How often do you need to replace paver sand?

Author: Perry Collins  |  Last update: Friday, August 4, 2023

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.

Should I replace sand between pavers?

The joint sand is key to maintaining the strength of the paver installation. The sand prevents the pavers from shifting and sliding against each other. Hence, dislodged sand will have to be replenished to keep the paver system structurally sound.

How many years does polymeric sand last?

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.

Can I put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand?

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.

Will power washing pavers remove sand?

Pressure washing can remove set-in stains and grime from the pavers, but it may also wash away some of the sand. While it washes away quite a bit of general purpose sand, it can only remove ½ to ¾ inches of stabilizing sand.

7 Most Common Reasons for Polymeric Sand Failures

Does water drain through paver sand?

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.

Should you resand pavers after pressure washing?

After pressure cleaning, sometimes sand is blasted out of place. Re-sanding is recommended where necessary.

What is the downside to polymeric sand?

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.

Will pressure wash remove 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.

What is the difference between paver sand and polymeric sand?

Regular sand for paving is prone to erosion, damage from weeds and can make your pavers hard to wash without risking the loss of any jointing sand between the stones. Using polymeric sand, however, prevents weeds from taking root and holds pavers firmly in place thanks to the durability of its seal.

Is there anything better than polymeric sand?

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.

Can you overwater polymeric sand?

installation. A danger of using too much water too quick creates the possibility of washing away the polymers. Too little water used in the installation process could leave you with a fragile joint. If the joint is not properly watered to at least 2/3's depth, a hardened crust may form at the top of the joint.

How often does polymeric sand need to be replaced?

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.

Why does polymeric sand fail?

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.

How do you remove old polymeric sand from paver joints?

Pressure Washing

Since you don't want to remove the sand between the joints, keep a low pressure. The recommended pressure for removing polymeric sand from pavers is 1600-2000 PSI. In pressure washing, if you use hot water, it will also help you remove polymeric sand from pavers.

How do you maintain polymeric sand?

To maintain polymeric sand joints, keep a bag of this high-grade sand at hand so that you can use it whenever the need arises. You need to keep the package away from sunlight in a dry place. Do not take the sand out of its package unless you are applying it.

How do you fix polymeric sand that didn't harden?

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. So getting one initial complete drying "set" is very important to the long-term performance and lifespan of the product.

Does polymeric sand get mold?

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.

Can weeds grow through polymeric sand?

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.

Will polymeric sand eventually harden?

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.

Does polymeric sand need to be sealed?

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.

How often should pavers be cleaned and sealed?

Pavers should be cleaned and sealed every two to three years depending on how often they are exposed to traffic, liquids, sunlight etc. Paver surfaces can also be power washed between cleanings but paver sealing is still necessary after paver cleaning has occurred.

How do you keep sand between pavers from washing away?

3 Simple Ways to Stop Sand Washing Out of Block Paving Joints
  1. Seal your blocks/paving.
  2. Rejoint using a compound.
  3. Keep topping up with kiln dried sand.

How do you refresh outdoor pavers?

Steps
  1. 1Sweep the pavers. The first step is to sweep the pavers to get rid of any leaves or debris.
  2. 2High-pressure clean the pavers. After sweeping, use a high-pressure washer to finish cleaning the pavers. ...
  3. 3Scrub any persistent stains. ...
  4. 4Check the pavers are dry. ...
  5. 5Apply the sealer. ...
  6. 6Apply a second coat. ...
  7. 7Job done.

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