Understanding The Purpose of Backer Rods
Backer rods or foam rods are one of those products that often go unnoticed, but they are important for many applications. From construction and roofing to plumbing and more, foam rods have a variety of uses in the industry. But what exactly are they, and why is it important to understand their purpose? In this blog post, we will explore what backer rods are, their use cases in construction, and how you can use them for your own projects.
What are they used for?
Foam rods are most commonly used in cracks or joints in concrete or masonry walls, floors, and ceilings. The rod is placed into the crack or joint and then covered with a sealant. This creates a barrier between the crack or joint and the sealant, which helps to prevent the sealant from shrinking and cracking.
In addition to being used in cracks and joints, backer rods can also be used to fill voids in masonry walls. They can also be used around door and window frames, HVAC systems, and plumbing fixtures. By filling these voids with a backer rod, you can create a smoother surface for the sealant to adhere to.
Types of backer rods
-Open-cell rods are made of a porous material that allows for easy movement of sealant into the rod. This makes them ideal for use in applications where a tight seal is not required, such as expansion joints.
Closed-cell rods are made of a non-porous material that does not allow for the movement of sealant into the rod. This makes them ideal for use in applications where a tight seal is required, such as cracks in concrete.
Bi-cellular backer rods boast an inner layer that is porous and an outer layer that is non-porous. This allows for the benefits of both open-cell and closed-cell rods to be used in one product.
In conclusion, backer rods are versatile and useful tools to use when you need to fill a large gap in your construction project. They can be used as a sealant backing or for crack sealing applications, depending on the particular substrate being used. You can rely on Alcot Plastics Ltd. for backer rods and other polyethylene foam products including pool noodles and pipe insulation. Call us today to learn about everything we can do for you.
