Foam Backer Rods

Backer Rods: The W. R. MEADOWS Selection of Products

Made from foam material, backer rods are small rods that are typically used as a method of filling joints and fissures, as well as other sorts of crevices, that occur in the construction of structures. Construction professionals use these materials to fill inside any grooves that are present prior to the application of other sealant or mortar. Backer rods are not only a handy and incredibly useful tool for construction workers that save considerable time, but also serve to provide improved and enhanced stability to the structure that they are used on—and make all parts of the construction process more precise and accurate.

W. R. MEADOWS is pleased to provide two different types of foam backer rods to our customers: CERA-ROD and KOOL-ROD. Both are closed-cell rods, which means that they are dense and firm and intended for outdoors and heavy-duty construction—however, one addresses hot application processes, and the other cold. On this page, we offer to you details on both products—and invite you to contact us directly for more information and specifications per your needs.  We are committed to serving you!

Featured Foam Backer Rods

CERA-ROD: A Non-Gassing, Heat-Resistant Backer Rod

The first product in the W. R. MEADOWS backer rod line is CERA-ROD. This type of foam backer rod features the following material characteristics:

• Closed-cell
• Round
• Flexible
• Continuous-length
• Non-absorbent
• Non-gassing
• Non-staining
• Non-shrinking

CERA-ROD is extruded from a cross-linked polyethylene and its compression/deflection is approximately 8 psi (55.2KPa) at 25% deflection.  It is used in joints or large cracks in Portland cement or asphalt concrete and has the capability of providing the correct sealant reservoir configuration, controlling joint depth and thereby preventing sealant from running out through the bottom of the joint.  This product acts as a powerful bond breaker in the prevention of bottom-side sealant adhesion.

What’s more is that CERA-ROD is great for use with hot-applied joint sealants—it is proven not to melt, shrink, evaporate or stain.  Plus, it will retain its original diameter and is non-gassing when exposed to high sealant temperatures.   With a fast and easy application process, CERA-ROD is considered a product of choice amongst the best construction professionals.

W. R. MEADOWS invites you to contact us today for more information about CERA-ROD.

KOOL-ROD: A Backer Rod for Cold-Applied Sealants

For cold-application processes, choose KOOL-ROD backer rod produced by W. R. MEADOWS. A closed-cell, polyethylene, flexible, rope-like foam joint backing material, the material is virtually non-absorbent and chemically-inert to most solvents.  Moreover, KOOL-ROD was specifically designed as a compressible backing material that is to be used in conjunction with a wide variety of cold-applied joint sealants.  The product has a built an industry-leading reputation that includes the following:

• Will not stain
• Will not adhere to sealant materials
• Fully compatible with:
  • Acrylic
  • Butyl
  • Polyurethane
  • Polysulfide
  • Silicone
  • And most other cold-applied sealant compounds

KOOL-ROD can be used in a variety of situations and is highly adaptable in both vertical and horizontal applications.  It is commonly used in:

• Glazing operations
• Copings
• In-between precast panels
• Around door and window perimeters

What’s more is that KOOL-ROD provides the perfect backing for all types of construction and in expansion, isolation, control, and paving joints.  KOOL-ROD will control the depth of the sealant while ensuring proper joint design ratio.  The product will force sealant against the joint sidewalls, thereby providing maximum sidewall adhesion.  Furthermore, sealants will not adhere to KOOL-ROD, which eliminates the risk of three-sided joint adhesion failure.

Finally, KOOL-ROD’s closed-cell foam technology will not allow air or moisture entrapment.  It is easily compressible, lightweight, installs quickly, and stays in place. W. R. MEADOWS also placed special importance on making KOOL-ROD easy to handle and in smaller packaging—offering added convenience to our valued contractor customers and helping them get their work done.

Are you interested in learning more about KOOL-ROD or any of our other products?  Then we invite you to reach out and speak with one of our customer service representatives.  W. R. MEADOWS is a family company that has been dedicated to serving professionals in the construction industry since 1926—and we are committed to your satisfaction.

 

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To contact your local W. R. MEADOWS representative or for general correspondence, please click here. If you need immediate assistance, please call (800) 342-5976. Thank you!