No, polymeric sand does not harden in the same way that concrete does. The purpose of polymeric sand is to fill the joints between pavers and to help stabilize the surface of a patio, walk, or driveway.
It helps keep the pavers in place and prevents weeds and ant infestations. Polymeric sand is not intended to be a replacement for concrete, as it has different properties and uses. Polymeric sand binds together and becomes firm when wet and hardens when it dries, forming a strong bond with the individual pavers.
However, it does not become as hard as concrete, so it’s not suitable for use in sidewalk or driveway paving projects. Polymeric sand also does not cure or harden permanently like concrete, so it must be re-applied regularly to maintain the desired level of stability, depending on the amount of use the surface gets.
Is polymeric sand the same as grout?
No, polymeric sand and grout are not the same. Polymeric sand is a finer, grout-like material that is used to fill the joints between pavers and other masonry surfaces. Polymeric sand is made of a blend of sand and special additives that bind the sand particles together when it is wetted.
Once it has dried and hardened, it forms a very strong, stable and permanent joint. Grout is a mixture of water, cement, and sand which hardens and binds masonry, tile, and stone surfaces together. It is generally used to fill in the space between individual tiles, which creates a more polished and finished look.
Grout is often chosen over caulk or sealant, as it helps add strength and stability to the structure they are being used on.
How long does polymeric sand last?
Polymeric sand is a type of sand used in the jointing of patio and paver stones, and is designed to last much longer than normal sand. With proper installation and care, polymeric sand can last up to 20 years.
To ensure maximum performance and longevity, the following steps should be taken. First, the joints should be adequately filled with the sand and all paving stones should fit snugly together to minimize movement of the sand within the joints.
The area should also be cared for by regularly sweeping the joints and removing weeds and other foreign material so the sand can bond together.
In addition, avoid power washing the area as this can corrode the sand particles. Sealing the surface is also beneficial, although not a necessity as the presence of a sealer will not increase the longevity of the sand beyond what is normal.
Last but not least, it’s important to choose a high-quality polymeric sand, as some products can break down faster and may not provide the expected performance.
When should you not use polymeric sand?
Polymeric sand should not be used when there is excessive water drainage or flooding in the area, as the sand will be easily washed away. Additionally, it should not be used in areas with heavy foot traffic, as the sand won’t be able to flex and move, which could lead to cracking and shifting of the pavement.
Polymeric sand is also not recommended for curved or sloping areas as it is difficult to keep the sand in place. Finally, it is not recommended for applications in cold climates as it can freeze during the winter and heave, causing damage to the surface.
What happens if it rains on polymeric sand?
If it rains on polymeric sand, the sand would become saturated with water and would act like a cement, hardening and locking in place. The sand would become more and more difficult to maneuver and eventually, any excess water could even cause the sand to erode and move, disrupting the stability of the surface it is covering.
The sand may also retain moisture, which can increase the likelihood of weed growth over time. Additionally, the sand can become hazy and the colors may become less vivid. Finally, rainwater can displace the polymeric sand’s binding agent, which will reduce the overall stability of any surface it is used on.
For this reason, it is important to take precautions to limit the potential damage from a rainy environment when using polymeric sand. Make sure surfaces don’t become too saturated with water and take steps to seal the sand from moisture even before the rainy season.
Additionally, clearing any excess water away from the area can help ensure the sand stays in place.
Does polymeric sand need to be sealed?
Polymeric sand does not typically need to be sealed, thanks to its formulation and properties. Polymeric sand is designed to harden and bind when exposed to water. Composed of a mixture of sand and special additives, the sand helps prevent weed growth, lock pavers and blocks together, and reduce erosion.
The sand hardens to form a strong bond once water is applied or after a heavy rain and helps prevent pollen, dirt, and other debris from entering the gaps of the pavers. Sealing of the pavers or blocks installed with polymeric sand is not necessary and may even reduce the effectiveness of the sand.
In some cases, some sealants may block the bond created by the water, thus reducing the adhesion potential of the sand.
Will polymeric sand stop pavers from moving?
Yes, polymeric sand can be effective in stopping pavers from shifting and moving. Polymeric sand is a mix of fine sand and binder that, when activated with moisture, will harden and bond the pavers together.
