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. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. Do not hammer the stones to straighten the face, it is better to space them out. After joints are filled, sweep excess product from the surface. Spread evenly a layer of polymer sand on the entire area. • Check the weather forecast: no precipitation for the next 90 minutes. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. 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. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Spread more product to fill joints again. Plate compactors work to level the foundation material before you lay concrete or pavers. Use a stiff bristle brush to push the sand into the joints. This typically means that the sand needs to be dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Step 4: Build the base course. Use a blower to blast out the joints again. This special combination offers several advantages over ordinary sand, providing enhanced performance and longevity for your paver installation. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. 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. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. 10. You always want to work in small sections. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. This material has a fairly simple installation. After water activation,. Bag, (Slate Gray) Advanced Haze Free Technology Can be used for joints up to a maximum of 1 inch (2. Generously cut one of the corners of the bags open. Polymeric sand is powerful stuff. Selecting the right plate compactor is key to getting your polymeric sand installation done right. Once that level is compacted, add more material and repeat the process. Once you've set the pavers in place, add sand to fill in between the pavers. The vibration also compacts the sand grains together with fine dust between which further locks them. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. polysand) Ideal for filling gaps between pavers, stones or bricks in patios, walkways, driveways or any hardscaping project. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. Draw the chisel across the paver in the same way you might cut cardboard with a utility knife. Share. 95. • Clean, easy, fast and durable alternative to mortar jointing and stone dust. Do you have any other ideas or suggestions remove the sand? Perhaps sand paper along the top to. Sweep polymeric sand over the pavers and ground it into the joints with a broom. But there’s an easier way. Perfect for joints from ¼ to 4 inches wide, NOCO is the ideal jointing solution for pool decks, patios, and walkways. You’ll have to use the compactor one more time. 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. The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. Keep the. Reply Quote. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. The joints should be filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paver’s edge or chamfer. This helps the sand settle into the gaps and ensures a better bond; Once the pavers are compacted, lightly mist the polymeric sand with water. My Mulch Glue & Polymeric Sand Review (One Year Later) August 28, 2023. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. This sand is also known as joint sand or leveling sand. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Joint compounds also can handle winds, higher temperatures. Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. All were built on a raised patio hybrid pavement structure. Photo courtesy of Unilock. Use a quality plate compactor (I recommend WEN 56035T) to run over the surface and let it help put the sand down. 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. The goal of the polymeric sand in an installation is precisely to keep water from infiltrating it. Check Price on Amazon. If possible, try to walk back and forth in the same area multiple times in different directions to ensure the natural compaction process occurs. 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 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. For red pavers, the best choice of polymeric sand color would typically be a brown or tan shade. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Check Price. 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. Create the edge: Place pavers along the edge of your patio and use strings to make sure your pavers are straight. How To Polymeric Sand A Patio (DIY) 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. Walking over Moist Soil for Soil Compaction. Go over the installation at least once before applying the polymeric sand. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. On the contrary, using too little can result in the product not setting up properly. This special type of sand comprises pulverized materials. Step 1: protective clothing. This is completed by using an appropriate vibratory plate compactor with a protective layer between the compactor and the pavers. Gently tumble the bag, then cut the bottom and apply SimplyTough™ evenly over the surface. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. Polymeric sand is not used in all hardscaping projects. You use the compactor to compact the pavers. Includes wheel kit and poly pad. distribute polymeric sand evenly across surface. ) Pour the sand. We once did this before removing the pavers, but then stacked the pavers and the old dirty jointing material just made the pavers dirty again. Step 2: prepare the substrate. . Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Step 2 Vibrate the SUPERSAND G2into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. Don’t skip the step of compacting. 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. Note: Polymeric joint sand will essentiallyStep 3 - Activate the Polymeric Sand with Water. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz,. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Wait 24 hours after rain. A roller compactor is best for slab installation. