Description

Foam backer rod material is an ideal, non-absorbent, compressible backup material inserted into a joint to control sealant depth and create a backstop to:

• Allow for proper sealant tooling.
• Allow for proper sealant wetting of the joint surfaces.
• Yield proper bond breaker between the backup material and sealant.

Foam backer rod is a backstop material for most hot-pour sealants used to fill contraction and expansion joints of concrete highways, runways, driveways, and parking lots. It is compatible with most rubber-asphalt and coal tar-rubber polymer thermoplastic compounds.

• 40 ft, (1) bag
• 350 ft, (1) bag

Improve Crack Sealing Performance with Proper Joint Preparation

Foam Backer Rod Material – 1-1/2″ Foam Rope is an important component used in professional crack sealing and pavement maintenance operations. Designed to be inserted into deep cracks or joints prior to applying hot rubber sealant, this compressible foam material helps control sealant depth while providing a stable base that supports proper sealant performance.

For asphalt and concrete repair projects, controlling the depth of crack sealant is critical to achieving a long-lasting repair. When cracks are too deep, excess sealant can settle or fail prematurely. By installing backer rod material first, contractors create a consistent sealant profile that allows the crack filler to properly bond to the sidewalls of the joint while preventing the material from sinking too far into the crack.

This method improves both the durability and flexibility of the repair, helping pavement surfaces withstand expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes and traffic loads.

Essential Tool for Professional Crack Sealing Contractors

Backer rod is widely used by pavement maintenance crews, sealcoating contractors, and municipal repair teams to prepare cracks before applying hot rubberized crack filler. The 1-1/2″ diameter foam rope is particularly useful for larger cracks or joints that require additional support before sealing.

Once the foam rod is inserted into the crack, contractors can apply hot pour sealant directly on top, allowing the material to form a proper bond along the crack edges rather than bonding to the bottom of the joint. This bond-breaking effect allows the sealant to remain flexible as the pavement expands and contracts over time.

Using backer rod also helps reduce the amount of crack filler required for each repair, improving material efficiency and lowering overall project costs—an important factor for contractors managing large parking lots, roadways, or industrial pavement surfaces.

Flexible Foam Design for Easy Installation

The compressible foam construction allows the rod to be easily inserted into cracks of slightly varying widths. When pushed into the joint, the foam expands gently against the crack walls, helping it remain securely in place during the sealing process.

Installation typically involves pressing the rod into the crack using a blunt tool or installation wheel until the desired depth is reached. Contractors often leave approximately ½ inch of space above the rod for the hot rubber sealant layer. This creates the optimal sealant shape for proper adhesion and long-term flexibility.

Because the material is lightweight and easy to handle, contractors can quickly install the backer rod across long sections of pavement before beginning crack sealing operations.

Ideal for Asphalt and Concrete Pavement Repairs

Foam backer rod material is commonly used in both asphalt and concrete repair work where joints or cracks require sealant application. Its compatibility with most rubberized asphalt and coal tar based crack sealants makes it a versatile addition to any pavement maintenance contractor’s repair toolkit.

Typical applications include:

• Parking lot crack sealing
• Driveway and roadway pavement repairs
• Expansion and contraction joints in concrete
• Airport runway maintenance
• Industrial pavement and loading dock areas

By improving sealant placement and reducing material waste, backer rod helps contractors achieve cleaner, longer-lasting crack repairs.

Key Features

• foam rope designed for crack sealing preparation
• Compressible material easily fits cracks of varying widths
• Helps control sealant depth for proper crack repair performance
• Creates a bond breaker between sealant and joint bottom
• Improves flexibility and durability of crack seal repairs
• Compatible with most hot-pour rubberized crack sealants
• Reduces excess sealant usage in deep cracks

Product Specifications