What Is Closed Cell Foam Backer Rod

Gray caulk backer rod for gaps and joints.

What is closed cell foam backer rod.

Meadows provides two different types of backer rods. Builders and contractors often use this tool initially in grooves or cracks and then they apply mortar sealant or chinking around it. Closed cell backer rod is a domestic end product as defined in the buy american act title 41 usc 10. There are two different types of backer rods available commercially the closed cell rod and the open cell rod.

The two can be used interchangeably but there is specific environment wherein each will work best. A backer rod is a cylindrical type of foam used to fill cracks and gaps between building materials. If you are looking for filler for indoor use then the open cell rod is best because there is less moisture in comparison to outdoor use. The reflected closed cell foam expansion joint is the reflected closed cell foam expansion joint is the solution to your concrete placement needs.

The rod adds stability precision and also typically save time. It is durable lightweight and flexible enough to shape to contours. The depth of the backer rod needs to be consistent which can be attained by use of a packing tool. Backer rod is an easy to compress rope like celled foam.

Backer rod is available in two basic forms. Tear off strip for applications where caulking is planned. The product includes a 0 5 in. Both are closed cell rods meaning they are dense and firm and intended for outdoors and heavy duty construction however one addresses hot application processes and the other cold.

It is compatible with cold applied sealants and its round shape promotes the preferred hour glass shape for joint sealants. A backer rod is a small foam rod or cord that is used to fill joints between tiles or other pieces of building material. Open cell backer rods may not be ideal for sealants that are susceptible to bubbling of air escaping the backer rod material. Crack flex concrete sealant m d building products 5 8 in.

Closed cell backer rod sikaflex 10 1 oz. Closed cell backer rod will not absorb water or wick water to joint walls which could cause adhesive failure. It is inserted into a clean joint at the required depth before caulking sealing. Backer rods are used to fill joints fissures crevices.

In all these applications it is used for three major purposes. Backer rod creates an even depth and supports the sealant caulk allowing it to form the proper shape about 2x as wide as deep.