Backer Rod

Allows Easy Control of Sealant Application Thickness Won’t
Adhere to Sealants – No Bond Breaker Needed Compatible with All
Cold-Applied Sealants Easy To Install Closed Cell Backer Rod is a
round, flexible, closed cell polyethylene foam with an exterior
“skin” used as a backing and thickness control device for
elastomeric and other cold-applied sealants. The backer rod
becomes an integral part of the joint into which it is installed
and therefore is available in a range of diameters to accommodate
joints from 3/16 inch to 1-5/8 inch. It limits the depth of the
sealant, therefore preventing excessive use of sealants. Because
the sealant will not bond to the “skin” of the rod, it can
stretch and recover with joint movement, with minimal stress
being put on the points of adhesion to the substrate. Proper size
selection of Closed Cell Backer Rod is important as it controls
the depth of the sealant bead. It must be oversized (25 percent)
to fit tightly into the joint, and function as a bond breaker to
prevent bottom-side adhesion of the sealant. Diameter of Rod: 1
in (25 mm) Feet per Roll: 100 ft (30.5 m) Closed Cell Backer Rod
Meets all of the requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act. Closed
Cell Backer Rod Is a “Domestic End Product” as defined in the Buy
American Act, Title 41 USC 10. Closed Cell Backer Rod will not
absorb water or wick water to joint walls which could cause
adhesive failure. It is compatible with cold-applied sealants and
its round shape promotes the preferred “hour glass” shape for
joint sealants. Being easily compressible, it withstands hot and
cold temperature extremes from -45° to 160° F (-43° to 71° C). It
can withstand dynamic joint movement without shifting from
position or losing its “grip” on the joint walls. Closed Cell
Backer Rod is chemically inert, and resistant to oils, gasoline
and solvents.