Called in many names, be it backer foam or filler rope, a backer rod works the same. It is primarily used as a backup material for construction purposes and joints that need sealants. It serves as a depth control for cold-applied sealants which will not adhere to it and does not require a bond breaker. As such, it avoids three-sided adhesion and works great to make the best joint design. Using it will save you money because it fills the joint, requiring you to use less caulking material. By producing the best joint design, a backer foam enables the caulking material to stretch better and prevents a rip or tear that can help you avoid rework.
Therefore, a backer rod is equally valuable as the sealant material itself. It comes in two major types, open-cell, and closed-cell. Each type works best for certain applications because of their different qualities. The standard backer rod is perfect to use in multiple applications. These include glazing installations, log construction, partitions, expansion joints, curtain wall joints, door and window applications, pavement jobs, and pre precast units and copings, and expansion joints. In cases where the standard rod is not sufficient, there is also the soft backer rod.
When it comes to installing a backer rod, joints or openings must be dry and free of any contaminants, frost, or lose materials first. It is very crucial to select the right size of backer foam that meets the joint width and its depth has to be consistent with the recommendation of the sealant manufacturer with the use of a proper tool. To achieve the best results, care should be taken during the installation process. Just keep in mind not to fold or overly stretch the foam and where moisture resistance is of great importance, do not pierce the outer skin.
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