What is polymeric sand and does it really work?
What is polymeric sand and how does it work? Polymeric sand is a sand like material that contains a unique polymer that is placed in between the joints of brick pavers. When the material is activated with water, it creates a flexible “mortar-like” bond in between the pavers and acts as a joint stabilizer.
Can You Make your own polymeric sand?
You can’t make polymeric sand easily from stuff that is accessible to most homeowners. How do you make polymeric sand? By mixing ConSANDtrate at a ratio of 5 parts sand to 1 part ConSANDtrate makes a more concentrated polymeric sand that can be used around problem areas or as a crack filler for concrete or exposed aggregate slabs.
Where can you buy polymeric sand?
Hi there, it looks like this Hardscapes 50 lbs. Polymeric Jointing Sand is a store exclusive item and only able to be bought in a Home Depot store. Unfortunately we do not sell it with online stock for purchase.
How do you maintain polymeric sand?
This means that you should have:
- Polymeric Sand
- Push Broom
- Leaf Blower
- Water Hose with Shower Setting
- Plate Compactor with Pad to Protect Pavers
- Dust Mask
- Torch (not required)
How do you remove white haze from polymeric sand?
Poly Sand Haze Tips If poly sand haze has transpired on the surface, it must be cleaned with an acid-based cleaner. Sometimes vinegar can be used unless the poly sand haze is severe. Many times, homeowners and even contractors are unaware of poly sand haze.
How do you get polymeric sand residue off pavers?
Removing polymeric sand from pavers is not a fun process. You can try to use a hot pressure washer to remove the sand, but you may be left with some sand remaining in the joint. Regardless, you are going to have to scrape out the sand of the joints and use a shop vac or blower to remove this scraped out sand.
What happens if you overwater polymeric sand?
A danger of using too much water too quick creates the possibility of washing away the polymers. Too little water used in the installation process could leave you with a fragile joint. If the joint is not properly watered to at least 2/3's depth, a hardened crust may form at the top of the joint.
How do you get white haze off pavers?
You can try cleaning the pavers with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Another option is to hire a power washing company to do a low-pressure wash. Other more aggressive options include sandblasting and a chemical cleaning.
How can polymeric sand haze be prevented?
White Haze: How it Happens and How to Avoid It When you install polymeric sand in the joints of pavers, the manufacturers suggest that you spray the paved area with water and leave time to dry. If you overwater the area their binders will leach out of the polymeric sand.
Can you pressure wash polymeric sand?
You can't pressure wash and apply polymeric sand on the same day. I should warn you that getting the stain off is a huge problem so it's best to take the time to avoid it in the first place.
Can you put new polymeric sand over old polymeric sand?
CAN I USE POLYMERIC JOINTING SAND? Yes. If you are tired of sand erosion, weeds and ants on your pavers, Techniseal Polymeric Jointing Sand can be used to replace old sand in your joints. Simply remove the old sand completely and apply Techniseal Jointing Sand.
How long does it take for polymeric sand to cure?
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. Polymeric sands are designed to soften and re-heal.
Does polymeric sand wash away?
If you use chemical-based paving sand such as polymeric sand you will need to completely remove it and replace it with new material if it cracks or washes away. However, with EnviroSAND you can top up whenever your paving sand is 1/8 inch or more below the chamfer on your paving stones.
Why are my pavers turning white?
Efflorescence occurs when water-soluble salts within concrete migrate to the surface and react with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate. This substance remains visible on the surface of the hardscape products like pavers, slabs and walls in the form of a white haze.
Does efflorescence on pavers go away?
Just as it appears naturally, efflorescence will eventual- ly disappear. Over time, rainwater can wash and wear it away. In urban areas with acidic rainfall, efflores- cence may go away faster than in rural areas.
Why do my pavers look white?
When the calcium hydroxide reaches the surface of the pavers, a chemical reaction occurs with the carbon dioxide in the air. As it reacts with the carbon dioxide, the calcium hydroxide forms a water insoluble calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate creates the whitish haze on the surface of the concrete pavers.
