SOF Rod is a versatile backer rod used primarily in building envelope and concrete construction, offering a unique combination of open and closed cells that prevent outgassing, bubbling, and sealant failure. The rod features an outer skin and resilient interior cells, acting as both a barrier to sealant flow and a bond breaker to accommodate joint movement without stressing the sealant.
Key Features:
- Dual Cell Structure: Combines open and closed cells to ensure integrity even when the outer skin is ruptured.
- Performance Enhancer: Limits sealant depth, providing a form that helps cold-applied sealants achieve optimal shape and prolongs service life.
- Chemically Inert: Compatible with virtually all cold-applied sealants, including self-leveling types, ensuring wide applicability.
- Environmentally Friendly: Complies with the 1990 Clean Air Act and qualifies as a “Domestic End Product” under the Buy American Act.
Applications: SOF Rod is ideal for use in various construction joints, including expansion and contraction joints, window glazing, curtain wall construction partitions, parking decks, bridge constructions, modular home gasketing, and log home chinking.
Installation: Clean joints according to sealant manufacturer’s recommendations before installation. SOF Rod should be installed with a blunt tool to the recommended depth, ensuring not to over-compress or stretch. Proper size selection is crucial to maintain sealant bead depth and prevent back-side adhesion.
Physical Properties:
- Density: 1.8 – 2.5 lb/ft³ (28-40 kg/m³)
- Outgassing: Less than 1 bubble
- Compression Recovery: Over 95%
- Water Absorption: Less than .03 g/cc
Temperature Limits: Operational from -45˚F to +160˚F, making it suitable for a wide range of environmental conditions.