WHEN AND HOW TO USE THE SOFT ROD FOR JOINT FILLING

Filling of construction joints is mostly done using a soft rod and an appropriate sealant. However, the process of sealing a joint is not as easy as it may seem. You must be conversant with the types of backer rod out there and their specific applications in construction. You should also have a clear understanding of the systematic procedure for the installation of backer rods and the necessary precautions to follow. This article gives you some important tips that will help you when using a soft rod to fill joints in your construction projects.

The first thing to consider when filling joints using backer rods is the type of joint and the surrounding environment. Generally, a soft rod is appropriate in all types of joints provided they are located in indoor environments. The reason behind this is that soft backer rods do not have water resistant properties hence cannot be used in moist environments. The second thing to consider is the dimensions of the joint. For regular joints, you should purchase a backer rod with a diameter that is 25% larger than the width of the crack. For irregular joints, consider the larger sections of the joint since you can easily force the rod into the thinner sections.

Once you have purchased the required diameter and length of soft rod, installation process follows. Ensure that the joint is clean, dry and free of contaminants. You can clean it using pressurized air or water. Installation of the rod should be done using a roller or a blunt probe. This will ensure that the rod is installed uniformly and does not puncture during the process. In most cases, the recommended depth of installation is half the width of the crack. The final step is application of self-leveling cold sealant on the upper part of the joint. Never use hot sealants when using polyethylene backer rods.