What is the problem with polymeric sand?
Issue #1: Polyhaze. Polymeric sand problems begin with the mixture of chemicals. When placing the formula into your paving stones or aggregate, it creates a polyhaze. This is a white, filmy substance left on your pathway after installation is complete. Polyhaze is difficult, if not impossible, to remove from your pathway, ...
How long does it take for polymeric sand to erode?
With over 10 years of studies by Envirobond, we have found that in as little as 120 minutes of rainfall polymeric sand begins to erode. This means you will need to re-do the entire pathway again.
What is the best material for a DIY pathway?
Solutions for a DIY pathway begin with finding the right materials. Integral to your landscape pathway materials is paving sand that doesn’t erode, is easy to top up and allows you to enjoy an aesthetically pleasing pathway without the maintenance. If you want to eliminate polymeric sand problems, then finding smarter solutions for the environment and your home such as EnviroSAND will last for year’s to come.
Why do you need to redo a sand path?
Instead, you will need to redo the entire pathway because you cannot fill in the sand.
What happens to a pathway when it is erosion?
With the erosion of the pathway, you will find unnecessary weed growth beginning to formulate. The deteriorating impact that occurs from weathering and time leads to a pathway that requires more maintenance or which you need to completely re-do for a better pathway.
Can you replace paving stone with envirobond?
With Envirobond, you can simply remove and replace any paving stone that has been damaged, lowering the amount of money and time requirements for maintenance. Of course, there are other polymeric sand problems that accelerate with using paving sand.
Can you use polymeric sand on a pathway?
However, this simple and tried solution often leads to issues and higher maintenance for your landscape pathway. Understanding the polymeric sand problems that occur can lead you to better decisions when beginning your DIY pathway.
What is polymeric sand?
Polymeric sand is a great jointing material for paver crevices but presents a challenge in the form of residual sand that hardens on the paver surface to form ugly, whitish haze . But how do I get rid of polymeric haze?
How to remove polymeric sand from pavers?
To effectively remove polymeric sand from pavers, strip off the sealant. Use a brick/block paver cleaner, or an acidic vinegar solution to clean the haze. Wash the surface with a pressure washer (medium pressure of 1600-2000 PSI ) to effectively get rid of haze without removing joint sand.
How to get rid of polymeric haze on driveway?
After getting rid of the sealant covering the polymeric haze, you can now acid-clean your paved driveway or patio using a vinegar solution to get rid of polymeric sand haze.
How to get rid of polymer haze?
You can either clean it off using an acidic vinegar solution, a brick cleaner, and hose pipe, or a pressure washer. However, if you had already sealed the paver surface and paver joints, you’ll have to strip off the sealant before removing the locked-in haze.
Why is there white sand on my pavers?
If you don’t remove this residual sand before misting the sand between the paver seams , it reacts with the water and hardens, resulting in the white haze.
How to remove soapy residue from a paved driveway?
After scrubbing the surface, remove the soapy cleaner residue and polymeric sand residue off of the paved surface by spraying it with your garden hose.
Can you strip sealant off a driveway?
If you had applied paver sealant over the polymeric sand haze, you’ll have to strip off the sealant first to access the haze. Some of the tools you’ll need for this job include a paver sealer stripper, a paint roller, a power washer, plastic sheeting, and protective gear. Here’s a step-by-step guideline on how to strip off sealer off a paved driveway surface.
What is Polymeric Sand?
Historically, pavers for patios, walkways, and driveways were installed with regular masonry sand. After paver installation, the sand would be swept into the paver joints. But the lack of binders in the sand would allow washout and cause weeds, grass and ant hills to form.
How to get rid of sand residue?
Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Use a leaf blower at its lowest setting to blow away any excess polymeric sand residue. Angle the blower at roughly 30 degrees to ensure you're not blowing sand out of the cracks.
What is the best sand for pavers?
