Greenzone Backer Rod 50m

How to Use Backer Rod Caulking Material

A backer rod fills a wide gap between surfaces to allow you to more easily fill the gap with caulk.

Commonly, you use a backer rod to help bridge a gap that is 20 mm to 25mm or more wide. There are two standard types of backer rods that are available to use depending upon the installation site. The caulking material used to seal the bridged gap depends upon the surface material, and most types are easy to apply.

Step 1: 

Clean all surfaces that you want the caulking material to adhere. Use a cloth and water-diluted detergent to scrub off the dirt, oil and grease so that the caulk beds onto an unsoiled joint.

Step 2: 

Remove old sealant with caulk remover. Apply it directly onto the sealant to loosen it. Use a putty knife to scrape away all traces of old caulk and wipe the area down with a damp cloth.

Step 3: 

Allow the cleaned areas to dry. Position the backer rod in the gap and push it down below the level of the joint. Use a close-cell backer rod for all outside joint filling and for gaps of less than a20mm that require water resistance. Use an open-cell backer rod for gaps of more than 20mm wide.

Step 4: 

Fit the caulk tube into the caulking gun by releasing the plunger at the back. Pull on the trigger until the plunger holds the bottom of the caulk tube and is secure.

Step 5:

Cut the point of the caulk tube nozzle at a 45-degree angle with a sharp utility knife so that the open edge is facing down. Position the caulking gun nozzle at the furthest end of the backer rod, and to one side of the rod where it meets the facing material.

Step 6: 

Pull the trigger to release the caulk. Draw the nozzle back toward you and run a line of caulk between the rod and the facing material. Release the trigger just before you reach the end of the joint length and twist the gun to cut the caulk with the nozzle.

Step 7:

Apply a second line of caulk adjacent to and touching the first. Continue to apply the caulk in lines until you join up to the other face of the joint. Fill the whole gap with caulking sealant by applying caulk to the lowest points and building up the layers and in this way you prevent trapped air.

Step 8:

Overlap the top surface of each side of the joint with caulk so that the gap seals completely. Run a suitably sized spoon back or putty knife along the sealed joint so that it is a shallow concave shape. Allow the caulk to dry out and cure before applying Greenzone Termite Paint.