Repairing/sealing cracked landscaping ties used for a wall

Those 6" railroad tie walls that 3 years ago I replaced the top row, they all now have cracks in them 1/8" - 1/4" wide. In total about 40' of cracks. It is not cracking based on the holes drilled and the spikes were driven into. It's like the stress from drying in the sun I guess. I'd like to fill the cracks up in a meaningful way to stop the water from prematurely rotting out the ties.


I tried using the liquid driveway crack repair, even heated the container up first to make sure it would flow more easily, that did not flow in the cracks at all. Am thinking of using phenoseal perhaps? Or maybe carefully pouring in left-over driveway sealer that I have?

Once dried, I would paint over it with the existing paint that I have. Any suggestions?

 

What was the treatment on the sides of the ties not visible?

 

Hi Beelzebob,
All ties old and new were originally pressure treated wood. All were painted with outdoor paint on the surfaces that were visible after installed. That is it. Yep, strange..
Dave

 

And there was no treatment other than the above on these pressure treated railroad ties.

 

I changed the title as you have landscaping ties..... not railroad ties.

I don't think there's any way to seal/stop the wood from checking.
The gaps should open and close based on escaping moisture.
The lumber they use for those large ties is kiln dried but rarely is it 100%.
The inside stays wet for a long time.

 

Hi PJmax,

These cracks stay open and seem not to get smaller or larger. I have not closely examined them or measured the width of the cracks over time but look at them frequently. OK I am going to have to figure out something to do. The cracks are quite a disappointment with all the money I spent a few years ago to get and put in these ties.

Best,
Dave