BENEFITS OF USING A BACKER ROD TO FILL CONSTRUCTION JOINTS

There are numerous benefits of using a backer rod to fill joints between building materials in constructions. Most joints may require application of cold sealants so as to form an airtight seal that is resistant to water, moisture and other corrosive or oil based fluids. One of the major reasons for using rods to fill joints is to prevent the formation of 3-sided bonds. Foam rods are known for their bond breaking nature hence do not bond with the sealant whatsoever. They only form a base where the sealant can settle as it bonds with the sides of the joint.

The open cell backer rod can be used to fill expandable or movable joints without experiencing any damages whatsoever. This is because soft rods are expandable and flexible in nature hence can expand or contract depending on the external factors such as humidity and temperature. Because foam rods are bond breakers, bonding will only occur between the sealant and sides of the building materials. The joint that arises from this type of bonding is generally flexible since the rod allows for the sealant to move easily during expansion and contraction processes.

A backer rod is generally cylindrical in shape and has a narrow cross section. The cylindrical shape enables it to fit perfectly in virtually all types of joints without being damaged. This shape also enables the sealant to penetrate into the sides of the joint hence bond tightly with the building materials. Soft rods are generally known for their ability to fit into rugged cracks that have a non-uniform cross section. Closed cell rods on the other hand are known for their ability to form airtight seals between building materials. These features have made foam rods the perfect solution to all construction problems that require filling of joints.