Polymeric sand is a great alternative to traditional paver joint sand and its common pitfalls. Make sure you follow these best practices when installing pavers. Your patio will be weed- and ant-free for years to come, and you won’t have to worry about installing pavers for years.
How to remove air pockets in polymeric sand?
Using a back and forth motion, brush a push broom over the sand to ensure that each joint is filled to the entire depth of the paver. After brooming it into the joints, pack the sand down to remove air pockets and eliminate inconsistencies throughout the polymeric sand .
Why is paver joint sand flexible?
Yet, it becomes relatively flexible when wet to prevent cracking during freezing and thawing. Weeds can grow in the worst of conditions, including traditional paver joint sand.
What happens if you use too much water on pavers?
The amount of water you use is a critical element to an installation. Using too much water can cause the joint to over-saturate and result in polymer washout, mushy sand, and a weak bond. It can also result in excess sand spreading onto the surface of the pavers, which is both hard to remove and an eye sore.
Can poly sand ruin pavers?
Improperly installed poly sand can ruin a great paver project. Haste makes waste. If you want your patio finished for tomorrow's family picnic, you should rethink your timeline. Because it takes time for sand to set, you’d be better off rescheduling the installation.
What is polymeric sand?
Polymeric sand is composed of primarily small particle sand, which is designed to become hard when you wet it. Once adhesion breaks down the sand will begin to wash out of the joint, typically during the freeze thaw cycles in Michigan. There are many types of polymeric sand available on the market today so it’s easy to think ...
Why is polymeric sand less expensive than other types of sand?
Most manufactures use organic polymers in their sand, which are not as strong as synthetic polymers. This leads to loss caused by washout caused by heavy rain. The primary reason one type of polymeric sand is less expensive than another is simple. You are getting a lesser quality sand.
Why do polymers add cement to sand?
Some polymeric sand manufactures will add cement to the mix to reduce the cost of manufacturing. Cement residue gets wet & leaves a white or light gray film on the surface of the pavers making them look dull & discolored. Most manufactures use organic polymers in their sand, which are not as strong as synthetic polymers.
Can polymeric sand be used to stop moss?
Many use polymeric sand as a sales gimmick. Polymeric sand is not the best solution to stop moss & weeds from growing in brick pavers.
What is polymeric sand?
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.
What does it mean when sand is polymeric?
If there is a crust forming on the surface of the sand, typically this means that the sand was filled too high or the sand was not watered enough. If the sand was filled too high in the initial installation, the sand will continuously be worn and eroded away.
How to remove polymeric sand from pavers?
Knowing how to remove polymeric sand from pavers is not difficult, just time consuming and tedious. Warm to hot water actually reactivates the polymers within the sand and allows you to scrub or wash away the sand that is stuck to the surface of the pavers. If you have a small area like a corner where sand built up and hardened, you can simply boil some water and use that to pour on top of the affected areas and wash away the sand. If you have a larger area, then you will want to have a hot water pressure washer with an oscillating head to avoid wearing down the surface of the pavers to remove the polymeric sand from the surface.
What to do if polymeric sand is too saturated?
If you believe it was because the sand was too saturated or there was a rainfall before the sand set, then you can scrape out the sand and try reinstalling the polymeric sand.
Why is it important to familiarize yourself with polymeric sand?
There are universal steps to the process of installing polymeric sand, failure signs, and ways in which you can ensure that your polymeric sand installation will run smoothly.
How long does polymeric sand take to set?
Remember that if the sand requires 24 hours to set, temperatures should not drop below this temperature overnight as well.
How far should you sweep polymeric sand?
Most manufacturers recommend not to sweep the sand more than 10 feet in any direction to avoid separating the delicate formula.
Update 2022 – What is Poly Sand Haze?
We at Concrete Sealer Review are dedicated to being your source for the latest tips and trends for your concrete and brick paver sealers through 2022 and beyond. Poly sand haze is a common occurrence with brick pavers. In this updated article, we explain how to avoid it.
