Yes, polymeric sand does come in white. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that contains a special binder which forms when water is added to the sand. It is usually used to fill the joints between pavers and helps to create a solid base and reduce the risk of erosion or shifting.
Polymeric sand is available in a variety of colors, including white, and is designed to match the color of the pavers or to provide a bright accent. If a lighter colored option is desired, white polymeric sand may be an appropriate choice.
When installing, it is important to read the instructions on the package that is being used to ensure the best results.
What is the difference between paver sand and polymeric sand?
Paver sand and polymeric sand differ greatly in composition and purpose. Paver sand, also called jointing sand or white sand, is made up of small granules of silica, brick, and/or limestone which is used as a filler between pavers when constructing a patio, driveway, or walkway.
Its purpose is to fill the gap between pavers and provide stability and to prevent weed and grass growth. Paver sand is easy to install and quite affordable but can wash away easily when it rains.
Polymeric sand, on the other hand, is a carefully graded, crystalline silica quartz and special bonding agents that are mixed together and hardened after installation. The purpose of polymeric sand is to improve stability while also creating a flexible seal that prevents weed growth and insect infestations, as well as helping to keep the pavers tight and stable.
It also resists staining and requires less maintenance than regular paver sand. Polymeric sand is significantly more expensive but provides a much longer lasting and durable solution.
Is there a difference in polymeric sand?
Yes, there is a difference in polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is a specially formulated mixture of sand and special additives that are engineered to harden when exposed to water. These additives help form a cement-like bond between the sand particles, creating an effective and aesthetically pleasing surface for paver walkways, patios, and driveways.
Depending on the brand, the sand may also be mixed with a binding substance such as plaster or Portland cement to help the particles form a strong bond. Different brands and formulas of polymeric sand may contain different ingredients, so it is important to read the label and research the ingredients to determine which product would be the best fit for your project.
Additionally, while some polymeric sands may provide a colored finish, others may be a more natural white or gray shade.
What can I use instead of polymeric sand?
Instead of polymeric sand, you can use several different materials for paver joints. Jointing materials can range from angular, crushed gravel or sea shells to crushed granite. Different materials can offer varying levels of permeability, so it’s important to consider the level of porosity needed for your project.
You can also use cement-based jointing sand, which when mixed with water and cured forms a very dense and hard joint. If you’re looking for a material option that is better for the environment, consider organic residues such as compost or organic soil amendments, as these can provide a more natural solution.
Additionally, synthetic sealants, grouts, and mortars are composed of resins and polymers that can seal joints and act as a binding material between pavers.
Can you power wash polymeric sand?
Yes, you can power wash polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is a type of sand made up of stone aggregate, filled with a binder of polymer and other ingredients. It is used to create a stable surface between pavers or stones and interlock them securely.
It helps to keep weeds from growing between pavers, insect infestations and erosion from rainfall. Power washing is an effective way to remove dirt, debris, weeds and any other foreign substances from between the pavers.
When power washing polymeric sand, use a fan tip nozzle and keep the pressure low (around 1500 PSI or less) to avoid damaging the pavers and the polymeric sand. Start from the corners and work your way out across the area.
Power wash the area at least twice over to ensure that all the dirt and debris is removed. Once your area is clean, you can re-fill the gaps with fresh polymeric sand to finish.
What is the sand to use for paver joints?
The sand to use for paver joints is commonly referred to as jointing or paving sand. This type of sand is specifically designed for filling joints between pavers, as it is composed of a blend of coarse and fine sand particles.
Additionally, it is often chemically treated to reduce unwanted weed growth. When purchasing jointing sand, you will want to make sure it is dry and free of clay, silt, and other impurities; otherwise, it could be difficult to work with and result in premature cracking or shifting of the pavers.
Additionally, when filling the joints with sand, it is important to ensure that the sand reaches all the way to the bottom of the joints and to fill any gaps, as this will provide additional stability to the pavers.
Once the sand has been added, it can be compacted with a hand tamper or plate compactor.
Is polymeric sand and paver sand the same?
No, polymeric sand and paver sand are not the same. While both are used for similar purposes, such as filling the joints between pavers, there are several important differences between them. Polymeric sand is composed of fine silica, cement, and other additives that form a polymer when combined with water.
This creates a tough, hard-wearing material that binds firmly against the pavers. Paver sand, on the other hand, is composed of course silica, which is often not well suited for use with pavers, as it can easily wash away and not bind properly.
