Polymeric sand is designed to fill the gaps between pavers to keep them solidly in place, prevent weed growth, and allow for proper drainage from the patio.
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.
The newest versions of polymeric sand are “fast setting” and start repelling water after 90 minutes. They close the window on sensitivity to rain during initial drying time and polymer washout due to over-watering.
Initially, some water will seep into the joint sand for the first few weeks but soon silts and dust in the air will fill any voids and water will then shed off the paver surface just like any other pavement.
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.
Polymeric sand cures by drying. And in order to fully set, it needs to dry out completely.
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.
Sand allows water to drain through it more easily than silt and clay so more water should have drained through the sandy soil than the potting soil.
When pavers are first laid, a block or brick wall is built there is often latent water present in the product. This water may be present due to the manufacturing process, product sweating from long-term packaging, water being added to the product during or after the installation or site moisture.
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.
Protect from rain for at least 12 hours. No sealer is required. Sand remaining on paver faces can create a slight haze after wetting. A minimum of 24 hours drying time is required prior to allowing significant foot traffic and 48 hours for vehicular traffic on the paver surface.
You can protect the joint sand from washing out by sealing the paver surface. Sealing restores the beauty of your pavers.
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.
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.
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.
Sand drains water very well, while clay does not. However, that does not mean that adding sand will help your lawn drainage.
Small grain sand has the least drainage properties. Masonry sand has fine particles and the least drainage properties. It is thin and holds water for long, allowing slow drainage. Lastly, medium grain sand is the best alternative because of its medium-fine particles.
Horticultural sand does not clump together like traditional sand because of its sharp edges and will not fill voids in the soil. This can make it useful for improving drainage and helping to maintain good aeration (airflow) around the roots of your houseplants or outdoor plants.
Can you apply polymeric sand twice? 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.
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. You should regularly inspect your paver to see if there are any issues with the sanding.
Polymeric Sand needs a minimum depth of 4 cm (1 ½”) to be effective. Use a power washer to empty the joints. If there is already polymeric sand between the pavers, soak the sand to soften it up before emptying the joints.
They ask us if the polymeric sand we use is “weed proof”. Unfortunately the answer is no. There's is no miracle product that will eliminate all weeds, ants and washouts. The good news is Polymeric sand is the best product available to resist the nuisances that come along with the beauty of a paver patio.