Bi-CellularįillPro Soft Type is a unique bi-cellular construction that offers high compressibility, but has a closed cell outer skin to resist moisture. Open cell backer rods may not be ideal for sealants that are susceptible to bubbling of air escaping the backer rod material. FillPro Open Cell is a highly conformable “spool-less” backer rod available in bags. This flexibility makes it easily conform to sealing applications and helps limit the depth of the sealant while also adding good sealant airing, which can reduce drying or set up time. Open cell backer rod is unique it can easily compress and return to its original state due to unrestricted air movement.

Contraction and expansion joints of concrete highways.

Armacell’s Hot Rod XL, is an ideal material for hot-pour sealants.

Some closed cell backer rods are crosslinked PE, creating a product that not only resists moisture, but also can withstand sealant temperatures up to 400☏. FillPro Standard is a good example of a closed cell PE backer rod. Sealants, caulking or other chinking materials will stick more easily to closed cell backer rods which have a better bonding surface area than an open cell product. This means the material will not wick moisture making it suitable for joints with a high presence of water or dampness.

Create a “bond-breaker” which allows the joint to be easily cleaned out and refilled as needed over time.Ĭlosed cell foam is distinct in that its cells are totally enclosed by its walls and not interconnecting with other cells.

Force adhesive into contact with the sides of the joint creating an hour-glass shape for a superior bond.

Reduce caulk consumption by controlling sealant depth- this prevents excessive use of caulking or sealant.

Increase elasticity in the joint sealant.Armacell’s FillPro™ backer rod material is made from polyethylene or polyurethane foam, making it compatible with the common industry joint sealants or caulking. It’s important to understand that cell structure makes a critical difference when it comes to irregular joint application, the desired flexibility in the joint, or sealant being used. Besides shape, an important attribute is the variety of foam cell structure types: closed cell, open cell, and bi-cellular. Many sizes/diameters are available for optimal fitting to the size of the joint being sealed.

What is a backer rod and what does it do?īacker rods are usually round, flexible lengths of foam that are used as a “backing” in joints or cracks to help control the amount of sealant/caulking used and create a back stop. Before making a selection, it’s important to fully assess the designed traits for the intended application purpose. Foam backer rod comes in several variations suited for specific projects.

Bet sit soft cell