Polymeric sand is the preferred choice of professionals, as it creates a more durable, stable base, and is less likely to wash away.
When should you not use polymeric sand?
Polymeric sand should not be used in areas that are prone to standing water, such as those that experience frequent rains or floods. Additionally, polymeric sand should not be used in areas that are regularly exposed to extreme heat as the adhesive properties of the sand can be compromised in such conditions.
Polymeric sand is also not suitable for areas that are routinely exposed to de-icing salts and chemicals, as these ingredients can break down the seal between the stones and make them vulnerable to the elements.
Finally, polymeric sand should not be used in areas where plants with deep roots are present as the roots could disturb the sand and compromise the finished project.
How long does polymeric sand last?
The overall lifespan of polymeric sand will vary depending on the quality of the sand and the environment in which it is used. Generally speaking, a higher grade of sand and proper installation practices can result in a longer lifespan of the product.
In ideal conditions, polymeric sand can last up to 25 years, but a more realistic lifespan is closer to 10-15 years. Factors such as weather, amount of foot traffic, and overall climate can all have a drastic effect on the lifespan of polymeric sand.
Proper installation and good maintenance habits (such as regularly sweeping out the sand and refilling any large gaps) can greatly extend the life of the sand. Ultimately, the best way to determine how long polymeric sand will last in your specific environment is to ask for advice from a professional in the industry.
Will polymeric sand stop pavers from moving?
Yes, polymeric sand can help to stop pavers from moving. Polymeric sand is a special type of sand that is mixed with additives such as acrylic resin and silica, which gives it its binding properties.
When combined with water and pressed into the joints between pavers, it forms a tough and flexible material that hardens and adheres to both the paver’s surfaces and the joints between them. This helps to bind the pavers together, reducing the risk of shifting, sinking, and cracking over time.
Additionally, polymeric sand repels water and debris, preventing erosion and other external damage that could lead to movement. For best results, be sure to use a base layer of coarse sand before applying the polymeric sand and use a tamper to ensure the material is properly compacted.
What do you put under pavers?
Pavers need a sturdy, stable base in order to be durable and functional. Depending on the purpose and environment of the pavers, the material you put underneath them can vary. However, a general rule is that the base should be at least 4” thick for proper support.
In most cases, you’ll want to use compacted gravel as your base material. The gravel should be ¾” to 2” in size and should be laid in two or three layers. Each layer should be fully compacted before the next one is added.
The final layer should be paved with smaller gravel of ¼” or smaller. In some cases, it’s also recommended to lay down a geotextile fabric between the gravel and the soil to increase drainage and reduce soil movement.
Once the base material is set, you can then begin to lay down the pavers. Typically, pavers should be laid on a layer of dry sand with a dry, stiff broom used to sweep it into the spaces between the stones.
Ensure that the pavers are shaped properly and that small gaps between them are filled with sand before lightly compacting the entire area.
Following this, you can take the time to clean off any excess sand or gravel that may have washed into the grooves of the pavers. Finally, use a sealant to keep the pavers protected and looking great.
Which brand of polymeric sand is best?
When it comes to polymeric sand, there is no single “best” brand across the board. Finding the best polymeric sand for your individual project will depend on a number of factors, including the materials in the sand, the type of joint you are filling, the size of the joint, and the climate in your area.
When selecting polymeric sand, you should first consider the crust-based material it is composed of. For example, polymeric sands like Citadel with Aleen’s Technology are composed of a mixture of both polymeric sand and portland cement, making them suitable for high-traffic/heavy-use areas like patios and walkways that need to be kept intact for a long time.
Alternatively, polymeric sands like Sakrete PermaSand are composed of polymeric sand alone, making them a better choice for projects like pool patios and other areas where a more flexible option is desired.
You should also consider the type of joint you are filling. Polymeric sands like Loctite Polymeric Sand are best for filling wider joints (1/4 inch or wider), while polymeric sands like Techniseal Polysand are best for narrower joints that are less than 1/4 inch.
Finally, you should also consider the climate in your area. Polymeric sands like Quikrete Polymeric Sand are specifically designed for areas that experience higher levels of humidity, while polymeric sands like Techniseal Polysand with Hydrogel are specifically designed for areas with a dryer climate.
Overall, there is no single “best” brand of polymeric sand. Selecting the best product for your project will depend on the materials you need, the type of joint you are filling, the size of the joint, and the climate in your area.