Recycled Plastic Lumber for Flood Prevention

There are many reasons to choose recycled plastic lumber over wood. It’s longevity and resilience to rotting, insects and general decay are far superior to any timber and was the main reason why Whitehouse Construction, a company known for building home flood defences, decided to start using it.

Traditionally, when fitting a flood gate to an entrance of a house you would choose hardwood such as Iroko or Teak as a stable fixing point to form two posts either side of the door for a flood barrier to fit between. Tropical hardwoods are usually ideal as they resist cracking and warping when exposed to sudden changes in moisture and temperature and have a brilliant resistance to rotting. However, they are a finite resource, which must be shipped around the globe. It can take centuries to replace felled trees and they are only getting more expensive.

Striving to find a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material, Whitehouse Construction came to us for recycled plastic posts. Our recycled plastic lumber is produced here in the UK from waste that would otherwise go to incineration. Helping the environment, instead of hindering it.

Our recycled plastic posts are most often used as fence posts and are available in both 4 x 4 inch square and 3 x 3 inch square. They are ideally suited to constant damp conditions. The advantage here is the global issue of plastic waste not degrading. Recycled plastic lumber ticks all the boxes. Water, rot and crack proof, an indefinite lifespan and maintenance free. Potentially staying in place for decades without issues, allowing for a “fit and forget” method.

You need to start with a flat and level placement. Render may need to be stripped back so that the back and base of the post touches the wall and ground without gaps.

A continuous strip of expanding PU tape is run along the post bottom and up the back along with a thick bead of construction sealant either side, for a belt and braces approach. This needs to be held in place with stainless steel screws.

Drill the holes in the brick for the screw plugs and clean away any dust before using the construction adhesive.

As the largest stockist of recycled plastic lumber in Surrey and Kent we always have a readily available selection of recycled plastic posts, planks, boards and battens in stock in both black and brown, allowing our customers to drop in and buy exactly what they need. Our free to use, in-house cutting service helps save time and labour on the job by providing the sections cut to length.

See our range of recycled plastic lumber here and order online or send us an enquiry with details of your next project to get a tailored quotation.