The RotGuard™ 5x5 Series is a precision-sized, self-adhesive wood post wrap engineered specifically for 5x5 posts, including the common 4.5” × 4.5” cedar posts widely used throughout New England and across the U.S. and Canada.
Sized to fit posts up to 5.125”, this 16-inch wrap delivers targeted ground-line protection at the exact zone where wood posts most often fail.
Whether you’re working with true dimensional 5x5 lumber or nominal 4.5” cedar posts, RotGuard™ provides a secure, soil-line barrier before the post ever touches the ground.
Ships next business day from Pennsylvania (U.S.) or Ontario (Canada).
Install once. Protect for decades.
Product Overview |
Larger posts are often used for higher-end fencing, cedar installations, decorative projects, and structural applications. But regardless of size, wood still fails at the same location, the soil line.
RotGuard™ wraps are 16 inches long, approximately 2 inches longer than many traditional rot barriers, providing additional coverage above and below the critical ground-line zone where posts most commonly fail.
This is where:
Moisture accumulates
Oxygen is present
Freeze–thaw cycles stress the wood
Fungal decay begins
Even pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant cedar will deteriorate over time without proper ground-contact protection.
RotGuard™ creates a durable waterproof membrane at this transition point, helping reduce moisture intrusion and limit the conditions that lead to ground-line rot.
Key Features
✔ Engineered for 5x5 Posts
Fits square or round posts up to 5.125”, including common 4.5” cedar dimensions.
✔ Cold-Bond Installation
No torch. No heat gun. No open flame. Peel, wrap, overlap, and press.
✔ SBS Polymer-Modified Protection
Advanced waterproofing membrane designed for flexibility and long-term adhesion.
✔ 16-Inch Soil-Line Coverage
Protects the critical transition zone above and below grade.
✔ Heat Stable & Job-Site Ready
Will not melt in hot trailers or trucks.
✔ Made in USA
✔ Backed by a 25-Year Limited Warranty
When installed on pressure-treated lumber or heartwood cedar.
Ideal Applications
• 5x5 cedar fence posts
• New England-style wood fencing
• Gate posts
• Deck support posts
• Pergola columns
• Structural landscape posts
How RotGuard™ Works |
The Engineering Behind RotGuard™
RotGuard™ is manufactured using SBS-modified bitumen, a polymer-enhanced waterproofing membrane commonly used in commercial roofing systems and infrastructure applications where flexibility and adhesion are critical.
SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) converts traditional bitumen into a rubberized, elastic compound capable of cold-flow bonding.
That means:
The membrane conforms tightly to the wood grain
It embeds into the surface fibers
It maintains contact without heat activation
It moves with seasonal wood expansion and contraction
Unlike heat-shrink or torch-applied tar sleeves that can harden and separate over time, RotGuard™ remains flexible and self-sealing.
This isn’t just a wrap, it’s a polymer-engineered ground-line protection system.
Do it once. Do it right.
Complete 5x5 Post Protection System
Ground-line protection is the foundation, but long-term post performance depends on protecting the entire structure.
To maximize the lifespan of your 5x5 installation, address all critical exposure zones:
• Protect the above-grade transition area with PostGuard™ to help prevent mechanical damage and preserve the integrity of the membrane.
• Seal exposed end grain with CapClaw™ to reduce water infiltration, splitting, and moisture wicking from the top down.
• Preserve appearance and structural integrity with Expert Professional Wood Care products designed for long-term UV and moisture management.
When larger cedar or structural posts are involved, protecting all zones ensures your investment performs as intended for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions |
Will this fit standard 4.5” × 4.5” cedar posts?
Yes. The RotGuard™ 5x5 Series is designed to accommodate common nominal 5x5 lumber dimensions, including 4.5” × 4.5” cedar posts used throughout New England and beyond.
Can it also fit a true dimensional 5x5?
Yes. It fits posts up to 5.125”, covering both nominal and true dimensional lumber.
Is heat required for installation?
No. RotGuard™ uses a cold-bond, self-adhesive membrane.
Can it be installed after the post is set?
No. It must be applied before ground placement.
Does it work on metal posts?
While designed for wood, it can help reduce corrosion in harsh or acidic soils.
RotGuard™ is designed for installation on wood posts before ground placement. Proper installation according to guidelines is required for warranty coverage. Performance may vary depending on soil conditions, drainage, climate, and overall post-maintenance. For full warranty terms and safety information, please refer to the Warranty and SDS documentation.
RotGuard™ is not classified as a hazardous material under OSHA HazCom standards. See SDS for details.
