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 often should you redo polymeric sand?

With regular sand, you should re-sand your pavers at least once in two years. Polymeric sand is usually good for about ten years, so re-sanding costs are saved when using this type of sand.

Do you need to seal polymeric sand?

Without any kind of sealer, the sand in your joints will blow and wash away. Fortunately, if you use one of Seal \'n Lock's paver sealers, you won't have to worry one bit about purchasing or installing polymer sand.

Do you need to reapply polymeric sand?

First, you run the danger of disturbing your base/shifting your pavers. Secondly, you will have to wait a day while the surface dries before you can reapply your new sand. Remember polymeric sand and moisture don't mix until after it's in the joints!

How long does 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 To Use Polymeric Sand for Pavers

How permanent is polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand relies on a chemical reaction to harden it into the joints between your paving stones. Once it hardens, it is permanent. Unfortunately this also is true for the polyhaze that often appears on the surface of your paving stones.

Will rain mess up polymeric sand?

In general, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after any significant rainfall to proceed with the installation of polymeric sand. Understandably, it is not recommended to lay jointing sand in the rain, or when precipitation are expected in the hours following your work.

Can I put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand?

CAN I USE POLYMERIC JOINTING SAND? Yes. If you are tired of sand erosion, weeds and ants on your pavers, Techniseal Polymeric Jointing Sand can be used to replace old sand in your joints. Simply remove the old sand completely and apply Techniseal Jointing Sand.

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.

Can polymeric sand ruin pavers?

Polymeric sand hardens quickly

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.

Is there something better than 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.

How do you clean polymeric sand joints?

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.

Should you power wash pavers?

Pressure washing concrete pavers, especially newer ones, can easily damage the surface finish and we strongly suggest not pressure washing unless you are highly experienced and have the right equipment to pressure wash pavers. In most cases, to get pavers clean with a pressure washer it requires using a jet style tip.

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.

Can I add a second layer of polymeric sand?

It is not ideal to add a thin layer of polymeric sand on top of what's already there for many reasons: the original sand can be old, of unknown condition, and/or dirty. The best approach would be to remove at least 1" of the jointing material and follow the steps for a new polymeric sand installation.

Why is my polymeric sand not hardening?

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.

How do you remove the haze from polymeric sand?

Poly Sand Haze Tips

If poly sand haze has transpired on the surface, it must be cleaned with an acid-based cleaner. Sometimes vinegar can be used unless the poly sand haze is severe. Many times, homeowners and even contractors are unaware of poly sand haze.

How often should you apply polymeric sand to pavers?

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).

How do you keep sand between pavers?

You can protect the joint sand from washing out by sealing the paver surface. Sealing restores the beauty of your pavers. The paver sealer also serves as glue between the joint sand particles hence holding them together, and preventing the sand from being washed away when it rains or during pressure washing.

Why did my polymeric sand wash out?

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.

Can you over water polymeric sand?

When watering in the Poly Sand, remember Goldilocks - "This is just right." Don't use too much or too little water. The amount of water you use is a critical element to an installation. Using too much water can cause the joint to over-saturate and result in polymer washout, mushy sand, and a weak bond.

When should you not use polymeric sand?

#6 - Too Narrow or Too Wide Joints

The sand is simply pushed out of the joints. This is why we don't recommend using polymeric sand on extremely narrow joints. Similarly, too-wide joints can lead to washout, because they allow too much water flow during the activation process.