How to Change Quikrete Backer Rods
Concrete can develop cracks over time due to exposure to weather and heavy weight. A crack must be sealed to prevent it from worsening. A Quikrete backer rod is a non-absorbent foam “rope” that is inserted into concrete either horizontally or vertically to seal cracks. It acts as a filler before the final concrete sealer is applied above it to fill in the crack. When properly inserted, backer rods create a backstop for the sealer. Quikrete manufactures backer rods in 20-foot lengths in either 3/4- or 1-inch diameters. Before you can change a Quikrete backer rod, however, you must extract the rod that is currently in place. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Waterproof gloves
- Safety glasses
- Hammer and chisel
- Cement sealant remover
- Putty knife
- Bristle brush
- Cloth
- Quikrete backer rods
- Utility knife
- Caulk gun
- Polyurethane concrete crack sealer
- Trowel
Instructions
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Extracting Backer Rods
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1
Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses and waterproof gloves before working with polyurethane products such as sealant.
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2
Clean the cracked cement area. Break off any loose cement or old cement sealant with a chisel or hammer. Chip off the cracked area so it is a minimum of 1/4 inch wide. Use cement sealant removal, according to manufacturer instructions, if necessary.
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3
Dig with the chisel or a putty knife to extract the current backer rod in place.
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4
Clean off the area with a bristle brush and cloth. Allow the area to dry before proceeding
Installing Backer Rods
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5
Cut the backer rod to the correct length with a utility knife. Use your hands or a narrow tool to push the rod into the crack. Place the rod so it rests parallel to about halfway down the depth of the crack.
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6
Be careful not to stretch or puncture the rod to completely seal the crack.
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7
Place a polyurethane concrete crack sealer into a caulk gun. Cut off the nozzle tip of the sealer at an angle with the utility knife.
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8
Point the caulk gun along the crack. Force the concrete sealant caulk into the crack filling it up to the backer rod.
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9
Remove any excess sealant and smooth over the area with a trowel. Allow the sealant at least two hours to dry before placing any weight on the concrete.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The temperature must be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to seal concrete.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
