Advice on patching a pergola pillar crack

[wjr75]

Hello,
I'm looking for advice as what to use to fill in this vertical crack in one of my pergola pillars. I thought it was concrete but looking closer it has thread like material holding it together. Last time it was filled in with Bondo but didn't last that long. We have huge temp swings so expansion and contraction is an issue. Thanks in advance!

 

[bmoreswim]

Hello,
I'm looking for advice as what to use to fill in this vertical crack in one of my pergola pillars. I thought it was concrete but looking closer it has thread like material holding it together. Last time it was filled in with Bondo but didn't last that long. We have huge temp swings so expansion and contraction is an issue. Thanks in advance!

I don’t know what would work well and hold up in your weather. I would ask if the integrity of the column is compromised. Could it take a good bump from person or loaded wheel barrow?

 

[woodyp]

That looks like a fiber glass "shell" wrapped around a concrete column to me for looks.

 

[Bama Rambler]

There's a couple of ways to repair that.
1. You could fiberglas it up with fiber strands and resin. You may have to make several layers of it to get it filled. You can then sand it and paint it to match. The only drawback is that it'll most likely cr4ack again in a few years.

2. You could use some foam rod and flexible caulking like sikaflex and fill the gap and then work it to match the contour of the column. Then you could paint it to match. It will flex, so if done right it will expand and contract with the swings in temps and should last many years.

 

[wjr75]

I'm going to try using some filler rope and the sikaflex which I just ordered from Amzon. Thanks for the suggestions!