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Caulk
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==Modern use in construction== ===Application<span class="anchor" id="Caulking gun"></span><span class="anchor" id="Caulk cartridge"></span>=== [[File:Caulking, USAF.jpg|thumb|Man applying caulk to [[baseboard]]]] For bulk use, caulk is generally distributed in disposable cartridges, which are rigid cylindrical cardboard or plastic tubes with an applicator tip at one end, and a movable plunger at the far end. These are used in caulking guns, which typically have a trigger connected to a rod which pushes the plunger, and has a [[Ratchet (device)|ratchet]] to prevent backlash. The push rod may also be actuated by a motor or by compressed air. Similar mechanisms are used for [[grease gun]]s.<ref name="McClintock 2011">{{cite news |title=Squeezing the Best Results out of Caulking Projects |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/real-estate/ct-xpm-2011-02-15-sc-home-0214-diy-caulk-20110215-story.html |first=Mike |last=McClintock |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |date=February 15, 2011 |access-date=September 23, 2021 }}</ref> For smaller applications, caulk may be distributed in [[Tube (container)|squeeze tubes]].<ref name="McClintock 2011" /> ====Backer rod==== Backer rod, also called backer material or back-up rod, is a flexible [[foam]] product used behind caulking to increase elasticity, reduce consumption, force the caulking into contact with the sides of the joint creating a better bond, determine the thickness of the caulking, and define the cross-section hour-glass shape of the caulk. The backer rod also acts as a bond breaker to keep the caulking from sticking to the bottom of the opening—called a three-sided bond—with the caulk only adhering to the sides of the opening in an hour-glass shape it can flex more easily and is less likely to tear. Backer rods can also be used to reduce consumption of the caulking by filling part of the joints. Closed-cell foam does not absorb water and is impermeable. Closed-cell rods are less compressible and should not be compressed more than 25%.<ref name="Gibb 1980 p41">{{cite magazine |title=Hidden, but Essential: A Technical Review of Backer Rods |url=http://sealnoseal.org/PDF/BackerRod/TechRevBackRods.pdf |last=Gibb |first=J. F. |magazine=The Construction Specifier |date=March 1980 |pages=41 }}</ref> Closed-cell rod will also lose firmness and out-gas if damaged during installation or overcompressed or at sharp bends. The gasses cannot pass through this backer rod and can deform, weaken, and even cause holes (leaks) in the caulk or [[sealant]] as it escapes. Out-gassing is the reason that open-cell backer rod was developed.<ref name="Gibb 1980 p41" /> Open-cell foam is porous so it will let gasses through which could otherwise cause blistering of the caulk or sealant. Additionally, open-cell backer rod allows air to get to the back side of the caulk or sealant which accelerates curing when used with air-cured sealants such as [[silicone]]. Open-cell rod is more compressible than closed-cell foam and should be compressed 25% to 75%.<ref name="Gibb 1980 p41" /> ===Energy efficiency=== According to the [[Consumer Federation of America]], sealing unwanted leaks around homes is an excellent way to cut home energy costs and decrease the household [[carbon footprint]]. Also, sealing cracks and crevices around homes lessens the strain on home appliances and can save time, money and hassle by preventing major repairs. ===Preventing infestation=== Sealing cracks and crevices prevents ingress by rodents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Seal Up! |url=https://www.cdc.gov/rodents/prevent_infestations/seal_up.html |website=CDC.gov |publisher=[[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] |date=August 25, 2022 |access-date=September 25, 2022 }}</ref>
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