After application, the sand forms a flexible and strong joint, which helps prevent the pavers from separating, shifting, and moving over time. When it is properly installed, it helps keep the pavers interlocked and sturdy.
In the event of any movement, the sand will fill in the gaps between the pavers and keep them in position. It’s important to note that for the best results, special attention must be taken to ensure that the sand is carefully compacted between the pavers to form a secure bond.
Should I use polymeric sand or regular sand?
The type of sand you should use depends on the specific application and project. In a general sense, polymeric sand is recommended in most cases. This type of sand consists of a mixture of sand and specific types of binders.
This combination creates a strong and flexible joint between the pavers, which is ideal for patios and walkways. It does a great job at deterring weed growth, prevents shifting and sifting, and helps maintain the overall integrity of the paver project.
Regular sand (often referred to as Jointing Sand or Masonry Sand) contains silica and can be used in many applications, from brick and patio pavers to flagstone and other walkways. However, it’s not as effective at creating an interlocking and joint seal like Polymeric Sand.
Regular sand is typically less expensive and can still provide beneficial stability and filler when used in proper applications. This type of sand also works well in play areas, underneath fire pits, and in other landscape applications where a strong, interlocking seal isn’t generally needed.
It’s important to remember that the effectiveness of the project all depends on the quality, type, and application of the sand you use. Be sure to carefully consider your project and decide which type of sand is best for your specific needs.
Can you use polymeric sand in cold weather?
Yes, you can use polymeric sand in cold weather, though you may need to take some additional steps to make sure it gets a proper bond with the material you intend to use it with. The recommended temperature for installing polymeric sand is between 40°F and 80°F, so you may need to preheat the material the sand will be used on and the area surrounding it before you start.
Additionally, you should use a wetting agent when mixing the polymeric sand with water and it may take longer for the sand to cure in cold weather as well. For best results, please refer to the instructions listed on the particular product of polymeric sand you are using.
What is the sand to use between pavers?
When laying pavers, you should use a type of coarse, washed sand to fill the cracks between them. This helps keep the pavers in place and gives them a finished look. The sand should be fine-grained, so the particles fit snugly between the pavers and won’t move easily when walked on.
Sand can also be used to level the surface. The sand should be slightly moist so it’s easy to spread and pack down. Once the pavers are in place, be sure to sweep the sand around until it’s level at the surface.
You may need to re-adjust it as you go. Finally, use a power broom to brush the sand into the gaps between the pavers. This will help ensure that the pavers are securely in place and the surface is even.
Can you use regular sand for paver joints?
No, you should not use regular sand for paver joints. Regular sand, like the kind that may be found at a beach or river, is too course and has too many elements that can impede the locking action between the pavers.
Regular sand may also lead to weed growth between the pavers if moisture is present. Pavers should be installed over a 4-inch bed of paver base (or coarse sand) that is first tamped and then screeded smooth.
This coarse sand should be one containing mostly washed and screened course sand or other approved screenings, like stone dust or concrete screenings. A polymeric sand should then be swept into the joints between the pavers and then tamped to ensure the gaps are filled with the jointing material.
This polymeric sand will help keep the gaps between pavers free of weeds and prevent the pavers from changing position or coming loose over time.
Do I need to remove old polymeric sand?
Yes, you need to remove old polymeric sand before you re-install it. The polymeric sand acts as a stabilizing agent that locks the pavers into place, and if it wears away, your patio could become unstable or it could develop a weed problem.
To remove the old sand, you should use a pressure washer to soften it, which will make it easier to rake out. If any weeds have grown between the pavers, removing them with a stiff brush will help give you a clear surface before you start putting down more polymeric sand.
Once the patio base is clear, you can use a weed killer to eliminate any remaining weeds before you lay down the new polymeric sand.
Can I put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand?
Yes, you can put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand. However, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure the area is properly prepared before applying the new sand. This includes removing any old, loose polymeric sand that is still present and cleaning the area with a heavy-duty pressure washer to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
Additionally, you should lightly moisten the area with water to help activate the adhesive found in the polymeric sand. After ensuring a clean and wet surface, you can spread your new polymeric sand evenly over the area, using a broom to help tamp it down into the gaps between pavers.
Finally, lightly mist the new sand to fully activate the adhesive jointing compound.