How to Fix Poly Sand Haze
To understand what poly sand haze is, let’s first take a look at how pavers are installed. Most pavers, regardless of whether it is a driveway, sidewalk, patio, or pool deck area, are laid on a compacted bed of sand. The bricks are laid out in whatever pattern you desire and are leveled to create an entire paver structure.
Poly Sand Haze Tips
The binding agent that is generated by mixing water and poly sand is what is left behind on the bricks causing the poly sand haze phenomenon. If poly sand haze has transpired on the surface, it must be cleaned with an acid-based cleaner. Sometimes vinegar can be used unless the poly sand haze is severe.
How to activate polymeric sand?
Wet the polymeric sand with a water hose to activate it, so that it forms the alloy that will keep pavers in place.
What happens when you wet sand?
When you wet this sand, it activates the polymers, which hardens the various components, effectively locking the pavers in place. Below we’ve listed the necessary steps for proper paver flooring cleaning: To begin, avoid any contact with water or moisture before cleaning. It will be easier to remove the polymeric sand from ...
What is the best material for pavers?
Although more expensive, polymeric sand is now the best option widely used in driveway and walkway projects. This particular material exists specifically to provide a lasting bond between pavers. But unlike normal sand, the compound hardens very quickly when you expose it to moisture or water.
What to do after removing polymeric sand from pavers?
Recommendations After Removing Polymeric Sand From Pavers. After removing the polymeric sand, it’s necessary to take some precautions: If you removed the polymeric sand from the pavers’ joints, you have to fill that space again. Don’t put the material into the gaps if the surface is wet or damp. Keep in mind the weather forecast, don’t do it ...
How to get sand out of pavers?
For even better performance, use a hot water pressure washer at 180 ° F. The heat will reactivate the polymers in the product and allow you to strip away the sand. If it’s a smaller paver area, use boiling water.
Is polymeric sand good for paving?
Still, the polymeric sand usage in paving projects is probably one of the best choices when it comes to sand types for joints.
Can you clean polymer sand?
To begin, avoid any contact with water or moisture before cleaning. It will be easier to remove the polymeric sand from the surface while it’s dry.
What is polymeric sand used for?
Before starting a patio paver project, understand that polymeric sand is used for joints (the spaces between pavers) that are 1 inch or smaller. The polymeric sand drops into these cracks easily and provides the protection necessary to resist water, grass, weeds, and insects.
How long does polymeric sand take to dry?
Most polymeric sands are ready for foot traffic after 24 hours. If it’s a driveway, wait 48 hours before parking a vehicle on it. Note, these drying times assume you’ve got sunny weather. Check the forecast before installing polymeric sand; if it rains before the polymeric sand dries, it will wash out to the top of the pavers, and you’ll have a mess on your hands.
How many square feet does dominator sand cover?
This product comes in a 45-pound bucket that can cover up 80 square feet of paver surface, depending on the size of the joints. DOMINATORS’s poly sand comes in several colors including natural hue, titanium, charcoal, taupe, and carmel.
How to make a paver with polymeric sand?
Using a wide push broom, spread the polymeric sand out until it fills the joints around the pavers evenly. The sand should come to within ⅛-inch of the top of the paver. If the pavers have beveled edges, fill to the bottom of the bevel. Using a hand or plate tamper, tamp the sand into place.
What is the best material to fill gaps between pavers?
This can leave your carefully laid pavers looking messy and uneven. To keep pavers in place, you need polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is a material used to fill the paver joints, which are the empty spaces between each paver. It’s sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand, or hardscape sand.
What is a jointing sand?
It’s sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand, or hardscape sand. Coated with a water-activated polymer, the grains of polymeric sand stick together when dampened, producing a seal that looks like grout and makes a stronger joint than standard filler sand. The result is a longer-lasting paver installation.
What is the glue that sticks together the grains of sand?
Polymeric sand is coated with an additive that makes the grains stick together when it gets wet. The most common adhesive, or polymer, used in polymeric sand is silica. The silica forms a flexible hold between the individual grains of sand and the pavers.