Tried using a foam backer rod on a deck gap and it backfired

I thought that foam backer rod would save me time on filling a 1/2 inch gap between deck boards, but it just pushed the caulk out and left a mess. Learned that the rod has to be sized right for the joint depth. Has anyone else had trouble with this stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

scott.alex10d ago

Yeah, that foam rod trick is just like life... a little too big and everything leaks out.

the_laura10d ago

Disagree. Sometimes you need a snug fit to keep things from getting out. Too loose and you lose all the pressure you built up.

kimblack10d agoTop Commenter

Exactly. People who say "just use what fits" have clearly never had a seal blow out on them mid-project. Nothing worse than watching all that hard work just spray everywhere because you tried to be modest with the size. Sometimes you gotta go a little bigger than you think you need to be sure it stays put. Better to have a bit of a struggle getting it in than a complete mess later on. That's just basic physics and common sense.