No, you cannot use polymeric sand instead of grout. Polymeric sand is primarily used to fill the joints between pavers, rock, stone and other outdoor elements. It is a mix of sand and special additives and is usually made of quartz, granite, marble or other similar materials.
The purpose of polymeric sand is to limit weed growth and stabilize the surface, not to provide support or hold joints together like grout. Grout is a cement-based material that is used to fill the joints between ceramic tiles, forming a strong bond that keeps the tiles in place and makes the surface watertight.
It is extremely important for areas like bathrooms, showers and kitchens that require strong, watertight surfaces. Therefore, if you are using tiles for a project, you must use grout to hold them in place, and you should not substitute polymeric sand.
What is the difference between jointing sand and polymeric sand?
Jointing sand and polymeric sand are both mixtures used for filling in the cracks between pavers, such as those made of concrete, brick, stone, or flagstone. However, there are a few major differences between the two.
Jointing sand is a coarse mix of silica sand, water, and other materials that have a very fine texture. Jointing sand is typically used for setting pavers in mortar or thin-set. It provides a firm and stable base to help lock the pavers together and reduce movement.
Jointing sand helps keep weeds and paver-crushing insects away, and it can also help protect pavers from cracking or shifting.
Polymeric sand, on the other hand, is a mixture of sand and specialized additives that form a water-resistant bond when activated by moisture. Polymeric sand has a finer texture than jointing sand, and is specially designed to interlock with the pavers, fill the cracks between them, and harden upon drying to form a solid base.
Overall, the main difference between jointing sand and polymeric sand is that jointing sand is used for setting pavers in mortar or thin-set whilst polymeric sand is used for interlocking the pavers and forming a water-resistant bond.
However, both mixtures provide a stable base for pavers and help protect them from weeds, insects, cracking, and shifting.
What are the cons of polymeric sand?
One of the main cons of polymeric sand is that it can be difficult to work with. The sand is made up of various polymers that when mixed together and exposed to water can become quite hard. This makes it difficult to spread evenly, as well as to remove if you need to make adjustments.
It also tends to be more expensive than regular sand. Additionally, some polymeric sand may contain phosphates that can harm vegetation, so it’s important to be sure to regulate the amount of polymeric sand you use in your project, especially near plants or animals.
Polymeric sand can also be destabilized by extreme temperatures, which may result in it washing away over time or becoming almost impossible to work with. It’s important to read the instructions carefully whenever you’re using polymeric sand, as it may have specific instructions that must be followed.
How long does polymeric sand last?
Polymeric sand has a long lifespan when compared to other sands typically used in landscaping, such as regular beach sand. It is estimated to last up to 5-10 years in most circumstances. The longevity of polymeric sand is primarily due to its ability to remain flexible and resistant to the elements.
It is composed of a unique combination of polymers and silica which, when mixed with water (or rain) forms a strong and durable bonding agent. This bond creates a strong layer between the pavers which helps to prevent weed growth, insect infestation, and water erosion.
As long as the polymeric sand is reapplied regularly, it is likely to last for many years. Furthermore, polymeric sand is more resistant to changes in temperature, pressure, and moisture than other types of sand, which also increases its lifespan.
Can polymeric sand ruin pavers?
Yes, polymeric sand can ruin pavers if it is not installed correctly. Polymeric sand is an aggregate material that is used in paver joints to help reduce weeds and pests from getting between the pavers.
The sand is mixed with water and cement to create an adhesive that binds the pavers together and prevents them from shifting. However, if the polymeric sand is not applied correctly, it can damage the edges of the pavers, allowing water to seep into the joints, leading to erosion and wear of the pavers over time.
Additionally, if polymeric sand is applied too thickly in between the pavers, it can cause them to buckle and shift, damaging the installed look of the surface. The best way to ensure proper installation of the polymeric sand is to use a specialized paver edger to properly install it between the pavers and to make sure that it is evenly distributed and installed to the right depth.
Should I use polymeric sand or regular sand?
The choice between polymeric sand and regular sand is a matter of personal preference, budget, and purpose. Polymeric sand is a blended type of sand and special additives that, when mixed with water, form a binding agent that seals the joints between the stones to better keep out the elements.
It is especially useful for pavers that are laid in high traffic areas or in climates where there is a lot of rainfall and humidity. Regular sand is simply that – a mix of coarse and fine-grained sand used for a variety of purposes.
It is not treated or mixed with any additives and is much less expensive than polymeric sand.
