Polymeric sand is the more reliable and durable option for filling in the paver gaps. It outperforms regular sand when a homeowner is looking to lock the paver joints properly and wants a steady and stable path. It also provides a better appearance with its cleaner look and availability in varied colors.
As we mentioned before, polymeric sand is a different product than the sand you would get from your backyard sandbox or the sand from the beach. Polymeric sand adheres to itself better than regular sand does, which is important from the varying elements a patio or hardscape will see over it's long life.
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. Wider joints take longer to harden and may require that traffic be restricted for a longer period of time.
To add to the cons of using polymeric sand, the bond it forms between each paver is incredibly rigid. This is ideal in a rigid paving system, but if your paver project has been set in a flexible system, using this sand can cause cracks and holes to form within the joints when the surface experiences heavy weights.
Polymeric sand is a mix of different fine sands and other additives. When it is combined with water it creates a strong bond that is ideal for filling in joints in pavers. The ICPI endorses the use of polymeric sand. It is more flexible than fine dry sweeping sand but should not be used in driveways.
MJS Materials writes that typically paver sand is called leveling, all-purpose, or paving sand. It's made up of coarse grains and SF Gate writes that it's a preferable material for creating the thick bedding that you lay your pavers on top of.
Natural sand is a more suitable option than polymeric sand for bedding. Also, it is excellent for people looking for a budget-friendly option.
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.
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.
How do you keep pavers from moving? You can prevent the pavers from shifting by adding a solid edge to your patio, like cement, plastic or metal edging. Once you do this, you can spread polymeric sand over the surface and sweep it into the gaps, so they can stay in place.
Paver sand holds the pavers in place and allows you to adjust them. The final paver sand depth needs to be 1 inch and you need to account for sand filtering into the paver base and into the joints between the pavers. Make your calculations using a sand depth of 2 inches or 0.1667 feet.
You will also need a 1-inch thick layer of paver leveling sand. As a rule of thumb, you'll need about 1/3 as much sand as gravel, measured in cubic volume.
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.
Sand leveling may sound like a radical practice but it's actually one of the oldest turf practices in existence. And as I've discovered, leveling is just one of the many benefits to topdressing with sand, such as improved drainage and firmness as well as thatch reduction.
Your bedding sand is a crucial aspect of your entire hardscape. Bedding sand helps your stones settle firmly into the base and stay-in-place; it also serves as a leveling layer to even out any minor discrepancies in the gravel base and the manufactured product.
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.
A minimum of 24 hours drying time is required prior to allowing foot traffic and 48 hours for vehicular traffic on the paver surface. Dampening: Apply a gentle fine mist to the filled joints, flooding the faces of the pavers and allowing the water to run into the joints. Do not flood the sand onto paver surfaces.
In some applications where the joints between the pavers are rather large (1/4″ or larger) we suggest using the polymeric sand over the joint stabilizing paver sealer because the polymeric sand tends to hold up better in larger joints.
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.
Several types (and grades) of polymeric sand are available on the market. Techniseal is the only manufacturer to offer a "One-Sand-Fits-All" product suitable for all types of installations in any types of environments.
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.
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.
Polymeric Sand Benefits
By sealing off the paver joints when it bonds it also prevents weed growth up through and burrowing insects from the top. It even helps prevent water damage from heavy rains as much of the rain water will not be able to seep under the pavers, therefore damaging the foundation underneath.
Essentially this is a man-made chemical binder or organic biner that binds the sand together and to create a single surface between the joints of the interlocking pavers. This glue holds the sand in place so that when it rains or running water, the water will not wash away the sand.