Here's how to use it. I need to use polymeric sand on an upcoming job.
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.
Instead of simply using regular sand to fill in the missing spots between the pavers, build long-lasting beauty into the surface with polymeric sand. If you don't, much of the sand you put in will wash out after a few heavy rains, and you may see weeds pop through before you finish packing up at the end of the job.
You can choose to fill the cracks between pavers with a polymer sand. This filler, once wet with a hose, turns hard, almost like mortar. It will make it tougher for weeds to take root. Or, plan to seal the patio once it's complete.
In the old days, patio owners were removing old contaminated sands from cracks & sand between pavers in patio or bricks of brick patio. They used to fill up the crevices in stone pavers or brick patio with new or fresh sands between pavers. Unfortunately, it alleviated weed growth only for a limited period of seasons.
If you absolutely can't use polymeric sand, for one reason or another, the best replacement for it is mason's sand, also called builder's sand. Its particles are much finer and can perform the function better than regular sand would. How to harden the sand between pavers?
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.
Quick and simple to use, Weed Free Paving Sand contains kiln dried sand, with the added benefit of organic inhibitors for long lasting weed suppression. Simply brush into paving joints to help prevent weed growth.
Two paving sand types popular for such projects are polymeric and regular sand. While both the sands are excellent for filling the paver joints, one might work better than the other, depending on the specific project and the homeowner's preference.
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.
Concrete sand is the proper sand for laying a foundational base for a concrete paver installation. It is extremely coarse sand so it can be compacted uniformly and allows for adequate water drainage. Concrete sand will lift slightly into the joints of the pavers when they are being leveled, locking them into place.
The two main types of sand that are used between paver joints are fine dry sweeping sand and polymeric sand. They are both frequently implemented but do their best work in different types of projects.
Vinegar is a great weed killer because it won't cause discoloration, damage pavers, or affect nearby plants. It draws moisture out of the plant tissues and roots, stopping the formation of weeds. Transfer white vinegar into a spray bottle, then spray the vinegar along the cracks.
However, you should NEVER install polymeric sand when it is raining! Rain activates the polymers before the sand is in the joints which will ruin your hardscape by producing a haze and adhering sand grains to the surface of the pavers.
Paver sand is similar to playground sand, but the granules are mixed with a silica additive to make them more course and binding. As the name suggests, paver sand is often used for leveling pavers in constructing walkways and patios.
Another strategy that you can employ for keeping weeds out of your landscaping rocks is to have a layer of crushed stone and sand spread across the area where the larger rocks will be placed. The sand and crushed stone will not allow weeds to take hold.
Pro Tip: It's very important that you lay no more than 1” of bedding sand. Any more will promote settling or wobbling—two things you don't want pavers to do. Once your sand is in place, you'll use a 10'–12' strike board to “screed” the sand.
Specially designed narrow-bladed weeding tools – sometimes called 'dandelion weeders' – for tackling such weeds are the most effective. More generally, a 'block paving knife' can be run along between pavers to sever most weeds. A wire-bristled 'block paving brush' is good at removing moss and the smaller weeds.
Mulch is one of the most important tools in a weed free garden. It doesn't matter if you're growing trees and shrubs, perennials, annual flowers, or vegetables, a layer of mulch will be your best friend. Mulch blocks light from reaching the soil, reducing weed seed germination.
Some other benefits of using silica sand are that it does not encourage the germination of weeds. It also does not absorb water, which helps with the drainage of water through your artificial turf. Silica sand infill also helps to protect the backing of the grass from being clawed at by your cat and dog.
The Problem With Polymeric Sands & Water Mitigation
Most polymeric sands don't drain water which meant small stones were used to fill the joints between the interlock. For driveways, this solution isn't a big issue but near a pool or patio, people prefer the smooth uniformity of 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.
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.