Inspect for moisture. 2C. Use a broom to fill gaps. Sweep sand into joints until full, being carefulThe 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. Make sure to fill every grout line, moving the pavers slightly to compact the sand between them. Don’t ever compact porcelain pavers with a plate compactor. 3A. In order to properly set polymeric sand, you will need to wet it down two times. You need to go the depth of the paver with poly sand. A compactor is a machine that is used to reduce the size of objects by compressing them. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Double check any corners as these are common places for excess polymeric sand to remain. • In case of uncertainty regarding the installation of this product or for any further assistance, please contact technical support at 1 (800) 465-7325. This process also helps to secure the pavers into place. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. One simple method for compacting sand without a compactor is walking over moist soil. The sand remains hard when dry and flexible when wet. It does not work as well if you fill the joints with regular sand and then put a shallow layer of poly on top. After installation, a hard rain on polymeric sand that has not fully set up could result in polymeric sand all over the top of the pavers. base installation. 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. 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”). 3. Problems during the curing process can decrease its lifespan. BEST OVERALL: Black Diamond Coatings Dominator Polymeric Sand. A final layer is gently swept into the gaps, without the aid of any compaction. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. Put down restraint edging (some people move this step to 6. Proper use of polymeric sand is an important component to installing a paving stone patio, driveway, walkway, entrance, or any other paving stone project. 7 kg) of this product will cover between 20 to 30 square feet (1. Installation Instructions: • Distribute PolySweep evenly across surface. Do not use a plate compactor to compact the sand. per foot. Polymeric sand does not merge with old sand but given its newness, it might work to fill the gaps - it really depends. #1 · Sep 3, 2015. Scroll down to the heading that says “How to install stone dust in between your flagstones”. Drive spikes at the ends of each length of edging, and about every 18 inches in between. Did you compact the grade/concrete fines/sand below the pavers?7 Most Common Reasons for Polymeric Sand Failures. Simple Installation Method Applying Polymeric Sand: What You’ll Need 6 Steps To Apply Polymeric Sand 1. This method of installing the polymeric sand can be applied to almost any paver a. The sand provides height and support for the pavers while promoting drainage. Hand tampers are usually used to compact the soil in the garden or other outside areas before installing pavers for walks or patios, garden fountains, fire pits, garden tool. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. My intention was to sweep the sand over the patio and run the plate compactor over top of the stones. Possible Reasons For Polymeric Sand Not Hardening Properly. Obviously it'd be much quicker to do the latter. The first step is to cut the sand into small pieces using a sharp knife. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. Ad. • On an existing installation, when replacing the sand, always use HP NextGelMC jointing sand. I'm reading mixed reviews online. All compaction is usually performed with a plate compactor or hand tamper. ) Spread and sweep again. Others just run the compactor directly over top with a layer of paver sand between. 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. You always want to work in small sections. This method of installing the polymeric sand can be applied to almost any paver a. • Check the weather forecast: no precipitation for the next 90 minutes. Regular sand can wash away after a heavy rainstorm. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz, silica and. Click here to download the 5 key differences between porcelain and concrete paver installation document. Use a plate compactor to vibrate the sand down into the joints. Use a broom to sweep the polymeric sand diagonally across the bricks in. Step 1. (2) Can I run a plate compactor on these pavers without cracking them?Step 1: Lay a Sand Base. 3. These are four of the most common mistakes users of polymeric sand tend to make. Then, hold the nozzle about 12 inches away from the pavers and move it in controlled, overlapping motions. Ad. A manual compaction will never replace the use of a plate compactor 3. Use concrete sand and only 3/4" under the pavers. These colors complement red pavers and create a harmonious, natural-looking finish. Sweep off any excess material cleaning the surface of any granules of the material to avoid scuffing the pavers in the next step. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. Once you are positive that there is. (1. e. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by. The cost of a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand ranges between $20 and $40. This paper provides a review of the research on use of polymers for soil stabilization in pavement and geotechnical engineering. This will cause the sand to consolidate. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Now, on permeable paver installation, things works quite different. It is too rough, and it requires more strength than a. Ottawa. If you’re not careful, there are many. This may however not be necessary. Remove the straight edge and use the chisel and hammer to deepen the groove to about 1/8-inch. Using a broom handle or some other blunt object, tap on the pavers. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. In a permeable paver installation, you actually the water to infiltrate it. Installation of Edge Restraint and Polymeric Sand; Edge restraint in base panels follows the same as a typical install with a plastic edge restraint with a 10″ nail driven through every 1′ on straight runs and 6″ on curved runs. How do you compact polymeric sand without a compactor? How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . 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. So if you are doing research. 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. 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. 3. 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. 1 SPREAD THE SAND BEFORE YOU BEGIN: • Test product on a small zone. I laid 12" square, 1-5/8" thick concrete pavers. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). 2. red92s Discussion starter. 5) 4. Discover compactor machines for your next project at Lowes. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. Hardscaping Jointing CompoundsThis post may contain affiliate links. This may be to save time or to cut costs, sometimes both. Repeat these steps until the joints are full to 1/8″ below the top of the paver or bottom of the chamfer of. The sand - "concrete sand" is where the interlock takes place - it comes up and fills the joints causing them to lock up. This may not be as effective as using a compactor to ensure a proper bond, but it is the best way to make sure the joint is secure without the proper equipment. The estimated coverage power is: For joints less than ½" wide: up to 120 sq. Position the chisel in the groove. If us- ing polymeric sand, you can install it after the sealer application has properly cured for 24 – 48 hours. Put down restraint edging (some people move this step to 6. Brush the polymeric sand into the gaps between the pavers, tamp it down with the compactor, and then lightly water to activate the polymer. 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. 2. You can compact any type of soil by adding the right amount of water so that it replaces the pores inside the soil. Gently tumble the bag, then cut the bottom and apply SimplyTough™ evenly over the surface. Immediately afterward, wet the same section for an additional 30 seconds until the joints are saturated. ) Spread and sweep the sand. Put down 3/4" of sand. Use a broom to fill gaps. Use a backpack blower to remove all dust. e. Step 1: protective clothing. Adding good drainage behind block or stone walls is crucial for long-lasting, bulge-free walls. Sweep the jointing material over the surface following the manufacturer’s guidelines and filling the joints of the pavers. For wide joints: 20 to 40 sq. I tested 2 bricks but don't like the look of it. • Surface must be perfectly dry to prevent moisture from activating the polymer that could make the sand stick to the surface and. 25” min depth when using X-Treme Wide Joint). Step 1: Get the Substrates Ready. 4 – Adding Sand. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. 2C. 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. Crystalline silica. Polymeric sand was invented by Techniseal in 1999, and it has improved the. You should consider using a plate compactor when the patio or driveway is large. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. I used this little multi-tool to scrape out the old stuff and then sucked it up with the shop vac. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Spray water over the gravel to wet it down so the stones compact better. You should not use this sand if there is unevenness in the gravel base. Water the sand according to the directions. The base has been prepared with approximately 6" of 3/4" road base which has been compacted with a vibratory plate compactor and 1" of screened sand on top. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. Continue to move the jointing compound around the surface filling the joints to 1/8″ below the top of paver or bottom of chamfer. Wait 30 days after installation before cleaning and sealing pavers. Plate compactors work to level the foundation material before you lay concrete or pavers. 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. Do not use a plate compactor on the pavers. 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. Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. In this blog post, we will explore the functionality and benefits of the Polymeric Sand. The vibration also compacts the sand grains together with fine dust between which further locks them. Pavers must be dry as a bone. 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. Make sure that the pavers are dry and that the forecast is sunny before continuing on. After that, check if there’s still space to be filled in the joint. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. Again, failing. Don’t overfill the paver joints. distribute polymeric sand evenly across surface. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor Step 1: protective clothing. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. You should consider using a plate compactor when the patio or driveway. Don’t install the sand until the pavers are secure. . Distribute PolySweep evenly across surface. If existing project, properly clean out joints before applying polymeric sand and skip to step C. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. In a Gator Base installation, both the native soil and the bedding sand needs to be prepared and compacted the same way you’d prepare and compact a traditional base installation. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. 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. (1. Ideally, lay them in a Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is PERMANENT. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Spraying water on the sand will activate the polymers, causing it to harden, so. 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. Which means you have to remove all the old sand. 22. . STEP 6: Spreading Polymeric Joint Sand. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. Polymeric sand is fortified with polymer to prevent washout between pavers. It may not even be the most popular option. 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. Plastic 4mm spacers should. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. 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 . Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . The difference being the function of them. 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. Pour the sand all around the pipes and screed it around, carefully removing the pipes afterwards. Draw the chisel across the paver in the same way you might cut cardboard with a utility knife. drying and curing time is important too. We installed soil stabilization fabric, 8” of #57 drainage stone, 1” of #9 drainage stone and pavers. Polymeric sand. Wait 24 hours after rain. Before choosing a compactor, you must know what soil type you will be compacting. As mentioned above, with the plate compactor it should take you 2-3 passes for a mixture of fine and rough gravel. Slope the tubing about 1/4 in. 7. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. Project no. Pour the sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. Most sands require enough water to saturate the sand just until the water stops soaking into the joint. How Polymeric Sand Works. 2. Tamp the antiqued pavers with a four horsepower vibratory plate compactor, using a rubber mat, not a polyurethane mat or use a vibratory roller. Polymeric sand is a sand formula that is swept into the joints of pavers and natura. 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. Clear the Residue. How Polymeric Sand Works; Possible Reasons For Polymeric Sand Not Hardening Properly. The pavers I'm using have a normal. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. First, the properties impacting the effectiveness of widely used polymer classes, including geopolymers, biopolymers, and synthetic organic polymers are discussed. After that, rinse the pavement with a garden hose to remove the polymeric sand haze and the vinegar solution from the pavement. Use a garden hose to spray enough water over the joint area to activate the polymeric sand and form a hardtop barrier. , installed over 1 inch (25 mm) of bedding sand, which will allow proper drainage and a successful polymeric sand installation. Instead use a rubber/PVC mallet. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . Then, use a brush to scrub the pavement with the vinegar and water solution. 1How to portable sand without a compactor . Polymer sand will help seal the gaps and keep the weeds growing. In short: sweep the stone dust into the joints, hose down. Place the drill bit in the screw holes and drill the wood with a slight slope. After applying the jointing sand, compacting is advised and then adding more sand. Platinum Pavers, 2022, notes that polymeric sand is cleaner, more economical, and. Step 2 Vibrate the SUPERSAND G2into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. Step 2: prepare the substrate. They’ll withstand the rain. Create the edge: Place pavers along the edge of your patio and use strings to make sure your pavers are straight. Includes wheel kit and poly pad. First, the polymeric sand must be firmly activated into the joints between the stones. Don’t skip the step of compacting. 86K views 2 years ago. Bag (56 bags/pallet) No Compaction. Minimize the machine’s production as much as possible. This material has a fairly simple installation. Find My Store. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your pavers. Step 4: Build the base course. Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. Author: Mrs. Using too much water can cause the sand to wash out of the joints. There should be two inches between the top of the sand and the top of the patio edging. Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. This product is ideal for stabilizing joints and gaps between pavers, providing professional-grade results with its revolutionary ceramic flex technology. Sweep the paving surface to remove any obstruction to the compacting machine. It also helps to ensure that pavers are firmly set and secure on the surface. Anchor the Edging. 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. Wait 24 hours after rain. 7. Improper Drainage. Application Step 3. 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. Remember, you shouldn’t over-pour the sand initially. May 16, 2022 A paver installation requires many steps. installation. 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. . Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. It is a type of sand that is created by mixing fine sand, binders and additives that help lock pavers together in place. #1 · Sep 3, 2015. Use a stiff bristle brush to push the sand into the joints. Get it away. 2. You can use a stiff brush to scrub the solution into the surface of the pavers and loosen any remaining haze. 1. A worse way to go about it would be to lay the flagstone upon a bed of gravel and then cement the joints between stones. After filling the joints between the pavers with polymeric sand, compact the whole thing one more time and wet the area to activate the sand. The sand will help hold the pavers in place. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Lightly rap with the hammer down the length of the groove until the paver breaks apart. You need a vibratory plate compactor to work the polymeric down into the gaps,. You can slide the pavers into place. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. Yes, you can apply a second layer of polymeric sand. Even the slightest mistake can throw your efforts off because polymeric sand repels water once it hardens, but is also re- activated with water. Remember, you shouldn’t over-pour the sand initially. Keep the. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. Gently tumble bag, then cut the bottom and apply Pavermate Polymeric Sand evenly over the surface. Polymeric Sand Installation Step 3 IMPORTANT 30-30 WATER ACTIVATION NOTES. The most common method is dry-laying, which basically involves arranging the patio stones in a desired pattern, without using any mortar. Joint Sand/Polymeric SandI'm getting mixed advice on the final compaction steps for concrete pavers. Read more to learn the proper ways to install it and the common mistakes you should avoid. First, wet the area with a light water mist to ensure even application. Good to Know. It will eventually fill up. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is permanent. Sweep sand over short distances. If you are trying to do a straight line, and the line gets crooked, hammer the row back in place using a rubber mallet. STEP 2. Walking over Moist Soil for Soil Compaction. Lightly rap with the hammer down the length of the groove until the paver breaks apart. Remove first the grass, turf or dirt. 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. At this stage, the goal is to saturate your patio area with enough water to reach and activate ALL the sand between pavers. 5. Step 1: Inspect the Area and Check the Weather Before you start, inspect the entire area to make sure that everything is dry. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Put down paver base (compactible gravels) and DO compact for every 2" of subbase. From planning the layout, to choosing the right pavers, bedding, and sealing. Hose The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. . I don’t expect you to measure the gap but just set them beside one another. Step 4: Build the base course. If the workpiece turned out to be a little wider, it is necessary to knock out the “wings” with a hammer. Polymeric sand is made up of a mixture between fine grains and specific additive particles. 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. Pour poly sand out over the pavers. Pass over the paving surface twice using your plate compactor. Building a pathway from the driveway to the front porch over the long weekend. I don't know what polymeric you are using but the two brands I've used work in much smaller gaps than 1/4". R. Rain means that we cannot install. Extensive cleaning of the surface of the pavers is critical to remove all jointing sand before wetting down the sand. Plate compactors work best on granular soils such as gravel, sand or light asphalt. com. Rinse any remaining jointing compound off of the surface. BEST BANG. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. I. 10 – DON’T activate polymeric sand without thoroughly sweeping your pavers. The sand gets swept around the pavers and a rubber mallet is used rather than a plate compactor with a pad or a roller compactor to consolidate the sand to the bottom of the joint. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is permanent. Polymeric sand is powerful stuff. First of all, the goal is completely different. Rake out the sand over the base until it’s roughly even. To activate the polymeric sand, begin by quickly showering the surface with a water hose nozzle. Pavers Contain Moisture At The Time Of Installation. 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.