Question 1

What is a Backer Rod?

Accepted Answer

A Backer Rod is a flexible foam material used as a filler in joints to support sealants. It helps control the depth of the sealant and ensures proper adhesion, making it essential for construction and maintenance projects.

Question 2

What materials are Backer Rods made from?

Accepted Answer

Backer Rods are typically made from closed-cell polyethylene or EPE (expanded polyethylene) foam. These materials provide durability, resistance to moisture, and compressibility, which are crucial for effective sealing applications.

Question 3

What are the dimensions available for Backer Rods?

Accepted Answer

Backer Rods come in various sizes, commonly ranging from 6 mm to 50 mm in diameter. Specific products may offer different lengths and thicknesses to suit various construction needs.

Question 4

What is the temperature tolerance of Backer Rods?

Accepted Answer

The temperature range for most Backer Rods is between -30°C to 120°C. This wide range allows them to be used effectively in diverse environmental conditions without compromising performance.

Question 5

How do you install a Backer Rod?

Accepted Answer

Installation requires ensuring that the joint is clean and free of contaminants. The rod should be compressed to about 25% to 80% of its original size to create a proper tooling base for the sealant application.

Question 6

Are Backer Rods resistant to water?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Backer Rods are designed to be resistant to water absorption, which helps maintain their structural integrity and effectiveness in sealing applications even in wet conditions.

Question 7

Can Backer Rods be used with different types of sealants?

Accepted Answer

Backer Rods are compatible with various sealants, including elastomeric types. They provide an inert backing that does not adversely affect the adhesion or performance of the sealants applied over them.

Question 8

What are the primary applications for Backer Rods?

Accepted Answer

Backer Rods are primarily used in construction joints, expansion joints, precast concrete walls, and pavement maintenance. They help ensure effective sealing in environments such as bridges, parking decks, and glazing applications.

Question 9

What is the Backer Rod made of?

Accepted Answer

The Backer Rod is composed of extruded closed-cell polyethylene foam, which is resilient, compressible, and water-resistant.

Question 10

What are the primary uses of the Backer Rod?

Accepted Answer

It is used as a backup material in construction joints, controlling sealant depth, creating a backstop, and preventing sealant adhesion to the bottom of joints. Common applications include expansion joints, curtain walls, pavement joints, and log construction.

Question 11

What are its key technical properties?

Accepted Answer

Key properties include a density of 1.3–1.9 PCF, tensile strength of 29–50 PSI, compression recovery above 90%, and water absorption below 0.5% by volume. It operates effectively within a temperature range of -40°F to 190°F.

Question 12

Is the Backer Rod compatible with sealants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is compatible with most cold-applied sealants such as urethane, silicone, acrylic, butyl, polysulfides, and latex sealants. It does not adhere to sealants and acts as a bond breaker.

Question 13

What sizes are available for Backer Rod rolls?

Accepted Answer

Sizes range from 3–10 mm (100 meters per roll) to 50–70 mm (2 meters per roll). Customized sizes and packaging are also available based on customer needs.

Question 14

Can the Backer Rod be used in extreme temperatures?

Accepted Answer

It is suitable for temperatures between -40°C to 120°C (-40°F to 190°F). Continuous use outside this range is not recommended.

Question 15

How should the Backer Rod be installed?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the joint is clean and dry before installation. Select an oversized rod (20–30%) for proper fit and use a blunt tool for uniform placement without puncturing or stretching it.

Backer Rod - White

Features & Benefits

Specification

Attachments

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions