The two most popular materials for securing a concrete paver installation are a pre-formed edging, such as Snap-Edge, and concrete.
Concrete is resistant to moisture and is the strongest edge restraint. Concrete edging is always recommended for Vehicular applications and adheres very well to the base and paver tiles.
Wall or Stone Edge Restraint
To keep your pavers in place and prevent lateral movement, you might choose to build a wall, curb, or edging stone around the soft surfaces of your project. In our opinion, this is the greatest strategy to keep your project contained.
Durability: Polymeric sand is known for its exceptional durability. It forms a strong bond when activated with water, which helps lock pavers together and prevents them from shifting. Weed Prevention: Polymeric sand contains additives that inhibit weed growth between pavers.
Bridge the Gaps
Once you've laid your foundation and the second layer of sand, you should fill in the gaps between pavers with more sand. This filling will lock the pavers in place and prevent shifting. It will keep your pavers in line and secure the aesthetic of your paving project.
Regular dry sand in your paver joints will not prevent pests like weeds and bugs. In the PNW, it's common to see weeds or ant hills popping up in areas through paver joints. Polymeric sand, on the other hand, is known for controlling weeds and insects. It dries hard, and pests cannot get through without a crack.
However, polymeric sand is unique because it will allow the joints to expand and contract with the elements like hot sun during the summer and below-freezing temperatures in the winter. It will also bond your pavers together so weeds and insects don't make their home between each slab or stone.
To hold the unbound block paving place and fully secure the edge restrains, they should be backfilled with concrete (also known as haunching). The backfilled concrete will ensure the edge restraints are not going to move and provide the driveway lateral stability.
Paver Edging
Edging helps keep the pavers snugly in place and prevents them from shifting — a common problem with DIY paver installation. Here in Central Florida, it's important to use concrete molded edging, not plastic edging with spikes. The soil is too sandy and soft here for that.
Edge restraints, manufactured strips of high tensile-strength material that are installed around the perimeter of your paver project, are designed to keep the surface of your pavers in shape, quite literally.
Do you use spacers when laying pavers? Again, the answer is a resounding yes. Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, using spacers will simplify your installation process, making it easier to achieve a beautiful and durable result.
Yes, pavers can shift and move over time due to various factors such as ground movement, poor installation, and dramatic temperature changes. In most cases, improper edging tends to be the leading cause of pavers shifting.
Install Edge Restraints: Edge restraints are crucial in maintaining the integrity of block paving. They prevent the blocks from moving laterally and help maintain the shape of the paved area. Edge restraints should be installed along the perimeter and fixed securely in place with concrete.
Problems with Polymeric Sand
Polymeric sand can trap moisture in the joints between pavers. When water gets stuck in these areas, it creates a perfect environment for mold and algae to grow. Over time, this can lead to dark, slimy spots on your pavers that are difficult to clean.
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.
Indeed this is a common question for first time do it yourself-ers. And the answer is a resounding “No! Don't do it!” Patio pavers need to be placed on a special base material that allows moisture to drain away.
Polymeric Sand is an option if you truly need paver stabilization. There are many polymeric sand options available on the market, which use different chemicals to achieve a hardened state. Many of the less expensive products use cement as the hardener. The upside is the product cost is low.
Prior to the installation of new polymeric sand, you will need to remove any old joint sand or polymeric sand from the joints with a pressure washer. If remov- ing polymeric sand, a hot water pressure washer will help to soften up the binders in the sand.
Along with lubricant, polymeric sand is also engineered with an adhesive binding agent that is activated upon getting wet. This means that when you water your patio down after applying all the sand, the polymeric sand will settle, bind with itself, and turn into a concrete-like substance.
Polymeric sand is a crucial component for stabilizing paver joints, offering durability and resistance to weed growth and insect infestation. Typically, polymeric sand can last between 8 to 10 years, depending on various factors such as weather conditions, foot traffic, and proper installation.