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Use Backing Rod Open Cell for: Preventing three-sided sealant adhesion, ensuring correct joint depth, and supporting sealant curing in construction joints.
Open Cell Backing Rod is a medium-density, firm, open-cell polyurethane foam designed for professional sealant applications. Its "non-gassing" feature ensures faster sealant curing by allowing air to permeate, which is crucial for achieving durable and effective seals. Ideal for use in expansion joints, window glazing, and precast panel construction, this backing rod provides a reliable bond breaker, preventing three-sided adhesion and ensuring the sealant cures correctly. Its flexibility allows it to conform to irregular joint shapes, making it a versatile solution for various construction needs.
Key Features of Backing Rod Open Cell
- Non-Gassing Properties: Allows sealants to cure from both sides, speeding up the curing process and enhancing performance.
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with a wide range of sealants, including acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and hot pour types, providing flexibility for various projects.
- Flexible and Resilient: Can be stretched, compressed, or bent to fit irregular joints, ensuring a consistent and effective seal.
- Wide Range of Sizes: Available in diameters up to 50mm, accommodating various joint sizes and reducing the need for multiple product sizes.
- Bond Breaker Function: Prevents three-sided adhesion, ensuring the sealant performs as intended and avoids premature failure.
Technical Overview
Open Cell Backing Rod is engineered to provide optimal support for sealants in construction joints. Its open-cell structure allows for air permeability, essential for proper sealant curing. The material's compressibility ensures it stays in place, maintaining the correct joint depth. Its wide temperature range and chemical resistance make it suitable for diverse environmental conditions and applications.
Chemical Properties: Open-cell polyurethane foam, providing a breathable backing for various sealants.
Application Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C, suitable for a wide range of Australian climates. Service temperature ranges from -60°C to intermittent 260°C.
Application Information
- Required Tools: Backing Rod Insertion Tool (TOOLBACKROD), sealant application tools.
- Trade-Specific Tips: Ensure the backing rod is compressed by at least 25% of its original diameter for optimal performance. Use the insertion tool to maintain consistent depth.
- Common Issues and Solutions: Avoid excessive stretching during installation. Ensure the joint is clean and prepared according to the sealant manufacturer's instructions.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry place between 10°C and 35°C, away from direct sunlight.
- Shelf Life Information: 5 years when stored as recommended.
- Temperature Considerations: Avoid storing in extreme temperatures to maintain product integrity.
Certifications
- ASTM D3574 standards for foam properties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backing Rod Open Cell
Q: How do I choose the correct size of backing rod?
A: Select a backing rod that is approximately 25% larger than the joint width. This ensures it stays in place and provides the correct depth for the sealant.
Q: Can I use this backing rod with any type of sealant?
A: Yes, Open Cell Backing Rod is compatible with a wide range of sealants, including acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, and hot pour types.
Q: What is the benefit of using an open-cell backing rod?
A: Open-cell backing rods allow sealants to cure from both sides, speeding up the curing process and improving overall sealant performance.
Q: Can this backing rod be used in swimming pools?
A: It is not recommended for internal swimming pool applications due to potential exposure to high levels of chlorine.
Q: How should I store this backing rod?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place between 10°C and 35°C, away from direct sunlight, to maintain its quality and performance.
Use Backing Rod Open Cell for:
- Expansion joints in concrete and masonry.
- Window glazing and precast panel construction.
- Creating a bond breaker in sealant applications.
- Ensuring proper sealant depth and shape.
- Supporting cold-applied acrylic, silicone, PU, MS, SPUR, and hybrid sealants.
Why Use Backing Rod Open Cell:
- Ensures faster sealant curing due to its breathable open-cell structure.
- Provides a reliable bond breaker, preventing three-sided adhesion.
- Accommodates irregular joint shapes with its flexible and resilient design.
- Reduces the need for multiple product sizes with its wide range of available diameters.
- Simplifies application with its user-friendly and compressible nature.
Application Guide
- Ensure that sealant-specific application requirements are followed before installing the backer rod.
- Use the Backing Rod Insertion Tool to place the rod at the correct depth in the joint.
- Compress the open-cell foam by at least 24% during installation to ensure it remains in place.
- In cases where joint depth is insufficient for the rod, apply bond breaker tape to prevent 3-sided adhesion.
Backing Rod Open Cell limitations:
- Not suitable for UV exposed applications.
- Avoid excessive longitudinal stretching during installation.
- Not suitable for internal swimming pool applications due to chlorine exposure.
- Do not use where sealant is heated and applied above +70ºC.
Safety precautions when using Backing Rod Open Cell:
- Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection if needed.
- Ventilation: General ventilation is sufficient.
- Handling: Handle with care to avoid excessive stretching.
Adheseal Backing Rod Open Cell can be used on the following substrates:
- Masonry, Brick, Stone Porcelain
- Metal, Aluminium
- Timber
- Plastics, Fibreglass
- Painted surfaces
- Rubber
- Powder coat
- Waterproof membranes.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.