What is polymeric sand used for?

Polymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver, tile or natural stone. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand. Jointing sand is made up of fine grains, to which manufacturers add a mixture of specific additive particles.

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.

Do you really need polymeric sand?

Polymeric sand is the more reliable and durable option for filling in the paver gaps. It outperforms regular sand when a homeowner is looking to lock the paver joints properly and wants a steady and stable path. It also provides a better appearance with its cleaner look and availability in varied colors.

What are the benefits of polymeric sand?

What does polymeric sand do for pavers?

Polymeric Sand Benefits

By solidifying and bonding to the surround pavers, it provides an extra line of strength to keep the pavers together and to help prevent shifting. By sealing off the paver joints when it bonds it also prevents weed growth up through and burrowing insects from the top.

What Is Polymeric Sand?

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.

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.

Will 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.

Does polymeric sand stop weeds?

Polymeric sand can help prevent weeds with pavers.

What can I use instead 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.

Should I seal my pavers before polymeric sand?

Traditionally, concrete paver manufacturers have recommended waiting at least 90 days after polymeric sand installation to apply a protective sealant to a paver surface.

What is the best sand to put between pavers?

Polymeric sand is a material used to fill paver joints, the empty spaces found between each paver, tile or natural stone. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand.

Does polymeric sand harden like concrete?

particles is another step that is often rushed through or skipped to save time. However, once water is applied, any remaining polymeric sand particles will harden and remain on the surface resulting in an unhappy customer.

How long does it take polymeric sand to harden?

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. Polymeric sands are designed to soften and re-heal.

Will polymeric sand stop pavers from moving?

If you're looking for a way to improve the stability of your paver patio or walkway, polymer sand is a great option. Polymeric sand helps to hold the pavers in place and prevents them from shifting or moving.

Can polymeric sand be removed?

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.

Can you apply polymeric sand twice?

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 do you stop grass from growing between pavers?

Can you power wash pavers?

Is It OK To Pressure Wash Pavers? As long as it's done carefully, cleaning pavers with a pressure washer is ok. However, it's important to remember that after the process, you need to apply a sealant again; which is a substance that considerably increases pavers' durability.

How deep should polymeric sand be?

Polymeric Sand needs a minimum depth of 4 cm (1 ½”) to be effective. Use a power washer to empty the joints. If there is already polymeric sand between the pavers, soak the sand to soften it up before emptying the joints.

Can you use polymeric sand to fill driveway cracks?

Sweep the polymeric joint sand into the cracks between the pavers as you would with other materials. It is recommended that you do this three times to ensure that all of the joints are properly topped off. This will increase weed, insect and water protection.

How do you remove dried polymeric sand from pavers?

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.

What to put between pavers to stop weeds?

White Vinegar

Pour the vinegar into an empty spray bottle and spray the cracks between the pavers, leaving it to sit and work its way into the sand. When a few hours have passed, rinse away the vinegar with a garden hose. This simple remedy will kill the weeds without damaging the pavers or damaging nearby plants.