1. Polymeric sand hardens quickly. This can be a benefit—you don't have to worry about it creating a mess that you can't get rid of, and it makes the finishing process simple. However, you should NEVER install polymeric sand when it is raining!
Polymeric Jointing Sand is suitable for sweeping into the spaces between paving stones. Once placed and dampened, Polymeric Jointing Sand hardens to lock pavers in place.
Polymeric sand cures by drying. And in order to fully set, it needs to dry out completely. If your polymeric sand didn't harden up, it's pretty much guaranteed there's a moisture issue. If the joints remain wet after the installation, they will remain soft until they dry.
Let your pavers rest
Keep away from walks and patios for at least 24 hours. If the pavers are for your driveway, wait 48 hours before driving over them, It's also best to wait a full 30 days before you try to clean or seal your pavers. They need weeks to fully cure.
Polymeric Sand Not Hardening
If it is able to penetrate the sand, then there is a problem. Typically this occurs because there was a rainfall shortly after the installation which caused the sand not to set, the sand was watered for too long, or there is not proper drainage in the base.
Polymeric Sand has many benefits, however, the biggest drawback is that it can be easy to mess up, especially if you don't follow the manufacturer's instructions.
particles is another step that is often rushed through or skipped to save time. However, once water is applied, any remaining polymeric sand particles will harden and remain on the surface resulting in an unhappy customer.
If a tropical downpour takes place within that first hour, there's a good chance that the polymeric sand will wash out of the joints and spill onto the surface of the pavers.
No, new product won't adhere to the old. You have to remove the old polymeric sand and then apply fresh product for the best result. How to replace polymeric sand between pavers? Inspect the pavers to make sure the sand in the crevices is at least 1/8″ below the top of the pavers.
The Problem With Polymeric Sands & Water Mitigation
Most polymeric sands don't drain water which meant small stones were used to fill the joints between the interlock. For driveways, this solution isn't a big issue but near a pool or patio, people prefer the smooth uniformity of polymeric sand.
If remov- ing polymeric sand, a hot water pressure washer will help to soften up the binders in the sand. Any tough to remove hardened areas, may require mechanical means to clean the joint. Take caution with natural stone or thin style pavers and be sure to avoid disturb- ance of the bedding sand underneath.
When properly installed polymeric sand is very weed resistant. There are many factors that can lead to early failure of the sand such as not getting sand deep enough into joints, applying too much OR to little water to activate, paver systems that hold too much moisture, hills, and a lot more.
Polymeric sand is the most popular and useful filler used under brick pavers. It is a mixture of fine sand, adhesive and is most widely used in paver joints. Typically, polymeric sand lasts for up to 10 years. But if you use high-quality polymeric sand, it can last for approximately 15 years.
Generally speaking, you'll want to perform three rounds of watering. The initial showering should be done at a height of about 4 ft. Wait no more than three to four minutes before performing the second round of showering at a height of about 2 ft. Lastly, shower and rinse simultaneously at a height of 2 ft.
Polymeric Sand works best when it is used to fill the entire depth of the paver. In addition, it works best on joints that are between ¼ inch and 1.5 inches wide.
When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring.
With regular sand, you should re-sand your pavers at least once in two years. Polymeric sand is usually good for about ten years, so re-sanding costs are saved when using this type of sand. However, this is a very basic estimate, and it actually depends on the conditions faced by your paver, such as weather.
Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering.
Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. On the contrary, using too little can result in the product not setting up properly. Hazing can also occur if sand residue isn't fully washed off the surface of the pavers.
Traditionally, concrete paver manufacturers have recommended waiting at least 90 days after polymeric sand installation to apply a protective sealant to a paver surface. Nowadays, a 30 day delay is sufficient to allow the evaporation of any remaining natural efflorescence contained in the pavers.
Temperature must be above 32°F (0°C) for 48 hours following installation. Surface and joints must be dry. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. Sprinkler system must be turned off.
Weather Considerations For Polymeric Sand For PolySweep polymeric sand to set up properly, the temperature should be above 35 degrees for 24 hours before and 48 hours after installation. Plus, the surface needs to be dry at the time of installation and no rain forecasted for at least 12 hours afterwards.
Moss. CasaScapes polymeric sand will not cause nor prevent moss, mold or mildew. Moss, mold and mildew are caused by certain on-site conditions including excess moisture, shade, absence of ventilation, inadequate cleaning or maintenance, presence of soil or other organic debris left on the product.
It is important to empty the joints before filling them up with Techniseal® Polymeric Sand. Polymeric Sand needs a minimum depth of 4 cm (1 ½”) to be effective.