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 - Polyurethane Foam Backing Rod
Product Overview
Expandafoam Open Cell is a low-density, open cell polyurethane foam backing rod supplied in circular section cords of varying diameters. It serves as a bond breaker and joint profile former designed to support elastomeric sealants in expansion joints between all common building materials.
Key Features and Advantages
Expandafoam Open Cell offers several distinctive advantages for joint applications:
- Compatible with all elastomeric sealants – providing versatile application options
- Open cell structure – allows greater air contact with joint sealants, resulting in faster cure rates for 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
Physical Properties
The product exhibits the following technical specifications:
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Form | Compressible, open cell polyurethane foam rod |
| Colour | Light Orange |
| Nominal Density | 31 kg/m³ |
Design Criteria and Installation
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 by using foam 1/3 larger than the joint size.
Diameter Selection Guide
The following table provides guidance for selecting the appropriate foam diameter based on joint width:
| 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 |
Available Sizes and Supply
Expandafoam Open Cell is supplied in the following roll configurations:
| Size | Material Code |
|---|---|
| 16mm × 150m roll | FC700981-UNIT |
| 22mm × 100m roll | FC700982-UNIT |
| 29mm × 60m roll | FC700983-UNIT |
| 38mm × 30m roll | FC700984-UNIT |
| 50mm × 20m roll | FC700985-UNIT |
Application Instructions
Expansion and Isolation Joints
When used as an expansion or isolation joint filler, Expandafoam Open Cell should be positioned to provide a surface sealing slot of required dimensions. The sealing slot must be kept free from mortar droppings, slurry, and other debris before sealant application.
Backing Strip Installation
When used as a backing strip, Expandafoam Open Cell is simply push fitted back into the joint. The cord diameter used should be at least 30% greater than the joint width.
External Walling and Cladding Applications
Expandafoam Open Cell is used in external walling and cladding as:
- A backing strip for expansion joints
- A gap filler for any open joints prior to application of cold applied joint sealants
- A readily compressible, low load transfer joint filler in joints surrounding brick infill panel walling
Limitations
Important limitations to consider when specifying this product:
- Not suitable for hot pour sealants – incompatible with hot applied joint sealant systems
- Not resistant to long-term UV exposure – limiting outdoor applications
- Water retaining structures and traffic-bearing floors – applications requiring continual joint support should use alternative products such as Hydrocell, a semi-rigid filler
Important Documentation
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are available from the Fosroc website. Both documents should be read carefully prior to use as application or performance data may change over time. In case of emergency, contact any Poisons Information Centre (phone 13 11 26 within Australia) or a doctor for advice.
References
- [1] Fosroc_Expandafoam_Open_Cell_TDS.pdf
- [2] Fosroc_Expandafoam_Closed_Cell_TDS.pdf