If you’re using stones or pavers for a patio or walkway, polymeric sand is usually the best choice because of its better weatherproofing properties. It is also more durable and lasts longer in those high-traffic areas.
Regular sand tends to wash away or become too hard and can cause the stones or pavers to become uneven or develop gaps. Regular sand is better used in areas that will not get a lot of foot traffic, such as in the yards or garden beds.
Both polymeric sand and regular sand have their own pros and cons and the choice between the two will depend on your budget and the desired outcome of the project.
Does polymeric sand need to be sealed?
Yes, polymeric sand should be sealed to maximize its effectiveness and longevity. Sealing the polymeric sand helps to keep the sand in place and prevents weeds, bugs, and other pests from infiltrating the joint gaps.
Additionally, sealing the polymeric sand will protect it from extreme weather conditions, such as excessive heat or moisture, which could otherwise cause the polymeric sand to degrade over time. When applying polymeric sand, it should first be moistened with a light mist, then carefully swept into the joints and compacted into place.
Once the sand is sufficiently compacted, the surface should be sprayed down with a good quality sealer, such as a urethane or silicone-based sealant, to bring out the vibrancy of the sand and further protect it from moisture.
After the sealer dries, a second coating should be applied over the joints to ensure complete protection. With periodic resealing, polymeric sand will remain in place and provide years of maintenance-free use.
How do you fill gaps with polymeric sand?
Filling gaps with polymeric sand is an easy and effective way to keep outdoor spaces looking neat and well-maintained. Polymeric sand is different from normal sand as it’s formulated with a specific type of polymer that binds the sand together when wet.
To fill gaps with polymeric sand, start by sweeping away any old material, dirt or debris from the area in need of repair. Then, pour the polymeric sand over the gaps and press it firmly into place. Sprinkle a small amount of water over the sand and lightly tamp it into the gaps.
Finally, brush the sand lightly to knock off any excess. Depending on the size of the gaps, the entire process may have to be repeated. It’s important to note that polymeric sand should not be used underwater or on surfaces subject to prolonged moisture.
How big a gap can polymeric sand fill?
Polymeric sand is designed to fill a 3/16″ gap between pavers or stepping stones. However, this material is flexible and can be used to fill larger gaps if necessary. When filling wider gaps, the manufacturer recommends applying two layers of the sand to ensure an even fill.
While two layers can be used for gaps up to about 1/4″, there is a risk that the material will be washed away if exposed to heavy amounts of rain and water. Therefore, it is recommended that no more than two layers of polymeric sand are used in wider gaps and that additional paver locking material such as joint stabilizing sand be used to prevent erosion of the material.
Does polymeric sand harden like concrete?
No, polymeric sand does not harden like concrete. Polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and polymer binders which harden over time when exposed to water. While this makes the sand more durable and less likely to move with foot traffic or other movement, it does not create the same level of rigidity and strength as concrete.
As such, it is not recommended for applications that require more permanent and solid foundations, such as partition walls or walkways. However, polymeric sand is a great alternative to traditional concrete applications, providing some of the similar binding benefits to help keep paver stones in place while also allowing for more flexibility when exposed to temperature & moisture fluctuations.
What do you use to fill gaps in pavers?
When filling gaps in pavers, the best material to use is a flexible polymer sand. This sand is specifically designed to lock in between paving stones and provide a long lasting, durable filler to help create a solid surface.
It is composed of natural sand that has been coated with a specialty elastomeric polymer that binds it together. This allows it to remain flexible and able to expand and contract with the natural movements of the pavers.
The sand also helps prevent weed growth between the stones and helps lock out any moisture that could seep into the paving surface and cause it to become unstable. Additionally, this type of sand is available in a range of colors to better match existing paver colors, or any color desired can be used to change the appearance of the paving material.
When should you not use polymeric sand?
Polymeric sand should not be used in areas that will be exposed to heavy rain or moisture, as the water can cause the sand to swell and can result in damage to the surrounding hardscape or landscape features.
Additionally, polymeric sand should not be used in areas that are subject to snow or ice, as the freezing process can cause the sand to become brittle and loose, or even to crumble. In outdoor areas that receive significant foot traffic, polymeric sand may not be an ideal solution for paver joints as it can also become too hard and difficult to rework or remove.
Finally, polymeric sand should not be used in certain types of permeable hardscapes, such as permeable driveways, since it won’t allow water to filter through the surface.