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When To Use Backer Rods?
April 01, 2025
Engineers and contractors deal with cracks on walls and joints constantly. Even seemingly harmless cracks can pose great risks if not promptly addressed. Caulking is the go-to solution to fix this dilemma. However, there is a silent hero that makes caulking all the more effective. We are talking about backer rods. These flexible, cylindrical rods are made of polyethylene foam. Alcot Plastics Ltd. in Guelph, Ontario, manufactures and supplies PE foam cylindrical rods in Canada and the US. In this blog, we discuss when you must use backer rods and how you can benefit from them.
Backer Rods Are Perfect For Controlling Sealant Depth
The sealant bead has to be the right thickness for optimal results. Too much or too little thickness causes sealant failure. If the sealant layer is too thick, it will take longer to cure, leading to more cracks and adhesion failure.
If the sealant is too little, it leads to improper adhesion. You can control sealant depth and improve sealant performance with backer rods. Apart from controlling sealant depth, you must use backer rods in the following instances.
Improving Adhesion: Struggling with improper adhesion? A backer rod is just the solution. It forces the sealant to make contact with the sidewalls of the joint. The polyethylene foam rod also promotes two-sided adhesion instead of three. Uneven sealant distribution can be prevented with the help of PE foam rods.
Accommodating Movement: Expansion and contraction are common in structures with changing temperatures. Backer rods, by preventing three-sided adhesion, keep sealant joints relatively flexible. The risk of cracks reappearing significantly reduces with the use of a backer rod.
Conclusion
As learned from this blog, you must use backer rods to control sealant depth, improve adhesion, and accommodate movement in sealant joints. Alcot Plastics Ltd. manufactures and supplies the best polyethylene foam products to clients in Canada and the US. Apart from backing rods, we also supply pool noodles, pipe insulation, and screening splines. Call 519 767 2899 to place an order or get a free quote.
