Backer Materials that Seal Things Right the First Time

Backer Rod, Grip Strip, and Log Gap Cap all help you create the ideal joint design for a long-lasting, durable seal.

Closed-Cell Round Backer Rod is the product you need prior to chinking or caulking your log home. It not only acts as insulation but repels moisture, too. The closed-Cell Round Backer rod also serves as a bond-breaker between two logs and provides a structure against which you can apply chinking and caulk more uniformly in order to achieve an ideal joint.

Grip Strip is a closed-cell trapezoid-shaped product that, under normal use will not cause blisters in chinking material. The unique design provides an excellent fit with a flat surface within chink joint, resulting in saving on chinking. Can be used on exterior or interior surfaces.

Sealants and chinking do not adhere to the backer rod – only to the log surfaces of the joint – allowing for movement without damaging the sealing material.

Where to Use:

• Interior & exterior wherever caulking and chinking are being applied. Backer rod:
• Cracks & checks
• Between log courses
• Around windows and doors
• At butt joints Grip Strip:
  • Specifically designed for use on wide chink joints on Appalachian-style log homes
• Log Gap Cap:
  • Use between window trim and round logs to seal those pesky triangle-shaped gaps

Where NOT to Use:

• Any joint smaller than 1/4″ deep and 1/4″ wide – backer rod won’t fit

Sizes:

• Backer Rod: 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 2″ diameter
• Grip Strip: 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, and 2-1/2″ wide
• Log Gap Cap: Small (for 6-8″ diameter logs); Large (for 9″-11″ diameter logs)

Creates ideal joint design

Backer materials ensure that all-important two-point adhesion so the sealant stretches and compresses correctly over time

Use less chinking and caulking

Fills in the joint so you use less materials and save money

Water-tight

Closed cell so that, even if a random tear shows up, moisture will not soak into the backer material and fester and rot.

Which baker material should I use – Grip Strip or round backer rod?

With flat or square logs, usually Grip Strip is preferred. With round logs, you can use either, but the round shape does help with the ideal hourglass shape bead, so keep that in mind.

The backer rod I’m installing keeps popping out of the joint.  What can I do?

There many who will use a staple gun to staple the backer rod in a few places to help hold it in place. You can also use a few small pieces of clear packing tape or duct tape to help hold it in place.

What size backer rod should I use?