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. It’s best to compact in several directions to ensure there are no air gaps or voids in the joints. x. Hose The result is a longer-lasting paver installation. (Keep in mind, narrow joints require more care to completely fill. Below, find picks for the best polymeric sand in a range of categories. Applying polymeric sand involves pouring it into paver joints, watering it, and allowing it to set for a few days. Once the sand is poured and leveled, there’s nothing else you need to do. Simply mist or trickle water over the soil until it pools on the surface. Step 3: create a layer of frost protection. Polymeric Sand Installation Step 3 IMPORTANT 30-30 WATER ACTIVATION NOTES. Others just run the compactor directly over top with a layer of paver sand between. the walkway has stood up to a few winters without any problems. 2. The advantage of using this type of sand is that it can be used without a compactor. ) Yes, you can lay a patio without a compactor. 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. I tried to look. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. 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. of centrifugal force. Then spread a light layer of sand over the paving. Remove the straight edge and use the chisel and hammer to deepen the groove to about 1/8-inch. Sweep sand into joints until full, being careful not to push product over long distances on the surface. It involves sweeping the sand into the gaps between the pavers and compacting them to ensure thorough distribution. Patios take maintenance. One simple method for compacting sand without a compactor is walking over moist soil. Activate the sand by lightly showering the pavers with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. Drive 8-inch nylon spikes through the holes on the edging and into the ground. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. 5. Step 6: clean. The first step is to wet the area you will be using the polymeric sand on. Rain is an inherent risk of any polymeric sand project. There should be two inches between the top of the sand and the top of the patio edging. 5. Put down 3/4" of sand. Step 6: clean the vibrating plate. Activate With Water. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. Two types of paver. I tried to look. I'm currently working on a brick garden edging project. Step 1. e. You would also need crushed limestone (also called crushed gravel), polymeric sand, rope, sand, and safety equipment. 4. Edging is important, because it keeps the pavers from shifting. Tampers are ideal for leveling dirt and mulch after planting shrubs and small trees, leveling and packing paver base before installing a. In laying the bedding sand you should always remember to pour in an even 1/2" thick across the area and not to go over 1". patio, that means carting away about 2-1/2 tons of soil, and hauling in the same amount of gravel. Designed to work with the WEN Plate Compactor, this pad can be easily installed and lasts job after job without needing a new replacement. Polymeric sand can also be used for this process and is generally worth the cost upgrade. It is best toPolymeric sand usually lasts three to five years but can last up to 10 years if appropriately applied. The material will settle when you hose it down, so. Once the area is damp, you will spread the polymeric sand across the entire surface of your project. 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. We then. The polymeric sand acts as a bonding agent that holds the pavers together once it is sprayed with water. 5-HP Honda 20-in x 28-in Plate Compactor. Once this has been done, the sealer can be applied in 2 thin coats with a soft brush. We installed soil stabilization fabric, 8” of #57 drainage stone, 1” of #9 drainage stone and pavers. 5. Sealing. 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 used spe. 6. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is permanent. 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. 2. Perfect for patios, pool decks, walkways, and other pedestrian projects. Using the broom, fill joints completely. First of all, the goal is completely different. Get it away. ft per 50 lb bag. Is it just a polymeric sand that is hyped up and put in a bag?. Polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. Polymeric sand has a set of steps that are necessary to follow in order to ensure that it does not fail. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your pavers. Again, failing. Easy Install Procedure. Apply a uniform coating of polymer sand over the. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. 3. The problem is that i need the top of the pavers to end up flush with an adjacent concrete sidewalk. The stones are laid on top of the sand and almost ready to sweep polymeric sand on top. Before starting work, you should put on the correct protective clothing. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. 3. Adding good drainage behind block or stone walls is crucial for long-lasting, bulge-free walls. EDUse a polymeric sand or polymeric dust (for joints over 1”) (25 mm). Then you'll need to get all the excess off the surface of the pavers before you water the sand to set it. The most common method is dry-laying, which basically involves arranging the patio stones in a desired pattern, without using any mortar. View More. Multiply the length by the width to get the square footage. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. ) Compact. 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. It takes about a minimum of 24 hours for polymeric sand to completely set. (1. Walk on them again trying to move or scuff them. And don’t forget a protective pad for under the plate compactor! 4. And although it is not completely waterproof, it can hold its structure by firming up when completely dry. If possible, use a heavy roller, such as a paint roller, to roll over the area to help even. Put down paver base (compactible gravels) and DO compact for every 2" of subbase. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. If you don't own a compactor, you may be able to rent one at a local home improvement store. Installing polymeric sand the right way ensures that it lasts for a decade. Horrible idea. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. 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. 7 kg | 50 lbs (bag) 56. Pass over the paving surface twice using your plate compactor. Over-Watering And Under-WateringTo use vinegar to remove polymeric sand haze, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. BEST BANG. Water the sand according to the directions. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. 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. It is crucial to remove any traces of cement sand after spraying it with water as it will solidify on the surface of the tiles. 2 Run plate compactor over surface to com-pact the sand. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. 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. Not every pressure washing company offers the. If the pavers are damp the polymer will leave a stain on the pavers. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. I show you how to apply polymeric sand to interlocking stones in this video. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. By doing so make sure that you are excavating the right depth of the substrate. Temperatures must remain above 32°F (0°C) throughout installationR. Installation Instructions: • Distribute PolySweep evenly across surface. • Temperature should remain above 0°C during the 48-hour drying period. (2) Can I run a plate compactor on these pavers without cracking them?Step 1: Lay a Sand Base. 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. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). 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. 1. 2. Distribute PolySweep evenly across surface. To activate the polymeric sand, begin by quickly showering the surface with a water hose nozzle. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. As mentioned above, with the plate compactor it should take you 2-3 passes for a mixture of fine and rough gravel. Polymeric sand is easy to install and requires no special tools or equipment. Use a broom to fill gaps. Use a vibrating plate compactor to compact joint sand/polymeric sand prior to activation/stabilizing. Inspect for moisture. See instructions below when using PolySweep on a concrete overlay. For the joints, use a high quality polymeric sand designed to be used with porcelain pavers. 5-Cu Ft Brown Paver Base - Establish Strong Foundation for Patios, Walkways, and Pool Decks - Easy to Use - Cover with Leveling Sand. Try not to over or under-saturated, as is demonstrated by the image. Always start from the bottom of the slope, working on a 200 sq. Never use a vibrating plate compactor on the paved surface. Vibratory Plate Compactor 14". You’ll have to use the compactor one more time. Convert the volume to cubic yards if needed. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. Without using the knife, you are very likely to get frustrated while opening the waterproof bag. If water is applied with too much pressure or allowed to pond before the polymeric sand is fully cured, the reactive ingredients will be washed through the sand and produce a weak joint. Yes, you can apply a second layer of polymeric sand. Step 2: prepare the substrate. The recommendation for over preparation is that the base material should extend past the paved edge an equal distance of the base depth. 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. Add Sand Between the Cracks Sweep polymeric sand into the cracks between the pavers to help bond the pavers. (1) Should I use polymeric sand or just mason sand for the joints. Today, I wanted to check back to give you a review of how things are holding up one year later. Re: polymeric sand vs regular sand for paver patio There is absolutely NO EXCUSE to use anything but polymeric sand in 2012. It’s ok to surpass it a little. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. Sealing is not required. Walkway will be built using Belgard concrete pavers (2-3/8" thick). com. Step 1: protective clothing. Don’t ever install porcelain pavers without the required 4mm spacing between them. 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. 7. It might be necessary to use a hand tamp like the one above if you’re working within a limited area. I was thinking of some kind of wooden platform, perhaps a rubber platform, set upon the joint(s) and trying to somehow use the force of the air chisel gun to help the sand settle. Once the joints have been filled, they will not be affected by erosion, making them impermeable. Polymeric Sand Concentrate – 20 lbs. The smaller the gap can make installation more difficult. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. Polymeric sand should come to the BOTTOM of the bevel. tamp the sand and recheck to make sure you do not have any high or low spots. In short: sweep the stone dust into the joints, hose down. 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. In some cases, you can add dirt surrounding the patio, but you’ll need to plan that out before you get started. Superior Bonding: Polymeric sand contains additives that activate. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Updated on March 1, 2023. Gently tumble bag, then cut the bottom and apply Pavermate Polymeric Sand evenly over the surface. Use the 2x4 as a screed to smooth and level the sand. 7. Can you use mason sand between pavers? This is the recommended sand for use under pavers. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. . 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. Start by laying perforated plastic drainage tubing along the base of the wall slightly above ground level so it can drain to daylight. Ivory. of centrifugal force. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before rinsing the pavers thoroughly with a hose. First, use the utility knife to open the sandbag. Make sure to fill every grout line, moving the pavers slightly to compact the sand between them. Measure each brick piece individually, make the cut, and place the brick with the cut end on the outer edge. and on the width of joints. Bend the “wings” of the workpiece and install the bar in the “shoe”. Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. 25” min depth when using X-Treme). Techniseal NOCO Polymeric Joint No Compaction Desert Tan 50 lb. 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. I don't know what polymeric you are using but the two brands I've used work in much smaller gaps than 1/4". Step 1: Get the Substrates Ready. However, not everyone wants to use polymeric sand, and many homeowners opt for an alternative. Polymeric Sand Without Compactor. 3A. 1. You should consider using a plate compactor when the patio or driveway is large. Pour a layer of concrete sand over the patio area. ProGrass 50-lb Green (8-Bag) Artificial Grass Infill. The pavers are then compacted again until the joints are full. In addition, pavers themselves can be tamped with a hand tamper. • Compact again to minimize voids in sand joints. Table Of Contents. There should be absolutely no dampness or moisture present. Vibrating the sand into the gaps is just a by product of the compactor. Use a plate compactor to vibrate the sand down into the joints. Damaged pavements and driveways are more than just an eyesore- they can compromise the safety of your landscape. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it. • Surface and joints must be dry. Screed over the entire base of the patio and fill in any low spots and shave down high spots until the base is even. Make sure to let the material dry completely before walking on it or using the area. Rent one at a tool rental outlet. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. Clear the area. The sand will help hold the pavers in place. With the soft bristle broom,. Check the underground in the pit carefully. compactor or cover the paver surface with SRW SS5 or EC8 fabric to help protect paver surface from damage and minimize dust. Sweep more sand into the joints until the sand is within 1/8” of the top of the paver. 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”). One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. The sand provides height and support for the pavers while promoting drainage. This formula also works for joints as wide as 1½ inches, which is rare for a polymeric sand. Fine masonry sand is swept into the joints to lock the pavers in place. 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. 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. G2 polymeric sands feature a special NO DUST / NO HAZE formula and only requires a single watering to activate. Installing polymeric sand is the final step in your paver project and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the longevity of the project. It is a type of sand that is created by mixing fine sand, binders and additives that help lock pavers together in place. Without using the knife, you are very likely to get frustrated while opening the waterproof bag. makes the pavers move less under your feet. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. You should consider using a plate compactor when the patio or driveway. 1. Perform The First Sweep 3. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by rain or. After our first 4″ lift, we will install a biaxial geogrid to add extra support to our open-graded base. Traditional masonry sand is swept into the paver joints to fill the joints. Another mistake people make is they don’t use a plate compactor. This may be necessary if the first layer has been disturbed by wind or rain. section at a time. Not compacting the base. From planning the layout, to choosing the right pavers, bedding, and sealing. 1/2” LEVELING SAND SCREED NOTE: There are two types of joint sand. of centrifugal force. 3. This polymeric sand however, seems to preclude me using water as a tool to help it settle. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . My 10 year old daughter can install it flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure you could. If us- ing polymeric sand, you can install it after the sealer application has properly cured for 24 – 48 hours. Be careful while driving the spikes with a hammer, as they can sometimes snap. With this, you can make sure that your polymeric sand installation will go as smoothly as possible. 22. What is the best way to apply polymeric sand? A tightly compacted joint has the best opportunity for long term success. . You accomplish this kind of precision by properly. 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. Late last summer, I tackled a couple of outdoor DIY projects using some new-to-me products – mulch glue and polymeric sand. I did this over our entire patio until it was all wet. . Gibson, Shutterstock. 7 kg) of this product will cover between 20 to 30 square feet (1. Keep the stones close together to avoid large gaps. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. After the sand is spread, use a plate compactor to gently compact the pavers. The gravel base is flexible and will move ever so slightly during freeze-thaw. 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. Pro Tip: Installing cement sand uses the same method as installing polymeric sand. All three wettings must utilize a fine misting spray. You need a vibratory plate compactor to work the polymeric down into the gaps,. Polymeric sand is used to fill in the joints in between brick pavers. The second layer should be applied in the same manner as the first layer. In order to properly set polymeric sand, you will need to wet it down two times. First, wet the area with a light water mist to ensure even application. Below, find picks for the best polymeric sand in a range of categories. Polymeric sand was invented by Techniseal in 1999, and it has improved the. 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. Using a broom handle or some other blunt object, tap on the pavers. Ad. Use a powerAt Home Depot, one of the best-selling plate compactors is the Wen 7 JP 4500-Pound Plate Compactor, which will set you back around $600.