Polymeric sand and plate compacting. Gibson, Shutterstock. Moreover, polymeric sand gives the best result when used in full depth. 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. Then spread a light layer of sand over the paving. Superior Bonding: Polymeric sand contains additives that activate. Vibrate the GATOR MAXX G2 into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS: Disperse product evenly over a small area. Model #. Step 6: clean. 1. Hardscaping Jointing CompoundsThis post may contain affiliate links. Make sure your joints are dry. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. Inspect for moisture. • Surface and joints must be dry. R. Check Price on Amazon. Generously cut one of the corners of the bags open. Fine masonry sand is swept into the joints to lock the pavers in place. If you are trying to do a straight line, and the line gets crooked, hammer the row back in place using a rubber mallet. 2. Because they easily follow soil movement. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. 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. Possible Reasons For Polymeric Sand Not Hardening Properly. I don’t expect you to measure the gap but just set them beside one another. Read the Instructions. For a typical 10 x 12-ft. In addition, pavers themselves can be tamped with a hand tamper. A paver installation should be performed to ICPI specifications, i. Sealing. Tomahawk Power 6. This is critical. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Sweep off any excess material cleaning the surface of any granules of the material to avoid scuffing the pavers in the next step. Use the 2x4 as a screed to smooth and level the sand. This will both protect your pavers and prevent erosion. Pour two inches of sand over the landscape fabric. The process is quite DIY-friendly, making it a convenient solution for issues associated with patios. After sweeping and consolidation, ensure that the sand is approximately ⅛” below the level of the chamfer of the paver or the surface of the paver if there is no chamfer. Polymeric sand is made up of a mixture between fine grains and specific additive particles. Repeat these steps until the joints are full to 1/8″ below the top of the paver or bottom of the chamfer of. Good to Know. . Without mechanical compaction, joints will remain weak and fail quickly. NOCO is a "No Compaction" polymeric joint specially developed for the installation of flagstones and other paving materials for which mechanical compaction is not possible or difficult. This material has a fairly simple installation. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. 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. Rain means that we cannot install. 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. 9. How long does polymeric sand last? Polymeric sand can last up to 10 years before replacement is necessary. of centrifugal force. Activate With Water. 2. and on the width of joints. Over time, the sand will also become brittle and start flaking off. This will cause the sand to consolidate. Then, use a broom to brush the sand into the joints between the pavers or stones. If us- ing polymeric sand, you can install it after the sealer application has properly cured for 24 – 48 hours. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. 1. Polymeric sand is a sand formula that is swept into the joints of pavers and natural stone to lock in the product, prevent weed growth and insects, and to provide the final touches of any hardscaping job. Read more to learn the proper ways to install it and the common mistakes you should avoid. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. 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. First, use the utility knife to open the sandbag. Then see how quickly it sets up and hardens. All sand. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. 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. Share. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. Step 2: Dig. Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between paving stones, enhancing both aesthetics and durability of the overall structure. Place the flagstones on top of the sand in the desired pattern. I tried to look. It’s best to compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. This is usually done after the polymeric sand has been properly installed between paving stones. Ottawa. 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. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. Polymeric sand. Not compacting the base. 5-Cu Ft Brown Paver Base - Establish Strong Foundation for Patios, Walkways, and Pool Decks - Easy to Use - Cover with Leveling Sand. Run the compactor over the patio area to compact the sand onto the base. Problems during the curing process can decrease its lifespan. With the soft bristle broom,. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. How to use polymeric sand: Don’t cheap out on sand. to remove all the sand from the paver or slab surface prior to using the plate or roller compacter. Without using the knife, you are very likely to get frustrated while opening the waterproof bag. ) Perform an initial showering of water. Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. First, the properties impacting the effectiveness of widely used polymer classes, including geopolymers, biopolymers, and synthetic organic polymers are discussed. It is too rough, and it requires more strength than a. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. It’s best to compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. CheckEspecially grade level cement. Don’t skip the step of compacting. A proper interlocking concrete paving installation starts with a 4" to 6" of COMPACTED base material graded to reflect any desired drainage pattern. These are four of the most common mistakes users of polymeric sand tend to make. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Wait 24 hours after rain. 5. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6-in. This special type of sand comprises pulverized materials. The first step is to cut the sand into small pieces using a sharp knife. Pour the sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. Set the brickwork with the plate compactor, then scatter polymeric sand over the surface of the bricks with a shovel (Image 1). This will both protect your pavers and prevent erosion. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Regular sand can wash away after a heavy rainstorm. And don’t forget a protective pad for under the plate compactor! 4. 3. Sweep more sand into the joints until the sand is within 1/8” of the top of the paver. Polymeric sand is a great way to fill the gaps between pavers to prevent weed growth and to help keep the pavers in place. drying and curing time is important too. is recommended to plan for at least 24 hours without rain in order to obtain optimal performances. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. Sweep overlay polymeric sand in the joints (install polymeric sand per manufacturer’s instructions, which are located on the back of the bag). As stated by Lawnsite, 2018, paver patios without polymeric sand over winter may require a major effort to clean out for polymeric sand in the spring. of polymeric sand you will end up with a mess. 5-inch layer of bedding sand needs to be applied. 