Closed CellClosed-cell foam is the staple material used by most backer rods. It is made from material that does not wick moisture and is highly waterproof. Closed-cell backer rods are often used for glazing, window and door installations, curtain wall joint installations, partitions, log construction (such as cabins), and more.
Closed-cell backer rods can be combined with polyethylene, making it a highly resistant backer rod that can withstand sealant temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius. This lets them function as contraction and expansion joints of concrete pathways, driveways, runways, parking lots, and beyond.
Open CellOpen-cell backer rods compress and return to their original state faster. Their set-up and drying time is much faster than their counterparts. Unlike closed-cell backer rods, they easily conform and can stretch further than closed-cell rods.
Open-cell backer rods are typically used for expansion and contraction joints, curtain wall joints, window glazing, construction partitions, parking decks, bridges, and beyond. That said, find a reliable open-cell backer rod manufacturer to find the best materials suitable for your needs.
Bi CellularBi-cellular backer rods combine the best of open and closed-cell backer rods. They have excellent compression beyond what closed-cell backer rods can offer, but they have durable and non-wicking outer skin. They're suitable for situations that require the malleability of open-cell rods but the waterproofing and stable quality of bi-cellular rods.
Bi-cellular backer rods are useful for achieving outstanding sealing without the bubbling common with open-cell rods. Furthermore, they are self-leveling and flowable.
Need high-quality backer rods for your applications? Count on Alcot Plastics to supply you with outstanding products suitable for many projects. We can customize our rods to suit your needs. Call us today to get started.