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Compact the sand into the joints of the pavers. Once all of the pavers are in place, fill in the gaps between them with polymer sand. Add a gravel base to the area. 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. Remove the straight edge and use the chisel and hammer to deepen the groove to about 1/8-inch. Did you compact the grade/concrete fines/sand below the pavers?7 Most Common Reasons for Polymeric Sand Failures. Step 4: Build the base course. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Kolor Scape Step 2 0. Using a plate compactor with a protective rubber mat, vibrate the pavers and polymeric sand down into the bedding sand. Using a broom handle or some other blunt object, tap on the pavers. Tomahawk Power 6. Wait 24 hours after rain. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. ) Sweep and blow residue off the surface. 22. Make sure there isn’t any dampness prior to diving right in and dumping those. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. Seal the paving surface to preserve its color and luster. If you are a homeowner that wants to take on a paver project, check out this video to learn how to install polymeric sand in the joints of the concrete paver. Possible Reasons For Polymeric Sand Not Hardening Properly. base installation. The most common method is dry-laying, which basically involves arranging the patio stones in a desired pattern, without using any mortar. Improper Compaction. 10. . Perform The First Sweep 3. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor Step 1: protective clothing. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Ad. Sweep sand over short distances. And don’t forget a protective pad for under the plate compactor! 4. The next step is to put the compactor into the freezer for a few minutes. If us- ing polymeric sand, you can install it after the sealer application has properly cured for 24 – 48 hours. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. You can slide the pavers into place. It’s that simple. For Video Instructions, click here. STEP 6: Spreading Polymeric Joint Sand. to remove all the sand from the paver or slab surface prior to using the plate or roller compacter. If possible, use a heavy roller, such as a paint roller, to roll over the area to help even. (1) Should I use polymeric sand or just mason sand for the joints. Step 1: protective clothing. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. 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. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. So if you are doing research. Remember, you shouldn’t over-pour the sand initially. 7% 0lvwdnhvwr$yrlgwr(qvxuhd 6xffhvvixo3rophulf6dqg,qvwdoodwlrq $vhulhvriwhfkqlfdoexoohwlqviurp6(. of centrifugal force. 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. It can also help to protect your pavers from staining and fading. One of the most critical steps in a polymeric sand installation is properly compacting the sand into the joints. Application. Not compacting the base. How To Compact Sand Without A Compactor You can compact any type of soil by adding the right amount of water so that it replaces the pores inside the soil. Scroll down to the heading that says “How to install stone dust in between your flagstones”. Ottawa. 5-cu ft Tan/Brown Leveling Paver Sand. You need to go the depth of the paver with poly sand. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Exactly. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. Plus, it’s available in different colors to match any paver color. Keeping this in view,do you wet paver sand? 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. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. You may need to cut the PVC pipes to fit curves in your layout. The difference being the function of them. Activating the sand: Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. I hand tamped the paver base and don’t have easy access to a plate compactor. First, use the utility knife to open the sandbag. • Surface and joints must be dry. 7. For a typical 10 x 12-ft. 5. 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. My intention was to sweep the sand over the patio and run the plate compactor over top of the stones. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. It is used heavily in construction projects, hence its name. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is permanent. Polymeric sand is not used in all hardscaping projects. Polymeric Sand Concentrate – 20 lbs. 5) 4. An alternative is to use a rubber-roller compactor for the final compaction. Because they easily follow soil movement. . Once the sand is poured and leveled, there’s nothing else you need to do. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. 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. Sweep in the sand. 2. May 16, 2022 A paver installation requires many steps. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. You’ll have to use the compactor one more time. . Start by laying perforated plastic drainage tubing along the base of the wall slightly above ground level so it can drain to daylight. If the workpiece turned out to be a little wider, it is necessary to knock out the “wings” with a hammer. Polymeric sand is a special blend of fine sand and polymer additives that stops the growth of weeds, resists erosion, and helps protect pavers and other hardscaping projects. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. Drive a rebar into the sub-base with a mark after every inch. 2. You can use a stiff brush to scrub the solution into the surface of the pavers and loosen any remaining haze. Do not hammer the stones to straighten the face, it is better to space them out. The stirrer should now be placed over the pit. 