Polymeric sand is usually used in construction with horticultural projects to fill the joints with loose-set pavers on walkways and patios. Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives that form a binding agent when exposed to water. Patios crack and wither away over time, be it due to human activity, the weather, or simple aging. Cutting corners and not following the manufacturer’s instructions tops the list. Simple Installation Method Applying Polymeric Sand: What You’ll Need 6 Steps To Apply Polymeric Sand 1. It should also be installed 1/8″ below the top of the product or the bottom. (sand-set). Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. Seal the paving surface to preserve its color and luster. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 2018 3. 86 to 2. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. Spraying water on the sand will activate the polymers, causing it to harden, so. Fasten screws on all sides. Extensive cleaning of the surface of the pavers is critical to remove all jointing sand before wetting down the sand. Polymeric sand and plate compacting. You’ll need to dig down far enough to accommodate 3-4″ of packed gravel base, 1″ of leveling material, plus the thickness of the pavers. 4. 0. Your best bet is to remove all the old polymeric down to the depth of your stones and then reapply new sand but I've had decent experience without removing all the material when the gap is at least 2" deep. Handles light duty applications of sand and gravel into crevices to lock in pavers, bricks and blocks using a 14" plate. When installing polymeric sand for your concrete porch overlay, you will want to ensure that you are using a polymeric sand that is specified for overlays. 6. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. Not every pressure washing company offers th. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. If you’re not careful, there are many. 0. By doing so make sure that you are excavating the right depth of the substrate. • Surface and joints must be dry. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. The recommendation for over preparation is that the base material should extend past the paved edge an equal distance of the base depth. Manage expectations. Step 4: Build the base course. It may not even be the most popular option. Temperatures must remain above 32°F (0°C) throughout installationR. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor Step 1: protective clothing. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. • On an existing installation, when replacing the sand, always use HP NextGelMC jointing sand. Proprietary polymer/organic. Before laying bedding sand or pavers, your gravel base needs to be flat and firm, without any bellies or rises of more than 1/8″. An alternative is to use a rubber-roller compactor for the final compaction. (Mix with Local Sand to Make 200 lbs. Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. The first step is to wet the area you will be using the polymeric sand on. For Video Instructions, click here. It’s best to compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. Lay the Flagstones. It has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner,BUY ON AMAZON | $59. Ivory. Polymeric Sand Concentrate – 20 lbs. 2. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. Follow with a spray of water to settle the sand; add more as. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. Once the joints have been filled, they will not be affected by erosion, making them impermeable. Put down 3/4" of sand. of polymeric sand you will end up with a mess. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. Minimize the machine’s production as much as possible. (1) Should I use polymeric sand or just mason sand for the joints. But doing a quick Alliance website review makes me wonder why you packed the pavers in so tightly (1/16"), when the installation instructions suggest joints up to an inch wide to enable proper compaction--plenty wide to manually tamp and compact with the end of a 1 x 4. View More. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6-in. 5-cu ft Tan/Brown Leveling Paver Sand. -deep layer of compacted gravel. R. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. Its gas engine produces 4,496 pounds of force, slamming the. Step 6: clean. How do you compact polymeric sand without a compactor? How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . We recommend that you do that in small sections, and always be careful not to step on your previous work. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Plate Compactor Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. Fill The Gaps. Two types of paver. walk on the freshly pavers and twist your feet as you walk, you should notice a slight movement in the pavers as they are flowing on top of the sand. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. What can be done if polymeric sand does not harden? If polymeric sand does not harden, the best solution is to remove the existing sand, apply a new layer, and ensure that the sand is dampened before and during application. Yes, polymeric sand can be activated with sealer. By increasing the interlock of the pavers and helping to form a solid base, polymeric sand makes it difficult for the pavers to move or shift. It also helps to ensure that pavers are firmly set and secure on the surface. Is it just a polymeric sand that is hyped up and put in a bag?. 7% 0lvwdnhvwr$yrlgwr(qvxuhd 6xffhvvixo3rophulf6dqg,qvwdoodwlrq $vhulhvriwhfkqlfdoexoohwlqviurp6(. Immediately afterward, wet the same section for an additional 30 seconds until the joints are saturated. 95. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. It is different than regular sand, because regular sand not only is it missing the additives that help lock pavers in place, but it can also easily be. Adding good drainage behind block or stone walls is crucial for long-lasting, bulge-free walls. Before starting work, you should put on the correct protective clothing. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. Hose The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. Joint Sand/Polymeric SandI'm getting mixed advice on the final compaction steps for concrete pavers. Crystalline silica. Project no. What is the best way to apply polymeric sand? A tightly compacted joint has the best opportunity for long term success. Step 1: protective clothing. patio, that means carting away about 2-1/2 tons of soil, and hauling in the same amount of gravel. Polymeric sand also helps to protect and maintain the stability of the pavers. All were built on a raised patio hybrid pavement structure. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. To make the sand uniform, lay pieces of 1/2-inch outside-diameter PVC pipe on the ground and pour a layer of sand over the area. Polymeric sand has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner, more finished look. distribute polymeric sand evenly across surface. Once all the pavers are set on their designed location, add a polymer sand on the gaps between the pavers. Application Step 3. It has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner,Check Price on Amazon. ft per 50 lb bag. This polymeric sand however, seems to preclude me using water as a tool to help it settle. This paper provides a review of the research on use of polymers for soil stabilization in pavement and geotechnical engineering. Curves will require more spikes. The most obvious inherent problems of polymeric sand relate to when and how it is used. The advantage of using this type of sand is that it can be used without a compactor. I don't know what polymeric you are using but the two brands I've used work in much smaller gaps than 1/4". Table Of Contents. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. You may need to cut the PVC pipes to fit curves in your layout. of centrifugal force. 7. With small gaps simply brushing the polymeric around on the surface doesn't work well. To lock this material into place between the joints of the pavers, you can apply a joint stabilizing sealer. Sweep polymeric sand over the pavers and ground it into the joints with a broom. The material will settle when you hose it down, so. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric. Once you are positive that there is. Ottawa. If you still have the compactor, use it on top of the brick (with the light layer of sand still present). Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. Now pour the sand. 7. 1. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. • Surface and joints must be dry. Model #. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. ft per 50 lb bag. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. How long does it take for polymeric sand to harden? 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. Step 2: Dig. You should not use polymeric sand if the area you are trying to fill with it is prone to high levels of rain and water runoff, as the sand can be easily washed away. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. The entire installation is built to take advantage of it. Lay Base Material. This Buddingco polymeric sand in beige is a unique blend of calibrated sand and polymer binders and comes in an 18lb pack. Includes wheel kit and poly pad. Tomahawk Power 6. ) Pour the sand. For wide joints: 20 to 40 sq. Polymeric sand is fortified with polymer to prevent washout between pavers. Sunniland. All-purpose sand is the go-to product for sealing paver joints. 25” min depth when using X-Treme). Can I Use a Hand Tamper for Polymeric Sand? In the use of polymeric sand, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) recommends compacting the pavers. This is usually done after the polymeric sand has been properly installed between paving stones. 5-cu ft Brown Leveling Paver Sand. Considering this,how many square feet does a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand cover? One bag of 50 lbs (22. Make sure to fill every grout line, moving the pavers slightly to compact the sand between them. )The most effective way to compact ground without a compactor is to use your feet by walking over the area. 1. If possible, try to walk back and forth in the same area multiple times in different directions to ensure the natural compaction process occurs. With the sand exactly where I wanted it, I grabbed the hose and set it to the “shower” mode. In addition, pavers themselves can be tamped with a hand tamper. How Polymeric Sand Works. First, the polymeric sand must be firmly activated into the joints between the stones. 3. 7. Many installers cut corners to speed up paving processes. Is hand tamping effective?Also, make sure to sweep the polymeric sand into the gap and tap the pavers together after the installation in order to ensure that the polymeric sand settles into the joint. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. The additives help lock the fine sand particle. The recommended space between the pavers is 3 mm (⅛”). Position the chisel in the groove. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. Convert the volume to cubic yards if needed. Keep this guide of what NOT to do in mind on every job and you’ll be set up for success! Don’t overlook the need for drainage. Following steps ought to be complied with if you desire to Do It Yourself small dirt (sand or clay) without a machine-like plate compactor. This is why it’s important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. Plate compactors work best on granular soils such as gravel, sand or light asphalt. For red pavers, the best choice of polymeric sand color would typically be a brown or tan shade. Use a squeegee or soft bristle push broom to move the jointing compound around the surface and water to move the compound to the bottom of the paver joint. . Compact following industry guidelines. This material has a fairly simple installation. Clear the Residue. Spread it Correctly. It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. Continue to move the jointing compound around the surface filling the joints to 1/8″ below the top of paver or bottom of chamfer. Sunniland 0. Traditionally, concrete paver manufacturers have recommended waiting at least 90 days after polymeric sand installation to apply a protective sealant to a paver surface. Anchor the Edging. Compaction shakes the sand deeper into the joints, which helps with making the sand more permanent and getting good sand density in the joints. