What Is Backer Rod Used For When Using Caulk

While caulk alone can be applied to narrow cracks gaps wider than 1 4 should be filled with foam backer rod first.

What is backer rod used for when using caulk.

It is used in a wide range of applications including tiling flooring window paneling and stoneware among others. To full gaps wider than 1 4 use foam backer rod before caulking to prevent the caulk from cracking over time. A backer rod is a cylindrical type of foam used to fill cracks and gaps between building materials. A soft and pliable filler designed to partially fill concrete expansion joints or cracks in concrete before applying joint sealer caulk.

Push the rod into the gap so the top is about 1 4 in. For a smooth even bead tool the caulk with a plastic spoon. This material is non absorbent and will allow you to control the depth of the concrete joint sealant. Watch our syndicated tv show today s h.

To caulk wide gaps. Use a backer rod with a diameter that s 1 8 to 1 4 in. Caulk backer rod to help fill gaps and openings in pavement cracks wall joints foundations sidewalks and driveways. There are two standard types of backer rods that are available to use depending upon the installation site.

Using foam backer rod followed by caulking to fill a wide crack in a sidewalk. In all these applications it is used for three major purposes. Before caulking use the md building products 1 2 in. Don t use caulk as a filler for poorly trimmed out windows.

Larger than the crack. Builders and contractors often use this tool initially in grooves or cracks and then they apply mortar sealant or chinking around it. A backer rod is a small foam rod or cord that is used to fill joints between tiles or other pieces of building material. Clean out the crack to remove any debris.

Caulk is intended for use on relatively narrow seams typically 1 4 wide or tighter. A backer rod fills a wide gap between surfaces to allow you to more easily fill the gap with caulk. If applied to large gaps caulk can sag out of. Below the concrete surface.

The backer rod helps. Commonly you use a backer rod to help bridge a gap that is 1 4 to 1 2 inches or more wide. Using foam backer rod to fill a wide crack before caulking. Insert backer rod into the gap then run a bead of caulk over the top.

The rod adds stability precision and also typically save time.