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. • Temperature must be above 32 °F (0 °C) for 48 hours following installation. This will effectively clean the haze without. Your pavers should initially rest on 1 to 2 inches of bedding sand without any polymeric additives. 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. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. Instead use a rubber/PVC mallet. Polymeric sand is a great way to fill the gaps between pavers to prevent weed growth and to help keep the pavers in place. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. Read more to learn the proper ways to install it and the common mistakes you should avoid. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. Ad. This will prepare you for the next step. Polymeric sand does not merge with old sand but given its newness, it might work to fill the gaps - it really depends. Position the chisel in the groove. Credit: Charles F. Polymeric Sand Without Compactor. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. Step 2 Vibrate the SUPERSAND G2into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. 5. (2) Can I run a plate compactor on these pavers without cracking them?Step 1: Lay a Sand Base. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even. Again, you can’t compact the sand base. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz,. Run the compactor over the pavers in overlapping passes. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). You need to lightly compact the pavers during the sand application so the polymeric sand settles all the way through. Polymer Sand should be wetted in three (3) steps. It will eventually fill up. 3. This will generate a vibration and pack down the product. What is the best way to apply polymeric sand? A tightly compacted joint has the best opportunity for long term success. A final layer is gently swept into the gaps, without the aid of any compaction. Polymer sand will assist to fill the cracks and prevent weed growth. Superior Bonding: Polymeric sand contains additives that activate. . Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. 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. Set the brickwork with the plate compactor, then scatter polymeric sand over the surface of the bricks with a shovel (Image 1). The list of items you might need for the installation process: Apart from Travertine Pavers, you would need a shovel, plate compactor, rubber mallet, sledgehammer, FlexBond, measuring tape, and strings. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). Pour a 4 to 6 inch layer of gravel into the patio trench and compact it using the ground compactor, also called a plate compactor. Rain means that we cannot install. Don’t skip the step of compacting. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. G2 polymeric sands feature a special NO DUST / NO HAZE formula and only requires a single watering to activate. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Go over the installation at least once before applying the polymeric sand. Ideally, lay them in a Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is PERMANENT. 1. Polymeric sand is powerful stuff. In a permeable paver installation, you actually the water to infiltrate it. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your pavers. Polymeric sand is a special blend of fine sand and polymer additives that stops the growth of weeds, resists erosion, and helps protect pavers and other hardscaping projects. Once you’ve done that, you can form the base layer and flatten the area. Tampers are ideal for leveling dirt and mulch after planting shrubs and small trees, leveling and packing paver base before installing a. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. )The joints should be 1/4" wide and as deep as the pavers. For wide joints: 20 to 40 sq. For joints from 1/4" to 4" wide. Step 6: clean. Keep the stones close together to avoid large gaps. Share. 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. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6-in. If you're in a freeze/thaw cycle climate that can also cause that. Check the underground in the pit carefully. Sweep off any excess material cleaning the surface of any granules of the material to avoid scuffing the pavers in the next step. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. • Clean, easy, fast and durable alternative to mortar jointing and stone dust. Builder’s sand is the most common replacement for polymeric sand, and it is easy to access and affordable. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. 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. Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. I'm wrapping up a patio installation. Can you use mason sand between pavers? This is the recommended sand for use under pavers. It is best toPolymeric sand usually lasts three to five years but can last up to 10 years if appropriately applied. Easy Install Procedure. 1. 1. This product is ideal for paver joints of up to a maximum of 2". You need a vibratory plate compactor to work the polymeric down into the gaps,. or paver installation. This is usually done after the polymeric sand has been properly installed between paving stones. In this blog post, we will explore the functionality and benefits of the Polymeric Sand. With small gaps simply brushing the polymeric around on the surface doesn't work well. (2) Can I run a plate compactor on these pavers without cracking them?Step 1: Lay a Sand Base. After that, check if there’s still space to be filled in the joint. ft per 50 lb bag. Set aside ample time for the project, haste makes waste. Sweep the jointing material over the surface following the manufacturer’s guidelines and filling the joints of the pavers. Do this at a time when it won;t rain for at least 2 or 3 days Buy an appropriate amount of Polymeric Sand (get a bit more than you think you need) and rent a plate compactor from HD. . 