Viewed 6k times 2. Using foam backer rod, followed by caulking, to fill a wide crack in a sidewalk. Backer Rodâs four main benefits: Increase elasticity in the joint sealant. Use in ⦠Open cell backer "Denver Foam" rod can take up to 500F during hot applications and is compatible with all types of ASTM D3405, D1956 and C1330 hot pour and chemically cured sealants. In all these applications, it is used for three major purposes. x 5 ft. 2 lb. It is highly flexible and compressible for easy installation; however, it is important to make sure that one does not puncture, stretch, or overly compress Backer Rod. The rod adds stability, precision, and also typically save time. Open cell allows air to reach sealant from BOTH sides during cure, providing a bubble free, faster, more uniform cure. 1/2 in. 1. do I even need foam or backer rod/caulk considering I have followed new construction window installation thoroughly and with all Tyvek, flashing, siding, etc., is this something to really worry about? It is commonly used in applications such as expansion and contraction joints, window glazing, curtain wall construction partitions, parking decks, bridge construction, modular home gasketing and log home chinking. Post x 4 in. to create a watertight, airtight seal. Builders and contractors often use this tool initially in grooves or cracks and then they apply mortar, sealant, or chinking around it. cells but open interior cells. For joints that are smaller than 19mm, the rod should be 3mm larger than the width of gap. by Windows on Washington » Sat Apr 16, 2011 2:09 am, #12 If you can't get the foam straw in there, just caulk and you should not really need backer rod on that small a gap. Each one ofthese types backer rod has its own niche that it thrives in. Theyâre most commonly used in tiling and flooring, but they can also be found in decorative wall paneling, window sealing, stonework, and counter tops. In all these applications, it is used for three major purposes. A backer rod is a cylindrical type of foam used to fill cracks and gaps between building materials. by HomeSealed » Mon Jun 06, 2011 10:30 pm, #15 Post Joint Backer Rod is a non-absorbent compressible, closed-cell polyethene foam material. It is used in a wide range of applications including tiling, flooring, window paneling and stoneware among others. by Will91 » Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:32 pm, #2 Backer Rod 3/4 inches x 20 feet QUIKRETE Backer Rod is a foam rope used to partially fill large cracks, gaps and joints in concrete before applying sealant. FILL-RITE Foam Backer Rod Closed Cell 6 Foot by 5 Inch Diameter 15 piece carton. Post The choice of backer rod diameter to use depends on the width of crack to be filled. by Skydawggy » Mon Jun 06, 2011 2:31 pm, #14 Post Expansion Joint Quikrete 1/2 in. 2. Oodles of Noodles. by HomeSealed » Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:54 am, #4 (1) 1 product ratings - 19100 M-D Bldg 1" x 10' CAULK BACKER ROD Gap Joint Crack Filler Before Caulking by Windows on Washington » Wed Apr 13, 2011 7:13 am, #3 Backer Rod Foam Insulation Backer Rod can be used in various construction projects, but builders normally choose it for filling gaps or joints where materials come together. Window and Door specific foams are very similar. Post Oodles of Noodles 3 inch diameter Backer Rod Closed Cell - Grey. by Windows on Washington » Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:23 pm, #6 Post Post Standard Backer Rod is an extruded round, closed cell, low-density polyethylene foam material with a skin-like outer texture. Click here for product sheet. Post your Questions and Comments about Vinyl Replacement Windows, #1 Zwaluw Backer Rod PE is a closed-cell (polyethylene) foam rod used to fill joints between building materials to make sure the joint sealant will reach its correct dimension in width and depth. Re: Dow Great Stuff foam or backer rod/caulk. While caulk alone can be applied to narrow cracks, gaps wider than 1/4â should be filled with foam backer rod first. Inventory is sold and received continuously throughout the day; therefore, the quantity shown may not be available when you get to the store. You should be fine with either. Polyethylene closedâcell foam is available in sheets, cylinders, and tubes that are great for expansion joint filler (backer rod), insulation, buoyancy components, and packaging. Foam where you can, caulk where you can't. Quikrete. Insulates and cushions. by windowmike » Fri Apr 15, 2011 8:21 am, #8 The design depth keeps the sealant below traffic contact and ⦠You are much better off having your windows installed by an experienced installer who uses fiberglass than to let someone not experienced with using foam, experiment on your home. You cut a piece to size and then squeeze it into the gap. 1/2"W x 20' Long Foam Backer Rod Gap Filler. It is used in a wide range of applications including tiling, flooring, window paneling and stoneware among others. I'm caulking a number of vertical fillet joints. The main idea is to use the foam to fill most of the void in a joint so that caulking ⦠TIPS ON HOW TO SELECT AND INSTALL A BACKER ROD. Dow Great Stuff foam or backer rod/caulk? The gap to be filled is cleaned thoroughly and left to dry. I just caulk between the Tyvek flap and the window frame? It will have some give as the floors expand/contract. Sometimes it is a PIA to get the backer rod in and if you don't have the exact size it doesn't work. Regular price $24.95 $17.99 Sale. Post All rights reserved. by crbennett » Mon Jun 06, 2011 11:20 am, #13 Ask Question Asked 6 years ago. Armacellâs FillPro⢠backer rod material is made from polyethylene or polyurethane foam, making it compatible with the common industry joint sealants or caulking. Active 4 years, 11 months ago. Backer Rod is sold by the Box. To caulk wide gaps: Clean out the crack to remove any debris. I haven't used foam backer rod because (since the joint is vertical) it won't stay while I caulk. The foam is used to fill most of the void which is then coated with sealant (mortar, caulk, etc.) Once the gap is cleaned, the builder chooses an appropriate size and type of rod to use. however, these specifications are only appropriate for closed cell rods. Bigger joints will require a larger allowance than 3mm. In other words, the caulk bead seal will be on the interior side of the window, briding the Tyvek flap to the frame, as opposed to back up against the back side of the nail fin flange where foam would seal. by Will91 » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:14 pm, #5 These are; to control depth of sealant, to provide backing for the sealant to be applied, and to prevent triple bonding. When it comes to controlling the depth of sealant, the rod is used to ensure that the depth to be filled the sealant is half the width of gap to be filled. Once I got the backer rod in, I prepped the caulking gun with a tube of white 100% silicone caulk. One of the best ways to save energy in your home is by caulking any cracks around windows and doors. Alternative to backer rod and bond breaker tape for caulking. They ensure that the sealant only bonds with the building material hence preventing triple bonding. Using foam backer rod to fill a wide crack before caulking. Pre-Caulking Filler Rope, Sealing and Caulking Foam Bars, EPE Pearl Cotton Round Tube Wall Sticker, Crack Filler Caulk Saver Backer Rod, 0.35 Diameter x 92.5 in Long, Grey $6.99 $ 6 . Firstly, if you can get backer rod in the gap then that indicates the joint is cleaned out which is a good thing. by Will91 » Wed Apr 13, 2011 9:22 pm, #7 Here at Bay Foam Products Inc. we are an industry leader in the custom polyethylene foam extrusion product market. *** Your email address will not be published. There are many places around your house where energy is wasted. The diameter should be slightly larger than the width of gap to be filled. x 4 in. Post Backer rod generally works better as it is more flexible than sprayfoam.