Backer Rod & Vulkem

In between the brick that lines the pool and the cement sidewalk/patio, there is a gap to allow for expansion. Apparently whatever was in there before has eroded. I was told to fill the hole with Backer rod, and then put something on top of that called Vulkem.

Anyone out there know what I'm talking about and could offer me some advice and/or walkthrough on how to complete this without making an unsighly mess?

Thanks in advance,

MM

Quote:

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Originally Posted by medfordman

In between the brick that lines the pool and the cement sidewalk/patio, there is a gap to allow for expansion. Apparently whatever was in there before has eroded. I was told to fill the hole with Backer rod, and then put something on top of that called Vulkem.

Anyone out there know what I'm talking about and could offer me some advice and/or walkthrough on how to complete this without making an unsighly mess?

Thanks in advance,

MM

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You can use any number of caulking compounds. Go to your local big box hardware and they will have products made for masonry applications that will stay pliable to allow for thermal expansion/contraction.

Backer Rod is a foam cylindrical gap sealer. You purchase it in lengths. then push it into the gap between the coping and deck of the pool. Leave about 1/4 or 3/16 of an inch from the top to fill with your caulking. You can use Deck-O-seal it is self leveling. I used that. When I put the deck-o-seal in I then used a matching colored sand and piled it on top of the WET deck-o-seal. This leaves a natural looking finish. Let is set for 24 hours then rinse off the sand looks great.
Rick