Polymeric sand is a type of binding material commonly available in a range of colors, including brown, gray, beige, tan, charcoal, blue, black, and white. It is formulated to resist water and wind erosion and provide a strong, stable surface for a variety of projects, such as paver patios, walkways, driveways, and pool decks.
Polymeric sand is made of a combination of several fine aggregates, polymers, and adhesives that when combined, create a hardy yet flexible surface once the sand is swept into the gap between the pavers.
It is applied by hand or using a maintenance-free mechanical spreader, and once the sand has dried it hardens and sets into a look that closely resembles natural sand.
When should you not use polymeric sand?
It is generally not recommended to use polymeric sand in areas prone to heavy rains, as it can cause the sand to become saturated and wash away clogging drains and creating mess. Areas with lots of tree root systems should also avoid polymeric sand, since roots can shift and break the seal of the sand, allowing weeds to sprout.
Areas with slopes or inclines should also avoid polymeric sand because the sand may not stay put on a steep incline. The most important thing is to make sure you are using the right type of sand. Polymeric sand should only be used with joints between 1/4″ and 0.5″.
If the joints are any larger, the sand will not be effective. Also, be careful about using polymeric sand with flagstone or granite, since the sand can stain their surfaces.
Can you put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand?
Yes, it is possible to put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand. The process requires careful preparation and significant effort, though. First, all the old sand must be thoroughly swept out of the paver joints.
This includes any remaining sand residue in the joints, which can be difficult to remove and may require powerful vacuums. Once all the old sand is removed and the joints are completely cleaned out, it’s then important to mist the joints with water – this will help to activate the polymeric sand and give it a better bond with the pavers.
Once the water has been applied, the new sand can be poured into the joints and spread evenly. Finally, the new sand should be swept into the pavers and then misted with a light spray of water to activate the polymers in the sand.
This should help ensure the new sand sets and bonds with the pavers correctly.
What is an alternative to polymeric sand?
An alternative to polymeric sand is paver joint sand. Paver joint sand is available in different colors and is used to fill the joints between pavers and help to stabilize the pavers. It is specially formulated for cleaning and filling the joints between the paver stones and is composed of high-strength polymers and quartz granules.
This product is less likely than polymeric sand to wash away due to rain and helps prevent weed growth in the joints. Paver joint sand is also less vulnerable to hardening when exposed to the elements, which is an issue with polymeric sand.
The only downside is that paver joint sand is more expensive than polymeric sand.
Can weeds grow through polymeric sand?
No, weeds cannot grow through polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is an aggregate material made of a binder, such as acrylamide, and sand granules. The binder forms a hard, stable matrix when it is wet, which makes it harder for weeds to penetrate the surface.
Additionally, polymeric sand is typically denser than regular sand, making it even more difficult for weeds to find purchase. That said, no product is 100% guaranteed to be weed-proof, and some weeds may still be able to work their way into the joints between pavers despite the presence of polymeric sand.
Therefore, it is still recommended to take preventative measures against weeds, such as installing weed barriers, applying herbicide, or regularly removing weeds with hand tools.
Will a power washer remove polymeric sand?
Yes, it is possible to remove polymeric sand with a power washer. However, to do so, you must use a low pressure setting and make sure that the nozzle is at least two feet away from the sand. Additionally, avoid high temperatures and don’t aim the nozzle directly at the sand as it can cause damage.
Start at one corner of the area and work your way across, getting as close as possible with the nozzle while still maintaining the two-foot distance. This should help dislodge the sand and it can be vacuumed up afterward or swept away with a broom.
It is important to be careful when using a power washer as it can cause damage to the surrounding area or to the sand itself, leading to an uneven surface.
Can I use regular sand instead of polymeric?
No, you cannot use regular sand instead of polymeric sand. Regular sand is not designed to be used as jointing material in a patio, walkway, or driveway. Regular sand will not provide the necessary stability and durability that polymeric sand will, and it will not be able to form a strong bond between the individual pavers.
Furthermore, regular sand will wash away with rain and will not provide any effective weed protection which polymeric sand is designed to do. For these reasons, regular sand is not a suitable or effective substitute for polymeric sand.
What is the sand to use for paver joints?
For most paver jointing applications, the ideal type of sand to use is a type of coarse, washed, multi-purpose construction sand such as ASTM C-33 sand. This type of sand is made up of naturally occurring materials, such as granite and quartz, and is screened and tested to meet rigid ASTM standards.
