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 infill is ideal for filling gaps in cobbled paving. The hardened joints will provide a robust and water-permeable seal that helps prevent the cobbles from progressively loosening.
Gator Dust –
It is designed to stabilize wider paver joints than polymeric sand. Depending on the paving stone design or job specifications, Gator Dust polymeric stone dust will be your very best choice to secure pavers in place for years, and prevent sprouting or soil erosion.
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.
Polymeric sand is appreciated by paver installers because joints you get from it are durable and even . This eliminates any risk of weed growth and ant infestation that could affect the overall aesthetics and durability of paver projects.
Acrylics. Acrylic paver sealers, either solvent- or water-based, offer the most comprehensive ultraviolet (UV) resistance. Acrylic sealants can be breathable, depending on their solid content.
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.
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.
Any excess polymers and sand should be rinsed off of the project surface. Go over your pavers again with a leaf blower to blow any excess water and sand off of the surface of your pavers. Work in small areas to be sure you remove as much standing water and/or sand as possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you just finished a new paver installation or you have been contracted to retrofit polymeric sand into an existing project, what you do before filling the joints with polymeric sand can make or break the entire job. On an existing project, topping the joints off with polymeric sand is not recommended.
Yes, pressure-washing pavers with polymeric sand are typically safe. In reality, pavers filled with polymeric sand can benefit significantly from pressure washing to keep them clean and well-maintained. There are, however, specific possible hazards associated that need to be taken into account.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Using a nap roller for sealer application will take several times longer than using a paver sealer sprayer and joint stabilization is difficult to achieve. Spraying is the preferred method of applying water based paver sealers as it allows enough sealer to get into the joints.