The Simple Secret to Filling Large Gaps with Caulk or Silicone Sealant

Filling large gaps with caulk or silicone sealant can be a challenging task, but there's a simple secret to make it easier and more efficient - closed cell foam backer rod. Backer rod is a cost-effective solution that helps reduce waste and ensures a smooth and long-lasting finish. In this video, we will show you the simple steps to use backer rod when filling gaps with caulk or silicone, and how it will revolutionize the way you approach home improvement projects. If you're looking for a simple, easy, and efficient way to fill large gaps, then this is the video for you. This video will show you exactly how to fill large gaps with caulk or silicone using backer rod.

Here's my Amazon page to check out the products I use*:

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

About me:

I'm Aiden and I'm documenting what was supposed to be my barn conversion, which has now ended up being a new build. I don't have a trade, I just have a go and I'll be doing lots of work myself. This is the boring bit in grand designs that you don't get to see. Subscribe and follow along to find out how our future home turns out.

[alissadoan]

I’m so thankful to find this video. I got a big gap to fill for my bathroom that was done wrong. I asked around and no one gives any good advice. thank you

[azbeaux]

I have no one to help me and I can’t tell you how much this has helped me. I had no idea these filler rods existed. You explained this so clearly, I hope you’re teaching others to do this (apart from YouTube). You’ve made my life do much better today!!!!

[dogscratchedoor]

This is exactly the video I was looking for. Went into a panic spiral at the use of mils to represent diameter, fortunately your accent calmed and soothed the anxiety.

[versi]

Why have I only heard of this stuff now? It makes way more sense! Thanks Aiden!

[Broxx-zn]

After 50 years of DIY, now I find this! Thank you.

[mahmern]

Did not know they existed LOL. Thanks. The comparison jig you set up was useful, looks like I'll save quite a bit of caulking.

[gattateo]

Seeing the cutaway view is super helpul. Thanks!

[stevepettifer]

Funny thing is, 25 years ago I used to work on the roads installing weather stations. Part of this was putting sensors in the road to measure temperature and chemical concentrations, moisture etc, and we ran the cables back to to the base stations via slots in the road and we used that foam under and over the cable to protect it and to reduce the mount of polyester resin we needed to backfill the slot, since it was pigging expensive IIRC. Totally forgot about that until this video, and it would never have occurred to me to seek this stuff out for DIY. Nice one!

[cb]

Thank you, I needed to fill a big gap in our door frame and this helps a lot!

[WilliamCrain-uk]

This video really filled in the gaps for me!

[solb]

Lavlly jabbly mate. Heard about the rod just needed the sizing. 👍

[davebethell]

When using silicone or mastic for an expansion joint it should only touch two faces. So backer rods are used to ensure the rear face does not touch a fixed surface, thus allowing for movement. It's a bonus that you also save on silicone too.

[dorothynu]

Thank you so much! Terrific demonstration.

[karmicselling]

Thank You for the video. Backer rod is great. You can also use any type of high density or medium density foam for most applications. Backer rod tends to be a lot more expensive and it not as easy to work with with larger gaps or with gaps that vary in size.
Cheers from the Land Down Under.

[stuglover]

That's great stuff, such a clever idea

[benholland]

Wish I saw this a few months ago. I re-ran beads of sealant around my tub and it wasnt the greatest job... (first time trying!) I def could have done with some of these. Im going to rip it out, grab some backer rod and try again. Cheers!

[sirbacharach]

Just found your channel! Briliant advice on both the vids I've watched so far. I have subscribed but I have gaps behind the channel that the shower cubicle fixes into, not only a channel that the glass panels slot into but a channel behind the metal insert that screws into the wall. The wall is also mega uneven in places so I need to fill the gap, I'm guessing this is the product I need to stop the sealant oozing into the gap and not being so difficult to seal afterwards. Also I'm sure it will help with waterproofing and keeping the screws from corroding from any water that might get in later down the line.

[davidgaffney]

Outstanding 😂....this was what I was looking for. Great video 📹

[suehill]

OMG. Perfect for what I need. I knew YouTube would help 👍👍👍

[raymondmaduro]

Thanks man! Just subbed. Appreciate the help