Question about neighbours swing set?

Question

My neighbour and i have a disagreement on the swing set he built. He has two swings, a little landing on top, and some monkey bars off to the side. He used treated wood. We live in Wisconsin so the weather changes day by day. Well anyway. He didnt seal the wood and the landing has no roof so there is a lot of standing water when it rains. Also I know when i built my swing set we put the posts in concrete. He just drilled holes in the base of the A frames and ran a piece of rebar into the ground.

Personally i think that the Set is going to rot and sink over time.

What is everyone elses opinion?

thank you for your replies

Answer 1

I replaced a dock surface with treated wood and was advised not to seal it for one year allowing it to "weather." Perhaps your neighbor was advised the same. Anyway time will tell who is the best swingset builder.

Answer 2

Why did you let him build it on your property.Just tell him to move it.If he dosen't file for a trial at the J.P. for a court ordered eviction

Answer 3

i think that is his problem why should you care about his handy work if it does rot and sink so what his problem.as long as you know you built yours the right way.what do you care about his.

Answer 4

as long as the wood is treated rot should not be an issue.if they get to swinging it will rock and pull the rebar out ad twist and stain any connections. and the fact is if you set your posts in the concrete you have a higher chance of rot.especially since they have started using copper based solution to treat lumber which is acid while cement is alkaline the two don't get along,also it traps moisture in the wood

Answer 5

What he does on his property is his business!

What he does on your property is your's!

If his kids get hurt while on your property who will be sued?

I really hate to be negative, but when it comes to kids, if he wants to build them a swing set it must be "idiot proof"! Because it's on your property YOU will be held responcible.

Make him move it onto his own property, or get ready to be sued.

Answer 6

Do you otherwise get along well with this neighbor? Do you perhaps like each other, even back yard socialize?

  I might offer my opinions, then shut up, letting the Universe take care of the details. That of course relates to my irreverent attitude at times, and being able to suggest after the fact, "I told you so."

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 7

give him a welding book and maybe he will switch to metal. =)

Answer 8

You say he used treated lumber, so why do you think it will rot?  Treated lumber does not require sealing.  I have not sealed my deck because I want the natural graying to occur (it has been 6 years now).  Treated lumber will not last forever but it should outlast the children the swing set was constructed for.  Sealing the lumber just puts more toxins on it,  Also once you apply a sealer you must then continue to seal it on a regular basis to maintain the color consistency.  

As for sinking that is a real possibility.  But not because he did or did not set it in concrete.  Here in Wisconsin you are required to go down 48" (in my zone) to get below the frost line.  Anything less is subject to freeze and thaw movement.  The re-bar is to stabilize the post, so they will not "bump" when the swings are used,(I assume).  But the sinking will occur if the top soil gets wet (rain) and the weight presses down and there is no base underneath the posts to prevent them from sinking.

Clear as mud?