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″. It might be necessary to use a hand tamp like the one above if you’re working within a limited area. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Eventually, the crust will break away, eroding the joint. R. intervals. Damaged pavements and driveways are more than just an eyesore- they can compromise the safety of your landscape. Then spread a light layer of sand over the paving. Afterwards, you can spread the polymeric sand on your installation, making sure to sweep the sand around to fill every joint between the pavers. Polymeric sand. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. • On an existing installation, when replacing the sand, always use HP NextGelMC jointing sand. Horrible idea. ProGrass 50-lb Green (8-Bag) Artificial Grass Infill. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. This will cause the sand to consolidate. Joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver surface. The vibration also compacts the sand grains together with fine dust between which further locks them. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. This special type of sand comprises pulverized materials. The goal of the polymeric sand in an installation is precisely to keep water from infiltrating it. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. I am installing concrete pavers on a 6" base of compacted gravel with 1-2inch sand on top. The first step is to wet the area you will be using the polymeric sand on. The pavers I'm using have a normal. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). Get a leaf blower and blow it at an acute (shallow) angle to blow any sand and dust off the top of the pavers/bricks. Step 1. Sweep sand into joints until full, being careful not to push product over long distances on the surface. A leader of innovation in the hardscape industry for more than 35 years, Techniseal introduced the very first polymeric sand for paver joints on the market in 1999. 3A. Without using the knife, you are very likely to get frustrated while opening the waterproof bag. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a uniform layer is obtained. 5 – Sweep Everything Off. Bend the “wings” of the workpiece and install the bar in the “shoe”. , installed over 1 inch (25 mm) of bedding sand, which will allow proper drainage and a successful polymeric sand installation. Pour the sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. You’ll want to repeat sweeping and compacting until the joints are filled and consolidated. 1. In the past, a typical polymeric sand installation looked something like this: 1. White-washed sand and EnviroSAND provide a similar solution without the need for polymeric sand. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. of centrifugal force. Don’t use too little water. It takes about a minimum of 24 hours for polymeric sand to completely set. Over time, the sand will also become brittle and start flaking off. Rinse any remaining jointing compound off of the surface. 6. Your polymeric sand should have a minimum of 1″ in depth in the joint to be able to create a strong bond. I. Polymeric sand can also be used for this process and is generally worth the cost upgrade. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 20183. Polymeric sand is a type of sand that is used in construction. There are several important reasons. This sand is also known as joint sand or leveling sand. 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. 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. This will help the polymeric sand stick to the pavers and prevent shifting and erosion. Installation Instructions: • Distribute PolySweep evenly across surface. Techniseal NOCO Polymeric Joint No Compaction Desert Tan 50 lb. Power wash the pavers at the end prior to installing the polymeric sand. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. • Temperature must be above 32°F (0°C) for 48 hours following installation. On the contrary, using too little can result in the product not setting up properly. First, clear the area of any debris, weeds, etc. After all the pavers are laid out, carefully sweep polymeric sand into the 1/4-inch wide joints. . Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. I'm reading mixed reviews online. The smaller the gap can make installation more difficult. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. Paver sand is typically composed of coarse bleached white sand, which is washed and screened to remove impurities. 7% 0lvwdnhvwr$yrlgwr(qvxuhd 6xffhvvixo3rophulf6dqg,qvwdoodwlrq $vhulhvriwhfkqlfdoexoohwlqviurp6(. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. 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 . Pavers must have a strong base, a flat bedding, an edge restraint, and a sealing. Check the underground in the pit carefully. Level and straighten: Use a level to make sure your pavers are flat while. section at a time. Additionally, if you are filling a joint that is intended to be used as a pathway, you should avoid polymeric sand. The cost of a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand ranges between $20 and $40. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. Polymeric sand is a great way to fill the gaps between pavers to prevent weed growth and to help keep the pavers in place. