IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT BACKER RODS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Backer rods are a type of cord or foam rod used to fill gaps between tiles or joints in building materials. Installation of the rod is followed by application of an appropriate sealant or mortar. The rod forms a stable foundation for the sealant to be applied without penetrating into the crack. There are two major types of backer rod used by contractors. These are the open cell and closed cell types. Open cell rods are softer than the closed cell and are used for internal environments. They are most appropriate for environments with a low moisture content. Closed cell versions have water proofing properties hence are used in external environments where there are harsh conditions. 

Contractors use backer rods for a variety of construction projects. In most cases, the rods are used to fill gaps and joints between building materials as mentioned. Therefore, they are commonly used for tiling and flooring. In other rare cases, they are used in wall paneling, construction of counter tops, construction of various types of stonework, and window sealing. The basic principle behind these applications is that the rod fills a major part of the gap so as to allow for application of an appropriate sealant. The sealant is used to make the joint airtight and achieve waterproof properties.

Backer rods are usually supplied in a wide range of diameters to suit different clientele needs. The size of cracks to be filled will obviously vary depending on the specific application. The most common sizes range from 0.25 inches to 4 inches. This is equivalent to 6.35mm to 101.6mm. They may be sold in bulk or pre-cut pieces depending on customer preference. However, it is cheaper and more economical to buy them in bulk. The client will also be advised on the most appropriate type of rod to use for different purposes.

Installation of backer rods is a simple DIY task. However, the ease of installation varies from one type of backer rod to another. Open cell rods are usually softer in nature and are easier to install than the closed cell type. Their flexibility makes them appropriate for filling cracks with a varying gap width. It is quite important to note that sealants do not stick on the rods. They only stick to the building materials for flexibility purposes. Some builders refer to the rods as bond breakers due to this reason. When filling very small cracks, one may choose to use an appropriate sealant to fill the whole gap instead of using a backer rod.