3. Easier Paver Patios. Step-by-Step Instructions. You need to go the depth of the paver with poly sand. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it. Activate the sand if you are installing polymeric sand according to the manufacturer’s guidelines or follow the finalizing steps of the jointing compound you are using. #1 · Sep 3, 2015. Techniseal. The pavers are placed in the desired pattern and the space between pavers is then filled with a polymeric sand. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. One of the most critical steps in a polymeric sand installation is properly compacting the sand into the joints. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. We then. To avoid damaging pavers, make sure to utilize a wet joint sand installation method. Use a plate compactor to vibrate the sand down into the joints. Techniseal Polymeric Sand for Paver Joints Installation Procedure Yield: 10 x 10 surface. Check Price. Take a look at how easy NOCO from Techniseal is to install and activate. This paper provides a review of the research on use of polymers for soil stabilization in pavement and geotechnical engineering. Level and straighten: Use a level to make sure your pavers are flat while. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. Application Step 3. Below, find picks for the best polymeric sand in a range of categories. 1. Building a pathway from the driveway to the front porch over the long weekend. Sweep the paving surface to remove any obstruction to the compacting machine. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. EDUse a polymeric sand or polymeric dust (for joints over 1”) (25 mm). Hose The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. All-purpose sand is the go-to product for sealing paver joints. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Keep the stones close together to avoid large gaps. 7 kg) of this product will cover between 20 to 30 square feet (1. Pour the sand all around the pipes and screed it around, carefully removing the pipes afterwards. Application Step 3. Once the sand is poured and leveled, there’s nothing else you need to do. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. 86 to 2. Patios crack and wither away over time, be it due to human activity, the weather, or simple aging. 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″. (1. Once all the pavers are set on their designed location, add a polymer sand on the gaps between the pavers. How deep should polymeric sand be? We recommend the joint width between your pavers be between 1/8th of an inch and 4 inches and the joint depth to be at least 1 inch . When it comes to installing pavers for patios, walkways, or driveways, using polymeric sand is a popular choice for joint stabilization. Not every pressure washing company offers th. It is vital to ensure that the weather isn’t going to count against you when you use polymeric sand for any project. Before choosing a compactor, you must know what soil type you will be compacting. (1) Should I use polymeric sand or just mason sand for the joints. 2. 5-cu ft Tan/Brown Leveling Paver Sand. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by. . Pour a layer of concrete sand over the patio area. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. 5. Now the fun really begins! Lay the pavers directly on the Brock PaverBase panels. When the joints are filled, sweep off any excess sand from the surface. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric. Tampers are ideal for leveling dirt and mulch after planting shrubs and small trees, leveling and packing paver base before installing a. If the sand is still not hardening,. Step 1: Get the Substrates Ready. When applying the polymeric sand, it is important to use a tamper or vibrating compactor so that the polymeric sand settles down fully into the cracks; you don't want air pockets in it when it is setting. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). See moreThe vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. In some cases, you can add dirt surrounding the patio, but you’ll need to plan that out before you get started. Plastic 4mm spacers should. Like your bare feet, Then polymeric sand again, and a padded compactor, to set it all solid, then a bit more polymeric, to refill the voids, then gently sprinkle water to activate the polymeric, let dry and seal if you want, but not necessary. New jobs will require 4,000-5,000 lbs. Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. Joint Sand/Polymeric SandI'm getting mixed advice on the final compaction steps for concrete pavers. If you continue with wet pavers the sand will bond to the tops of the pavers. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. 3. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. However, the drying time can be longer depending on how much it has rained in the area and how long the sand has been exposed to damp weather. Step 1: protective. Polymeric sand is usually used in construction with horticultural projects to fill the joints with loose-set pavers on walkways and patios. After it is installed, the sand needs to be dampened and thoroughly tamped or compacted with a plate compactor or hand tamp to fill any voids. Then, use a brush to scrub the pavement with the vinegar and water solution. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. Steps for installation: Spread product evenly on a small surface. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. You’ll have to use the compactor one more time. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. After the compactor has frozen, you will need to take. (bag. intervals. Sweep the polymeric sand into the crack between the pavers. Continue to move the jointing compound around the surface filling the joints to 1/8″ below the top of paver or bottom of chamfer. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. Pro Tip: Installing cement sand uses the same method as installing polymeric sand. Some people place a mat of sorts between the compactor and pavers, presumably to prevent scratching. Brush sand into joints at a 45-degree angle. Allowing the water to soak into the soil for about an hour ensures a deeper settlement and. Here are the top 4 benefits of polymeric sand: Stronger Bond – Polymeric sand provides a stronger bond between pavers than regular jointing sand, helping to prevent weed growth, shifting, cracking, and other issues associated with the poor paver installation. Once this has been done, the sealer can be applied in 2 thin coats with a soft brush. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. Leiden Cambridge Blend. Polymeric Sand Installation TIPS. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. ) Yes, you can lay a patio without a compactor. If using polymeric sand, a tighter seam must be maintained: 1/4-inch to 1-1/2-inch. Step 4: Build the base course. 22. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Pavers Contain Moisture At The Time Of Installation; 2. 