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. But this isn’t an issue with polymeric sand, which reduces the amount of water that will work its way into the space between your pavers. I hand tamped the paver base and don’t have easy access to a plate compactor. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. It has exceptional joint stabilizing properties, making it suitable for high-traffic areas such as patios, pool decks, pavements, parking lots, and driveways. -6xuherqg« ³$fklhylqj,qvwdoodwlrq3huihfwlrq´Step 1: Add Sand Between the Pavers. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. I laid 12" square, 1-5/8" thick concrete pavers. Place the flagstones on top of the sand in the desired pattern. This process also helps to secure the pavers into place. The polymeric sand acts as a bonding agent that holds the pavers together once it is sprayed with water. Credit: Charles F. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. Rake out the sand over the base until it’s roughly even. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. Vibrate the GATOR MAXX G2 into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. Then spread a light layer of sand over the paving. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. How Polymeric Sand Works. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. You should stop every 4 feet and pull a string line along the laying face, with a screwdriver, adjust that face to the string line. Moreover, polymeric sand gives the best result when used in full depth. 3A. Simply mist or trickle water over the soil until it pools on the surface. The first time you should just sprinkle regular water on the sand, and the second time you should lightly mist or sprinkle only enough water to make the. For the best result, it is much better to wait at least 1-3 days for polymeric sand to set before allowing foot traffic or any movements on its surface. Step 1: protective. See instructions below when using PolySweep on a concrete overlay. Late last summer, I tackled a couple of outdoor DIY projects using some new-to-me products – mulch glue and polymeric sand. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. Please note that coverage power largely depends on the type of material being laid down, as well as on actual joint width and height. The paver panels need a thin layer of leveling sand as a base. Modern installation method. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. Activating the sand: Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. In this video I show you how I renovated my patio by removing the old polymeric sand and spreading new polymeric g2. Use a broom to sweep the polymeric sand diagonally across the bricks in. Pass the plate compactor over the entire surface to compact the sand. Remove the straight edge and use the chisel and hammer to deepen the groove to about 1/8-inch. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Apply a uniform coating of polymer sand over the. Each bag will cover approximately 85 square feet, although the coverage can vary depending on the size of the paver or joints. In Stock at Alpharetta GA #172. The sand - "concrete sand" is where the interlock takes place - it comes up and fills the joints causing them to lock up. Contents. Using a hose on a gentle spray ('mist', or maybe 'flat' if you're adventurous), wet the sand in the gaps. Improper Drainage. Pass over the paving surface twice using your plate compactor. A final layer is gently swept into the gaps, without the aid of any compaction. We then ran them over with the smallest compactor we could find quickly and briefly. Vibrating the sand into the gaps is just a by product of the compactor. Platinum Pavers, 2022, notes that polymeric sand is cleaner, more economical, and. 5. Polymeric sand has several advantages: It is stable, so the sand won’t end up on the top of your pavers; it allows you to power wash your patio without displacing the joint sand; it gives the patio a cleaner, more finished look. These include cleaning the surface, sweeping the sand, consolidating the sand with a vibratory plate compactor and a protective layer between the compactor and pavers, repeating these steps until the joints are at. Installing polymeric sand the right way ensures that it lasts for a decade. Spread evenly a layer of polymer sand on the entire area. Bad Weather Conditions. 4 – Adding Sand. Spread more product to fill joints again. 1/2” LEVELING SAND SCREED NOTE: There are two types of joint sand. New jobs will. Go over the installation at least once before applying the polymeric sand. Step 1: Get the Substrates Ready. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. It also requires at least 48 hours before vehicular activities are allowed on pavers with polymeric sand. ft per 50 lb bag. Repeat these steps until the joints are full to 1/8″ below the top of the paver or bottom of the chamfer of. To prevent this, simply run a plate compactor with a protective pad over the surface of the pavement after sweeping the polymeric sand into the joints and sweeping any excess off. Some people place a mat of sorts between the compactor and pavers, presumably to prevent scratching. Plastic 4mm spacers should. It’s ok to surpass it a little. They’ll withstand the rain. 25” min depth when using X-Treme Wide Joint). Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to. You can portable any type of kind of dirt by adding the ideal amount of water to make sure that it changes the pores inside the dirt. