How long will polymeric sand last?

Polymeric sand can last up to 10 years before replacement is necessary. However, certain manufacturers claim some products can last up to 15 years.

How long can you keep polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand lasts for 10 years. High-quality polymeric sand can last for 15 years. Installing polymeric sand the right way ensures that it lasts for a decade. Problems during the curing process can decrease its lifespan.

Is polymeric sand permanent?

Polymeric sand relies on a chemical reaction to harden it into the joints between your paving stones. Once it hardens, it is permanent.

Does polymeric sand get old?

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.

Do I need to remove old polymeric sand?

But unlike normal sand, the compound hardens very quickly when you expose it to moisture or water. Thus, you must remove polymeric sand from pavers' surface before you finish your project. Still, the polymeric sand usage in paving projects is probably one of the best choices when it comes to sand types for joints.

How To Use Polymeric Sand for Pavers

Can you put polymeric sand over existing polymeric sand?

If you are installing polymeric sand in an existing job, it's important to uniformly remove at least an inch of the joint depth before reinstalling polymeric sand.

Can you pressure wash polymeric sand?

You can't pressure wash and apply polymeric sand on the same day. I should warn you that getting the stain off is a huge problem so it's best to take the time to avoid it in the first place.

How often do you need to redo polymeric sand?

If you chose polymeric sand, even if exposed to the same circumstances as regular sand, it may last up to ten years (or more). Note that to increase durability, you can apply a sealer over pavers in both cases (polymeric and regular sand).

Can you redo polymeric sand?

Unfortunately with polymeric sand replacement, you can't just uproot any weeds and top it up. You have to completely remove all the pre-existing sand in the joints and start fresh. For this step, Hubs had to get down and dirty with a scraper to remove the old sand between the pavers. Hubs did all the work by hand.

Why is polymeric sand cracking?

UNDER-WATERING causes the polymeric sand to simply form a "crust" on the top. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint.

Is polymeric sand worth the cost?

You need good polymeric sand to maintain the look and appearance of your landscape. Some naysayers will say that polymeric sand is a complete waste of money and that it isn't worth a dime because the weeds keep on coming back or the insects are burrowing between the pavers.

Does water drain through polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand, if installed properly, will harden to lock you pavers in place and create a more effective weed and insect deterent while still allowing water to drain freely.

Can you seal over polymeric sand?

If us- ing polymeric sand, you can install it after the sealer application has properly cured for 24 - 48 hours. If polymeric sand is installed prior to sealing, be sure surface is dry for 24 hours before applying sealer.

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 remove hardened polymeric sand?

Removing polymeric sand from pavers is not a fun process. You can try to use a hot pressure washer to remove the sand, but you may be left with some sand remaining in the joint. Regardless, you are going to have to scrape out the sand of the joints and use a shop vac or blower to remove this scraped out sand.

What can I use instead of polymeric sand?

Builder's Sand

Builder's sand is the most common replacement for polymeric sand, as it is easy to access and not expensive. It is used heavily in construction projects, hence its name. Because this sand is very coarse, you will need to use it regularly. You'll have to reapply it for years as it settles.

What are the problems with polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand problems lead to the inability to replace any of the paving stones that have eroded or have damage. Instead, you will need to redo the entire pathway because you cannot fill in the sand.

How do you replace polymeric sand from pavers?

To replace sand that has been washed out, simply pour joint sand over the pavers. Next, sweep it into and across the joints using a stiff push broom. Keep the depth of the sand at ¼ inch from the surface of the paver. Afterwards, you can sweep the excess joint sand between pavers and store it again for future use.

How do you clean pavers without removing polymeric sand?

Wet The Patio With Water

After it's wet, then add some dish soap or a degreaser to a bucket of water. Using a brush that's stiff, pour some water and soap on the pavers and give it all a scrub. Keep it gentle, and don't go overboard on the scrubbing, so you don't damage any of the surfaces.

Should I Resand my pavers?

Re-sanding a paver patio is very important; without doing so, you may lose some stability in your paver patio and the pavers may begin to separate. Following the rest of the paver restoration process, it becomes necessary to add sand between the pavers in order to keep them balanced.

What happens if it rains on polymeric sand?

Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. After installation, a hard rain on polymeric sand that has not fully set up could result in polymeric sand all over the top of the pavers.

How do you remove polymeric sand haze from pavers?

For even better results, you can make use of a hot water pressure washer at 180 degrees Fahrenheit. See, the heat will reactivate the polymers in the product and allow you to strip away the sand. If it is a smaller paver area, even boiling water can be used for removing polymeric sand haze!

What happens if you don't seal pavers?

If you don't seal your pavers, they won't deteriorate and wither away. You will just likely have to clean your pavers more frequently and the stains will be harder and in some cases impossible to remove.

How do you stop weeds from growing between pavers?

Weeds want to inhabit a cool damp environment; proper drainage will help avoid weed growth. Regular Sweeping. Brushing your paving stones will prevent seedlings from settling, and will disrupt new weeds from fully establishing a place between your pavers.

How much does it cost to install polymeric sand?

The cost of a full power wash and installation of polymeric sand and a wet-look sealer for an average-sized patio ranges from $1.35 to $2 per square foot, depending on the size. The cost of a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand ranges between $20 and $40. With an average price of $30 in most areas.