The RotGuard™ 5x5 Series is a precision-sized, self-adhesive wood post wrap engineered specifically for 5x5 posts, including the common 4.5” × 4.5” cedar posts widely used throughout New England and across the U.S. and Canada.
Sized to fit posts up to 5.125”, this 16-inch wrap delivers targeted ground-line protection at the exact zone where wood posts most often fail.
Whether you’re working with true dimensional 5x5 lumber or nominal 4.5” cedar posts, RotGuard™ provides a secure, soil-line barrier before the post ever touches the ground.
Ships next business day from Pennsylvania (U.S.) or Ontario (Canada).
Install once. Protect for decades.
Product Overview |
Larger posts are often used for higher-end fencing, cedar installations, decorative projects, and structural applications. But regardless of size, wood still fails at the same location, the soil line.
RotGuard™ wraps are 16 inches long, approximately 2 inches longer than many traditional rot barriers, providing additional coverage above and below the critical ground-line zone where posts most commonly fail.
This is where:
Moisture accumulates
Oxygen is present
Freeze–thaw cycles stress the wood
Fungal decay begins
Even pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant cedar will deteriorate over time without proper ground-contact protection.
RotGuard™ creates a durable waterproof membrane at this transition point, helping reduce moisture intrusion and limit the conditions that lead to ground-line rot.
Key Features
✔ Engineered for 5x5 Posts
Fits square or round posts up to 5.125”, including common 4.5” cedar dimensions.
✔ Cold-Bond Installation
No torch. No heat gun. No open flame. Peel, wrap, overlap, and press.
✔ SBS Polymer-Modified Protection
Advanced waterproofing membrane designed for flexibility and long-term adhesion.
✔ 16-Inch Soil-Line Coverage
Protects the critical transition zone above and below grade.
✔ Heat Stable & Job-Site Ready
Will not melt in hot trailers or trucks.
✔ Made in USA
✔ Backed by a 25-Year Limited Warranty
When installed on pressure-treated lumber or heartwood cedar.
Ideal Applications
• 5x5 cedar fence posts
• New England-style wood fencing
• Gate posts
• Deck support posts
• Pergola columns
• Structural landscape posts
How RotGuard™ Works |
The Engineering Behind RotGuard™
RotGuard™ is manufactured using SBS-modified bitumen, a polymer-enhanced waterproofing membrane commonly used in commercial roofing systems and infrastructure applications where flexibility and adhesion are critical.
SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) converts traditional bitumen into a rubberized, elastic compound capable of cold-flow bonding.
That means:
The membrane conforms tightly to the wood grain
It embeds into the surface fibers
It maintains contact without heat activation
It moves with seasonal wood expansion and contraction
Unlike heat-shrink or torch-applied tar sleeves that can harden and separate over time, RotGuard™ remains flexible and self-sealing.
This isn’t just a wrap, it’s a polymer-engineered ground-line protection system.
Do it once. Do it right.
Complete 5x5 Post Protection System
Ground-line protection is the foundation, but long-term post performance depends on protecting the entire structure.
To maximize the lifespan of your 5x5 installation, address all critical exposure zones:
• Protect the above-grade transition area with PostGuard™ to help prevent mechanical damage and preserve the integrity of the membrane.
• Seal exposed end grain with CapClaw™ to reduce water infiltration, splitting, and moisture wicking from the top down.
• Preserve appearance and structural integrity with Expert Professional Wood Care products designed for long-term UV and moisture management.
When larger cedar or structural posts are involved, protecting all zones ensures your investment performs as intended for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions |
Will this fit standard 4.5” × 4.5” cedar posts?
Yes. The RotGuard™ 5x5 Series is designed to accommodate common nominal 5x5 lumber dimensions, including 4.5” × 4.5” cedar posts used throughout New England and beyond.
Can it also fit a true dimensional 5x5?
Yes. It fits posts up to 5.125”, covering both nominal and true dimensional lumber.
Is heat required for installation?
No. RotGuard™ uses a cold-bond, self-adhesive membrane.
Can it be installed after the post is set?
No. It must be applied before ground placement.
Does it work on metal posts?
While designed for wood, it can help reduce corrosion in harsh or acidic soils.
RotGuard™ is designed for installation on wood posts before ground placement. Proper installation according to guidelines is required for warranty coverage. Performance may vary depending on soil conditions, drainage, climate, and overall post-maintenance. For full warranty terms and safety information, please refer to the Warranty and SDS documentation.
RotGuard™ is not classified as a hazardous material under OSHA HazCom standards. See SDS for details.
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