Polyethylene Foam Backer Rod PE Foam Backing Rod Gap Filling Foam Cylinder

What is a backer rod?
A backer rod refers to any piece of material that is forced into a joint or a opening to form a stop for another material. For example, when caulking a joint, a piece of foam, or other synthetic material, is forced into the joint prior to the caulking application. The backer rod is intended to provide a stop to eliminate the insertion of an endless amount of caulk or sealant into a joint or opening. The backer rod is normally a resilient, pliable material that can be compressed into an opening and it springs back to push against the interior walls of the opening providing a firm seal and a stiff backup for the caulking or sealing operation.

Backer rods are ideal,compressible and flexible backup PE foam products that are used to fill joints. People often use mortar, sealant or chinking around them to finish filling and create an airtight and watertight seal. They are non-absorbent and will resist oil, gasoline and most other sealants. They are compatible with most cold-applied sealants. Backer rods are used in tiling, flooring, decorative wall paneling, window sealing, stonework and counter steps.

Applications
Glazing installations
Window and door applications
Expansion joints
Curtain wall joints
Partitions
Log construction
Pavement jobs
Precast units
Log Homes


Backer Rod is as important to a successfully installed joint as the sealant material itself.
They provide three critical functions:
1) Control the depth of sealant application
2) Prevent three-sided adhesion
3) Form the hourglass shape necessary for proper joint design.

Installation Guides
Standard practice for closed-cell backer rod is that with joints less than 3/4 inch (19mm) wide, the backer rod diameter should be 1/8 inch (3mm) larger than the joint width, and with joints 3/4 inch (19mm) or larger, the backer rod diameter should be around 25%-30% larger than the joint width.


The following table provides appropriate backer rod sizes for various building joint widths.