treated. Its a cheap way to make fencing and look rustic. I wouldn't worry about burning them at all.
I have a bunch of that fence to put in, but can't get anyone willing to dig 5 holes. Makes a nice rustic looking fence and keep a division between the property and the road.
I Have a mega back saving tip for that! Use a shovel for the first ft or so then pick the loose dirt with a post digger. After the loose dirt is out use a trenching shovel to knock the sides and bottom loose then just pick the loose dirt with a post hole digger again. I dug a bunch of holes that way last year in half the time it would half taken with just the post hole digger. It also eliminates the physical exhaustion factor for the most part...
This is what your railings are. http://www.lowes.com/pd_140392-833-...currentURL=?Ntt=split+rail+fencing&facetInfo=
If in doubt shave some off with the chainsaw, you'll be able to tell if it's ceder by looking at it, that's what I did I burned some of mine I had it was cedar
