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Advantages of a Soft Backer Rod

June 02, 2021

When it comes to filling joints that face expansion, contraction, or have an irregular size, the use of the right filler rod is needed. A soft backer rod is a pliable and non-porous material, which is capable of filling both flexible and irregular joints. It also controls the depth of the applied sealant and blocks it from passing through the joint. This means that the sealant can self-level and dry in the proper placement. The soft nature of these backer rods prevent the backing material from bonding with the sealant as well, and their role as a backstop allows effective tooling to be performed.


Alcot Plastics Ltd. carries a wide backer rod selection, and our team is dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients with the products we specialize in.


If builders deem it necessary, soft backer rods can be used over standard versions due to their flexibility and compressibility. The versatile design permits joints to be filled that are irregular or prone to contracting and expanding, and gaps with a fluctuating width can be covered with them as well. It is important to note that some contractors opt for these items when glazing joints made of glass.


Backer rods in this category have an inert composition that lends to their compatibility with different sealant types. They will not react to the application of acrylic, silicone, butyl, polysulfide, or polyurethane sealants.


Insight into design


The type of foam that is used to create soft backer rods provides flexibility, and easy installation is possible because of its compressible and pliable form. To avoid the poor formation of a joint, care must be taken not to puncture or over-compress the rod’s material.


Browse our website and contact us today for more information about our backer rod options, and how Alcot Plastics Ltd. is prepared to support your upcoming projects.