5” min depth when using PolySweep,1. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even. 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. The sand will help hold the pavers in place. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. You need a vibratory plate compactor to work the polymeric down into the gaps,. 1. The cost of a full power wash and installation of polymeric sand and a wet-look sealer for an average-sized patio ranges from $1. Now is finally time to add the sand to your patio. • Check the weather forecast: no precipitation for the next 90 minutes. Simply mist or trickle water over the soil until it pools on the surface. Compact the sand into the joints of the pavers. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Use a broom to fill gaps. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that is used in construction. Once the area is damp, you will spread the polymeric sand across the entire surface of your project. If possible, use a heavy roller, such as a paint roller, to roll over the area to help even. Always start from the bottom of the slope, working on a 200 sq. Use a low-pressure spray nozzle on. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. 3. 86K views 2 years ago. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Polymeric sand is easy to install and requires no special tools or equipment. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. 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. New jobs will require 4,000-5,000 lbs. Rain is an inherent risk of any polymeric sand project. ) Spread and sweep again. Cutting corners and not following the manufacturer’s instructions tops the list. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a. This typically means that the sand needs to be dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Polymer sand takes 12 hours to cure and 24 hours to dry. Joint compounds also can handle winds, higher temperatures. makes the pavers move less under your feet. This will prepare you for the next step. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. Watch on. Using a hose on a gentle spray ('mist', or maybe 'flat' if you're adventurous), wet the sand in the gaps. It might be necessary to use a hand tamp like the one above if you’re working within a limited area. 3. 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. Anchor the Edging. Lay Base Material. Plan A – Shop Vac I started with a shop vac to suck up all of the sand. It can also be a long-term solution for repairing cracks on these surfaces. Don’t use the wrong base material. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. 5) 4. Now pour the sand. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. Ad. STEP 2. . A lift and re-lay will make the project look better. Bad Weather Conditions. Sweep the jointing material over the surface following the manufacturer’s guidelines and filling the joints of the pavers. 5. Try not to over or under-saturated, as is demonstrated by the image. Includes wheel kit and poly pad. Use a broom to sweep the polymeric sand diagonally across the bricks in. Ad. 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. Sweep in the sand. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. You’ll have to use the compactor one more time. 54 to 5. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Plate Compactor Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. If you’re not careful, there are many. Compact the pavers using a plate compactor and a protective pad or a paver roller compactor. The entire installation is built to take advantage of it. The video I'm watching suggested to use polymeric sand between the bricks. 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. Ad. This process may be repeated to ensure complete coverage. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. The first step is to wet the area you will be using the polymeric sand on. Spacers must be used between pavers to provide enough space for polymeric sand. The sand should sit around 1/10th inch below the top of the paver or even with the lower edge of the bevel. Please refer to this product's technical data sheet for complete. Updated on March 1, 2023. Use the vibrating plate compactor to shake it down. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. It also helps to ensure that pavers are firmly set and secure on the surface. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. Be wise and do the same! 6. For more tips on laying pavers, check out our guide — How to Design and Build a Paver Patio. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. Alliance Gator Polymeric"Super" Sand, 50 lb. 4. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. The goal of the polymeric sand in an installation is precisely to keep water from infiltrating it. To activate the polymeric sand, begin by quickly showering the surface with a water hose nozzle. It is best to compact in several directions to ensure there. Sand the surface. Polymeric sand is essentially a sand that when combined with water and something such as silica forms a tight bond. After sweeping and consolidation, ensure that the sand is approximately ⅛” below the level of the chamfer of the paver or the surface of the paver if there is no chamfer. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. However, not everyone wants to use polymeric sand, and many homeowners opt for an alternative. 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. After every two or three loads, spread out the material with the shovel and with a rake. 180 posts · Joined 2012. Horrible idea. Measure each brick piece individually, make the cut, and place the brick with the cut end on the outer edge. Over-Watering And Under-WateringTo use vinegar to remove polymeric sand haze, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. Use a blower to blast out the joints again. Improper Compaction. #1 · Sep 3, 2015. Compaction shakes the sand deeper into the joints, which helps with making the sand more permanent and getting good sand density in the joints. • Surface must be perfectly dry to prevent moisture from activating the polymer that could make the sand stick to the surface and. This allows for it to prevent washout, but inevitably it will washout over time and will be subject to weed growth more so than polymeric sand. Polymeric sand needs to be installed on a dry surface. You’ll want to repeat sweeping and compacting until the joints are filled and consolidated. Following the layout, start digging out the soil. All three wettings must utilize a fine misting spray. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. ) Spread and sweep the sand. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. Joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver surface. 10. 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. 4. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . Credit: Charles F. 2. Project no. 5-cu ft Brown Leveling Paver Sand. The pavers I'm using have a normal. One simple method for compacting sand without a compactor is walking over moist soil. The gravel base is flexible and will move ever so slightly during freeze-thaw.