Polymeric Sand: A Durable Solution for Well-Grouted Paver Joints

Polymeric sand is key to laying pavers since said jointing material efficiently fills the gaps between each and every stone. It provides heightened protection against erosions while preventing weed growth and insect infestations. Retailed in a wide array of colours, it gives your landscaping that perfect aesthetic touch.

Unearth the advantages and proper uses of polymeric jointing sand.

Why use polymeric jointing sand for pavers?

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The Benefits of Polymeric Sand

Polymeric jointing sand is: 

• Durable

• Easy to maintain

• Aesthetically pleasing

It’s a great material given Quebec's weather patterns since it can withstand freeze-thaw cycles rather well, prolonging the service life of your pavers. We will circle back to said factor in the section reserved for compaction, but let’s just say that using polymeric jointing sand means not having to deal with weeds or fight off armies of ants or other insects. 

Aesthetic-wise, note that polymeric sand is available in an array of colours, allowing you to offset your pavers beautifully. 

Installing Polymeric Sand: Key Steps

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Step 1: Fill in the joints

Start by spreading sand over a small and perfectly dry surface. Then, get ahold of a broom to sweep the sand into the gaps between the pavers.

Proceed cautiously as the sand can’t be swept over long distances. Otherwise, it risks weakening its integrity.

Step 2: Compact the sand

This is an indispensable step for installing sand joints that are: 

• Solid

• Durable

• Weed-free

• Insect-proof 

Proceeding with a mechanical compaction is the best way to go. Said method involves using a vibrating plate over the entire surface needing to be filled and sealed. However, make sure the pavers can withstand the machine's weight, as you will be running it back and forth over the stones. Inquire with the manufacturer first.

If you can’t or don’t wish to use a vibrating plate, hammer each paver or paving stone with a rubber mallet. The mallet’s vibrations will compact the sand. However, this technique isn't as effective as using a vibrating plate. 

To fill the void between each paver fully, spread out more polymeric sand and sweep the surface yet again. You will also have to, once again, run a vibrating plate over each paver, or do so with a rubber mallet. 

Step 3: Clean the surface

To wipe the surface clean of sand residue spilling out between the pavers, start by sweeping the surface, then use a leaf blower to remove any remnants. 

Lastly, the sand must be ⅛ of an inch (3 mm) below the paved surface.

Step 4: Activate sand with water

Get yourself a garden hose nozzle with a “shower” mode and spray 200-square foot sections (18 m²) at a time. Should the surface have a slight slope, always start at the bottom of the slope and work your way up.

Each section must be watered properly. Start watering the first section for 30 seconds. Wait a few seconds and water it again for another 30 seconds. If water runs off or if you notice a sort of white foam forming, stop watering said section immediately. We will explain why in the section below.

Lastly, use the leaf blower again to channel the water away from the watered zone. This will prevent white foam from forming.

Precautionary Measures When Working with Polymeric Sand

The first precautionary measure relates to joint sizing. In order to use polymeric jointing sand effectively, make sure the paver joints are sized properly: 

• Miminum width: 3 mm (⅛ inch) 

• Maximum width: 1.3 cm (½ inch) 

• Minimal depth: 4 cm (1 ½ inch)  

As for watering, note that if your paved section is overwatered, the polymer can separate from the sand during the activation process. If so, you’ll see a white foam forming, as previously mentioned. The binder’s strength will weaken, to the point that it will prevent the polymeric jointing sand from hardening.

On the other hand, if the sand isn’t watered enough, you will start seeing a sort of hard crust forming over the joints. If, over time, the crust ruptures, your polymeric sand joints may be damaged by water erosion.

Once the polymeric sand is activated, you can start treading over the paved section but wait 24 hours prior to driving over the paved section. If you’re planning on cleaning or sealing the stones, wait 30 days following the polymeric sand’s activation to do so. 

What is the best polymeric sand? An in-depth look at Techniseal’s HP Nextgel

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Techniseal developed the HP Nextgel jointing sand, designed to comply with standard ASTM-C144 (Standard Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar). Made with a high-performing binder, said jointing sand sinks into the voids easily, making for a quick installation that covers the entirety of the gaps between the stones. 

What distinguishes HP Nextgel polymeric sand from other products is that not only is it made for high foot traffic areas, but it was also designed with humid environments in mind. No matter the outdoor threat, said product withstands the following:

• Erosions

• Insects

• Weeds 

FAQ: Polymeric Sand

How can you clean polymeric sand joints?

Sweep the surface with a broom and clean the joints with soap so as not to damage the jointing sand. If your paved surface has tough stains, feel free to use white vinegar, salt, and baking soda, allowing the mixture to sit for an hour. 

How can you remove or add new polymeric sand?

The only way to remove sand from between the pavers is by using a Kärcher-type pressure washer. If the model is powerful enough and fitted with a fine-spray nozzle, you will be able to tear out the jointing sand and its binder to lower the joint to 1 ⅕ inch to 2 inches deep.  

Why is my polymeric sand not hardening?

Because the drainage isn’t sufficient. If the water can’t seep through the polymeric sand, the latter won’t harden. This will likely occur when the polymeric sand retains moisture due to inefficient drainage or a lack thereof.

Does water seep through polymeric sand?

Yes, polymeric sand isn’t totally waterproof. However, its stability and strength are superior to those of traditional paver joints.