Product Facts
- Product Name
- Expandafoam Open Cell - Polyurethane Foam Backing Rod
- Price
- Available
- Availability
- In Stock
- Condition
- New
- Category
- Construction Materials > Sealants & Joint Fillers
- Seller
- Fosroc Workspace
Expandafoam Open Cell - Polyurethane Foam Backing Rod
Low density, open cell polyurethane foam backing rod supplied in circular section cords of varying diameters. Primarily used in expansion joints which are to be subsequently sealed with one component polyurethane and similar sealants. Compatible with all elastomeric sealants. Open cell structure allows greater air contact with joint sealants resulting in faster cure rate of single component joint sealants. Readily compressible - each size accommodates a wide range of joint sizes. Low load transfer. CFC free.
Low density, open cell polyurethane foam backing rod supplied in circular section cords of varying diameters. Primarily used in expansion joints which are to be subsequently sealed with one component polyurethane and similar sealants. Compatible with all elastomeric sealants. Open cell structure allows greater air contact with joint sealants resulting in faster cure rate of single component joint sealants. Readily compressible - each size accommodates a wide range of joint sizes. Low load transfer. CFC free.
Price: Available
Brand: Fosroc
Product Data (OpenAI Spec)
View Full JSON Spec ↗Specifications
| Condition | new |
|---|---|
| Category | Construction Materials > Sealants & Joint Fillers |
Product Intelligence
Expandafoam Open Cell - Technical Details, Specifications, and Features
Product Description
Expandafoam Open Cell is a low density, open cell polyurethane foam backing rod supplied in circular section cords of varying diameters. It is primarily designed for use in expansion joints that are subsequently sealed with one component polyurethane and similar sealants. This product functions as both a bond breaker and joint profile former to support elastomeric sealants in expansion joints between all common building materials.
Key Applications
Expandafoam Open Cell serves multiple critical functions in construction:
- Bond breaker and joint profile former - Supports elastomeric sealants in expansion joints
- Gap filler - Fills open joints prior to application of cold applied joint sealants
- External walling and cladding - Used as a backing strip for expansion joints and low load transfer joint filler in joints surrounding brick infill panel walling
- General expansion joints - Provides compressible support in joints between all common building materials
Advantages
The product offers several significant advantages:
- Compatible with all elastomeric sealants - Works effectively with various sealant types
- Open cell structure - Allows greater air contact with joint sealants, resulting in faster cure rates of single component joint sealants
- Readily compressible - Each size accommodates a wide range of joint sizes
- Low load transfer - Minimizes stress transfer to adjacent building materials
- CFC free - Environmentally safe formulation without chlorofluorocarbons
Physical Properties and Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Form | Compressible, open cell polyurethane foam rod |
| Colour | Light Orange |
| Nominal Density | 31 kg/m³ |
Installation Requirements
Compression Installation Method
Expandafoam Open Cell should always be installed into a joint under compression to ensure that applying the joint sealant will not displace the foam. This is achieved by:
- Compressing the foam by 30% when installing into a joint, OR
- Using foam 1/3 larger than the joint size
Diameter Selection Guide
The appropriate diameter of Expandafoam Open Cell is selected based on joint width using the following sizing chart:
| Joint Width | Expandafoam Open Cell Diameter |
|---|---|
| < 10 mm | 16 mm |
| 11 to 15 mm | 22 mm |
| 16 to 20 mm | 29 mm |
| 21 to 25 mm | 38 mm |
| 26 to 35 mm | 50 mm |
Application Instructions
When used as an expansion or isolation joint filler, Expandafoam Open Cell should be positioned to provide for a surface sealing slot of required dimensions, ensuring that the sealing slot is free from mortar droppings and slurry.
When used as a backing strip, Expandafoam Open Cell is simply push fitted back into the joint, with the cord diameter used being at least 30% greater than the joint width.
Available Sizes and Product Codes
Expandafoam Open Cell is supplied in the following roll configurations:
| Size | Material Code |
|---|---|
| 16 mm × 150 m roll | FC700981-UNIT |
| 22 mm × 100 m roll | FC700982-UNIT |
| 29 mm × 60 m roll | FC700983-UNIT |
| 38 mm × 30 m roll | FC700984-UNIT |
| 50 mm × 20 m roll | FC700985-UNIT |
Limitations
Expandafoam Open Cell has specific limitations that must be observed:
- Not suitable for hot pour sealants - As with other foam backing rods, incompatible with hot pour sealant applications
- Not UV resistant - Not resistant to long term UV exposure, limiting outdoor unprotected applications
- Not suitable for applications requiring continual support - For applications such as water retaining structures or floor joints subject to traffic, Hydrocell (a semi-rigid filler) should be used instead
Safety and Documentation
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from the Fosroc website. Users should read both the Safety Data Sheet and Technical Data Sheet carefully prior to use, as application and performance data may change over time.
In emergency situations, contact any Poisons Information Centre (phone 13 11 26 within Australia) or a doctor for advice.
References
- [1] Fosroc_Expandafoam_TDS.pdf
- [2] Fosroc_Expandafoam_Closed_Cell_TDS.pdf
- [3] Fosroc_Expandafoam_Open_Cell_TDS.pdf