- Spread polymeric sand in sections. With a push broom sweep it into all seams of your paver surface. ...
- Settle the sand by compacting with a hand and/or plate tamper (with rubber pad to protect pavers).
- Sweep and compact (steps 1 & 2) two to three more times until crevices and voids are filled.
- Thoroughly inspect the pavers and broom sweep or leaf blow residual sand off top. Otherwise, once wet, the sand will stick and be problematic to remove.
- Gently spray joints in increments to activate the molecular bonding of the polymeric sand. Keep the hose nozzle on shower. ...
- Repeat showering (step 5).
- Leaf blow off residual surface water to prevent hazing.
- Stop. Poly sand needs time to cure. Wait 24 hours or whatever time frame the tech specs recommend.
What is polymeric sand and does it really work?
What is polymeric sand and how does it work? Polymeric sand is a sand like material that contains a unique polymer that is placed in between the joints of brick pavers. When the material is activated with water, it creates a flexible “mortar-like” bond in between the pavers and acts as a joint stabilizer.
What is the best polymeric sand?
Best overall: Dominator Polymeric Sand “This sand can provide you with professional results that were not available to ordinary consumers in the past.” Popular choice: Buddingco Polymeric Sand “this is one of the best polymeric sands for driveways, parking spots, and footpaths.” Best for rough conditions: Sakrete Of North America 65300037
How much polymeric sand is needed to fill my joints?
Your polymeric sand should have a minimum of 1″ in depth in the joint to be able to create a strong bond. It should also be installed 1/8″ below the top of the product or the bottom of the chamfer, whichever is the lower of the two. Failure to do this will result in the erosion of the polymeric sand and weakening its bond.
How to apply polymeric sand?
- Checking the weather.
- Picking the right polymeric sand.
- Getting the tools ready.
- Pouring the sand.
- Using the push broom, plate compactor, leaf blower.
- Activating the polymeric sand.
- Letting it dry.
How do you harden polymeric sand?
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 long does it take for polymeric sand to set?
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.
How do you activate polymeric sand?
0:131:29Activating the Polymeric Sand - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWater i always want to be careful. If there's any foaming any of that suds that starts to appear inMoreWater i always want to be careful. If there's any foaming any of that suds that starts to appear in those joints i want to back off the water i don't want to wash the polymers out of the joints.
How long does polymeric sand need to set before rain?
Because it takes time for sand to set, you'd be better off rescheduling the installation. It'll be worth the wait to avoid the risk of a potential disaster. In order for the paver joints to set properly, they ideally need two days of sun and dry weather. A hard rain could require you to start over.
Is it OK if it rains after 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.
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.
Do you need to tamp polymeric sand?
1:565:20How to use Polymeric Sand - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore applying this jointing sand also the surface of the pavers or slabs must be completely dry.MoreBefore applying this jointing sand also the surface of the pavers or slabs must be completely dry. And the temperature above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you hand tamp polymeric sand?
Once you have swept the sand into the paver joints, a hand tamp should be used over the entire paver area in order to “vibrate” the sand further into the joints.
How do you harden sand?
As we brought up earlier, regular sand doesn't harden enough on its own. So, if you need it to set, the best way to do it is by sealing them. You should give it at least 48 hours after applying the sealer.
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 long do you have to wait to seal 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. Nowadays, a 30 day delay is sufficient to allow the evaporation of any remaining natural efflorescence contained in the pavers.
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.
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 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). This substance acts by creating a protective layer on the flooring surface.
How long should 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 touch up polymeric sand?
0:021:00How to repair the Polymeric Sand - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it can happen where the polymeric sand can break away however it's really easy to fix take someMoreSo it can happen where the polymeric sand can break away however it's really easy to fix take some sand and a little cup. Sprinkle it into the joint. And then just brush away any excess.
How to install polymeric sand?
1. Inspect for moisture. This is critical. Polymeric sand needs to be installed on a dry surface. Make sure there isn’t any dampness prior to diving right in and dumping those bags! 2. Check the weather. While you hate to see rain in the forecast on a normal day, you’ll hate to see it even more on a sand installation day.
Can you see rain on a sand installation day?
While you hate to see rain in the forecast on a normal day, you’ll hate to see it even more on a sand installation day. In fact, there can’t be any rain in the forecast within one hour of installation on a drainage base and within 24 hours of installation on a non-drainage base. You’ll also want to check that thermometer because polymeric sand ...
What is polymeric sand?
Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sands combined with other additives. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more.
How to get sand out of joints?
With a garden hose, spray a light mist over the area. This will activate the binding agent in the sand. Make sure not to wash the sand out of the joints. Let the joints dry completely for a day or two; then inspect the joints for any gaps. Additional sand can be applied to fill any remaining gaps.
How to get rid of sand stains on pavers?
Should you find yourself with discoloring stains due to polymeric sand on the surface of the pavers, spray white vinegar over the stains, allow it to sit for about one hour; then wash away with soap and water.
Why do you need sand for pavers?
The sand helps to secure the pavers into a uniform and durable surface. The success of this step depends in large part on the pavers being installed properly on firm, flat layers of gravel and paver sand—a type of sand much different from polymeric sand.
What to use to clean sand off pavers?
A leaf blower works well for cleaning excess sand off the pavers. Make sure, though, not to blow sand out of the cracks between pavers. A fine brush can also work if you don't have a leaf blower .
Can you use polymeric sand to fill joints?
Ordinary sand—the same material used to form a bed for setting pavers—can also be used to fill the joints between pavers, so why use polymeric sand? In fact, there are drawbacks to this product, such as the fact that it can stain your pavers. (To remove the stains, some suggest scrubbing with vinegar.)
Does rain wash sand?
Heavy rain will not wash away the sand. The silica and other binding additives in polymeric sand reduce the amount of water that can wash between the pavers and down into the base materials. This keeps the base foundation under the surface sturdy and intact. It deters weeds.