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. Sometimes referred to as a compactor, a tamper is a tool with a handle similar to a shovel's and a heavy, square base that is used for packing and leveling materials like dirt, sand, and rock. You’ll have to use the compactor one more time. 1 SPREAD THE SAND BEFORE YOU BEGIN: • Test product on a small zone. If possible, try to walk back and forth in the same area multiple times in different directions to ensure the natural compaction process occurs. How Polymeric Sand Works. The process is quite DIY-friendly, making it a convenient solution for issues associated with patios. I show you the entire process for interlocking, but the same process can be used. Check Price. 1. Installing polymeric sand the right way ensures that it lasts for a decade. 5. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz, silica and. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? Spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface until a. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. How to use polymeric sand: Don’t cheap out on sand. • Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. . 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. ) Perform an initial showering of water. 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. After our first 4″ lift, we will install a biaxial geogrid to add extra support to our open-graded base. Using Quikrete polymeric jointing sand is relatively easy. I'm wrapping up a patio installation. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. 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. Pass over the paving surface twice using your plate compactor. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. Late last summer, I tackled a couple of outdoor DIY projects using some new-to-me products – mulch glue and polymeric sand. Polymeric sand and plate compacting. Following the layout, start digging out the soil. . • Surface and joints must be dry. Try not to over or under-saturated, as is demonstrated by the image. STEP 4: SATURATE THE LOCKING SAND WITH WATER. 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. Do not use a plate compactor to compact the sand. It is too rough, and it requires more strength than a. 6. 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. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. Spread evenly a layer of polymer sand on the entire area. However, once water is applied, any remaining polymeric sand particles will harden and remain on the surface resulting in an unhappy customer. For example, if your patio is 20 feet by 10 feet and you are installing 6 inches of granular material as a base, then you must excavate an area 11 feet (10’ + 6” + 6”) by 21 feet (20’ + 6” + 6”). Spread more product to fill joints again. Drive spikes at the ends of each length of edging, and about every 18 inches in between. Pour two inches of sand over the landscape fabric. See instructions below when using PolySweep on a concrete overlay. Once the area is damp, you will spread the polymeric sand across the entire surface of your project. makes the pavers move less under your feet. It is important to dampen the sand thoroughly for it to settle and properly harden between the jointed pavers. Use a garden hose to spray enough water over the joint area to activate the polymeric sand and form a hardtop barrier. BEST BANG. Each bag will cover approximately 85 square feet, although the coverage can vary depending on the size of the paver or joints. 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. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Re: polymeric sand vs regular sand for paver patio There is absolutely NO EXCUSE to use anything but polymeric sand in 2012. The difference being the function of them. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. After that, check if there’s still space to be filled in the joint. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Step 4: Build the base course. red92s Discussion starter. Keep the. . Sweep the polymeric sand into the crack between the pavers. 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. ) Spread and sweep the sand. We recommend that you do that in small sections, and always be careful not to step on your previous work. The sand provides height and support for the pavers while promoting drainage. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Perfect for patios, pool decks, walkways, and other pedestrian projects. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Contents. ) Compact. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between paving stones, enhancing both aesthetics and durability of the overall structure. Polymeric sand was invented by Techniseal in 1999, and it has improved the. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it. It is important if you do this step that you use the biaxial geogrid instead of the uniaxial. Place the drill bit in the screw holes and drill the wood with a slight slope. Repeat until the entire area is done. 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. 14. Ideal for flagstones, pool decks, patios and walkways • The first polymeric jointing product made specifically for surfaces that are not suited for mechanical compaction. Use a quality plate compactor (I recommend WEN 56035T) to run over the surface and let it help put the sand down. 3. With the wheelbarrow and shovel, transfer the base material to the patio area. CheckEspecially grade level cement. Tamp the antiqued pavers with a four horsepower vibratory plate compactor, using a rubber mat, not a polyurethane mat or use a vibratory roller. Consider this my official mulch glue. compactor or cover the paver surface with SRW SS5 or EC8 fabric to help protect paver surface from damage and minimize dust. 7. Moreover, polymeric sand gives the best result when used in full depth. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. You always want to work in small sections. Step 4: Build the base course. Not compacting the base. x.