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that is used in construction. Keep this guide of what NOT to do in mind on every job and you’ll be set up for success! Don’t overlook the need for drainage. Take a look at how easy NOCO from Techniseal is to install and activate. Use the 2x4 as a screed to smooth and level the sand. Then, use a broom to brush the sand into the joints between the pavers or stones. Polymeric sand is a blend of properly graded fine sand and a binder compound (polymer) that is specially formulated for filling in the joints between bricks, pavers and natural stones for hardscapes such as patios, driveways and walkways. Exactly. You should be able to apply your sealer over the sanded joints, though it may not prevent this issue from happening again. Double check any corners as these are common places for excess polymeric sand to remain. This will both protect your pavers and prevent erosion. Don’t use too little water. I hand tamped the paver base and don’t have easy access to a plate compactor. • Temperature must be above 32°F (0°C) for 48 hours following installation. Sealing is not required. Check Price. Inspect the pavers to make sure the sand in the crevices is at least 1/8″ below the top of the pavers. Cutting Corners. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. 2. Did you compact the grade/concrete fines/sand below the pavers?7 Most Common Reasons for Polymeric Sand Failures. This will both protect your pavers and prevent erosion. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. Clear the area. It is important if you do this step that you use the biaxial geogrid instead of the uniaxial. Spacers must be used between pavers to provide enough space for polymeric sand. First, the properties impacting the effectiveness of widely used polymer classes, including geopolymers, biopolymers, and synthetic organic polymers are discussed. . 1. Finally, you should allow the pavers. 7 kg) of this product will cover between 20 to 30 square feet (1. Again, you can’t compact the sand base. A leaf blower on a very low setting is a good way to do this. A paver installation should be performed to ICPI specifications, i. Please note that coverage power largely depends on the type of material being laid down, as well as on actual joint width and height. Over time, the sand will also become brittle and start flaking off. Easy step by step application of polymeric sand for your pavers so you end up with a beautiful professional looking finish on your pavers! (Product. Install your pavers. On the contrary, using too little can result in the product not setting up properly. The stirrer should now be placed over the pit. I am installing concrete pavers on a 6" base of compacted gravel with 1-2inch sand on top. When it comes to laying pavers , paver compaction machinery vibrates the pavers into the ground, setting them and helping to ensure uniformity in the installation. 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. 22. intervals. STEP 6: Spreading Polymeric Joint Sand. Updated on March 1, 2023. Sweep a broom across the pavers at a 45 degree angle to fill joints. My 10 year old daughter can install it flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure you could. Do I need a compactor for polymeric sand? One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. The compactor scuffed every single raised cleft, chipped 2 pavers and broke 3. 1How to portable sand without a compactor . It is different than regular sand, because regular sand not only is it missing the additives that help lock pavers in place, but it can also easily be. Watch on. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Share. This formula also works for joints as wide as 1½ inches, which is rare for a polymeric sand. First, examine the pit’s interior. You should not pour it over a low spot on the base if there is any because this will cause your pavers to shift. Paver sand is typically composed of coarse bleached white sand, which is washed and screened to remove impurities. 5 in. 1. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. Step 7: Visually inspect the tops of the brick pavers to ensure that there is no sand remaining on them. 10 – DON’T activate polymeric sand without thoroughly sweeping your pavers. It is important to dampen the sand thoroughly for it to settle and properly harden between the jointed pavers. Sweep sand into joints until full, being carefulThe 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. The gravel base is flexible and will move ever so slightly during freeze-thaw. . It took me a while to understand the importance of following the instructions that are included on your bags of sand. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: Disperse product evenly over a small area. First, clear the area of any debris, weeds, etc. It is best to compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. Patios take maintenance. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. There should be two inches between the top of the sand and the top of the patio edging. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). There are several important reasons. • Check the weather forecast: no precipitation for the next 90 minutes. And don’t forget a protective pad for under the plate compactor! 4. If using polymeric sand, a tighter seam must be maintained: 1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch. In order to properly set polymeric sand, you will need to wet it down two times. Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. 1 SPREAD THE SAND BEFORE YOU BEGIN: • Test product on a small zone. Put down paver base (compactible gravels) and DO compact for every 2" of subbase. Paver Compaction - Always use a protective polymer pad on the bottom of your compactor when doing the final compaction of the pavers. It’s that simple. 54 to 5. This doesn’t eliminate all the heavy moving, but it’s a practical way to get an affordable patio without ruining your back or the neighbors’ lawns. However, Gator Base has their own system where instead of using nails, they have screws that adhere the edge. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. 5-HP Honda 20-in x 28-in Plate Compactor. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Ad. Alliance Gator Super Sand Review. Do your best to saturate to the level of the sand. A compactor is a machine that is used to reduce the size of objects by compressing them. Where a plate compactor cannot be used, proceed with a manual compaction: hammer vigorously each corner as well as the contour of each slab with a rubber mallet.