It is a buff-colored, clean, and uniform product that helps create strong joints between pavers. When using this type of sand, it is important to make sure that it is spread and compacted evenly to ensure a strong and proper joint between pavers.
The sand should also have a consistent grate color and lack any organic matter, such as dirt, pebbles, and stones, as these materials can prevent proper jointing between pavers. If the sand is not properly spread and compacted, it can cause the jointing material and pavers to shift and settle, leaving gaps between the pavers and damaging the project.
Can polymeric sand ruin pavers?
Yes, polymeric sand can ruin pavers if not installed properly. Due to its high moisture and adhesion properties, polymeric sand can cause pavers to become brittle and crack or flake over time. Additionally, if the sand is too dry, it can create gaps between pavers, and if it is not packed tightly enough, weeds can grow up through the cracks in the pavers.
Proper installation is important in order to reduce the risk of damage to pavers caused by polymeric sand. This includes making sure the sand is damp before installation, packing sand into the joints flush with the paver surface, and using a nylon tamper to compress the sand.
Professional installation is recommended to ensure the polymeric sand is installed properly and will not damage the pavers over time.
Should I use polymeric sand or regular sand?
The type of sand you should use for your project will depend on the application. Polymeric sand is a mixture of coarse-grained sands, combined with a binder that helps to fill the gaps between the particles and strengthen the joint.
It is often used to fill and stabilize joints between pavers, such as patios or walkways. It also resists erosion from wind and rain. So, if you are looking to fill the space between pavers and create a strong, stable joint, then polymeric sand is a great choice.
On the other hand, regular sand is just that—regular. It is a good choice for sandboxes, silica molds, and lightweight filler. This type of sand is also often used as a base material and leveling agent underneath pavers, as it is easier to work with than polymeric sand.
In the end, the best choice for your project will depend on what your application is and the desired outcome. If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to speak with a local professional and get their opinion on the best sand for your project.
Is polymeric sand necessary?
Polymeric sand is not absolutely necessary when it comes to paver installations, however it can be beneficial in many ways. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that is specially formulated to contain polymers that help it bind together, which helps create a more stable and durable base for patios, walkways, and other outdoor living areas.
Polymeric sand can help reduce weed growth, improve water drainage, prevent erosion and soil loss, and reduce the need for maintenance. It can also help keep the pavers in place, reducing shifting and movement that can result from heavy traffic or ground upheaval due to unstable soil.
Additionally, polymeric sand can also give your outdoor space a tidier, more finished look. Ultimately, deciding whether you need polymeric sand for your paver installation will depend on your specific goals and needs.
Does polymeric sand affect drainage?
Polymeric sand affects drainage since it is an infill that is used to fill the joints between pavers and blocks. It is composed of a combination of fine sand and special additives that help it lock in place and form a strong bond with the pavers.
With the sand in place, it fills all the air pockets and prevents soil and gravel from washing out. This keeps the joint structure stable and avoids the danger of erosion and displacement under heavy precipitation.
Additionally, it helps minimize the amount of water that puddles on the surface and enhances the drainage of the surface.
Will water drain through paver sand?
Yes, water will drain through paver sand. Paver sand is made up of coarse particles which allow for better water drainage. It is often used in the installation of pavers for this purpose. The coarse particles also help to keep the pavers in place.
As water passes through the paver sand, it helps to fill in any gaps between the pavers and prevents them from shifting. Paver sand is also effective in preventing weed growth, as the coarse particles keep weed seeds from taking root in the spaces between the pavers.
This helps to keep the pavers looking neat and tidy.
What kind of sand goes under brick pavers?
For brick pavers, you should use a coarse, sharp sand with particle sizes between 0.5 and 2.0 mm in size. This type of sand helps to fill in spaces between the pavers, locking them together and creating a stable, even surface for your brick patio or pathway.
The sand should be relatively dry and free of any organic matter, such as clays or topsoils. When applying the sand, spread a uniform layer approximately 2cm thick and use a stiff bristled broom to work the sand into the joints between the pavers.
Make sure the sand is evenly distributed with no low or high spots. Once the joint sand is applied and thoroughly worked into the joints of your paver project, you can then moisten the entire paver area to allow the sand to settle.
After at least 48 hours, you can use a leaf blower or similar tool to clear off the surface of the pavers.