Product Overview

The CRL Closed Cell Backer Rod is an essential solution for backing and controlling the thickness of elastomeric and other cold-applied sealants. With its round, flexible, closed-cell polyethylene foam and an exterior "skin," the backer rod becomes an integral part of the joint, accommodating joints from 3/16" to 1-5/8" (5 to 41 mm) in diameter. This ensures proper joint design by limiting the depth of the sealant, preventing excessive use. What's more, the sealant does not bond to the "skin" of the rod, allowing it to stretch and recover with joint movement, putting minimal stress on adhesion points to the substrate.

Additionally, this backer rod is designed not to absorb water or wick water to joint walls, making it resistant to adhesive failure. It is compatible with cold-applied sealants and promotes the preferred "hourglass" shape for joint sealants with its round shape. It can withstand hot and cold temperature extremes from -45°F to 160°F (-43°C to 71°C).

The backer rod is also chemically inert and resistant to oils, gasoline, and solvents, without staining or "bleeding" into sealant material. It is commonly used in expansion/control joints found in various construction projects and building rehabilitation projects.

Selecting the right size of the backer rod is crucial, as it controls the depth of the sealant bead. The backer rod must be approximately 25% wider than the joint to fit tightly and function as a bond breaker, preventing bottom side adhesion of the sealant. It should always be installed using a blunt tool or roller.

Benefits:

• Easy control of sealant application thickness
• Does not adhere to sealants; no bond breaker needed 
• Compatible with all cold-applied sealants

Product Warning: Do not tear, puncture, crease, compress, or stretch during insertion. Always use the correct size backer rod for the particular application. Refer to the size selection chart. Do not use hot-applied sealants or hot melt adhesives where the surface temperature is over 160°F (71°C).