If you are installing pavers, one of the best things that you can use to seal the joints between them is polymeric sand.
Polymeric sand is very long-lasting and durable, but it does need to be applied properly. Therefore, today we are going to cover how to use this material to install pavers.
We’re going to give you a step-by-step tutorial on the matter, as well as answer all of your most pressing questions.
How to Use Polymeric Sand When Installing Pavers
Let’s go through a quick step-by-step tutorial on exactly how to use polymeric sand when installing pavers.
Step 1: Inspect the Area and Check the Weather
Before you start, inspect the entire area to make sure that everything is dry. There should be absolutely no dampness or moisture present. Polymeric sand needs to be applied to a dry surface. If the surface is wet, things can get messy.
At the same time, speaking of moisture, you also need to check the weather. Polymeric sand will not properly harden or cure if it gets rained on.
Because of this, you want to ensure that there is no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours, if not 48 hours, to be safe. Also, check the temperature, because polymeric sand should not be installed in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Pour and Sweep
Once you have made all of the necessary preparations, you can now open up your bags of polymeric sand and pour it onto the surface. You’re going to pour the substance onto the pavers in one neat pile.
With the polymeric sand poured out, you’re now going to use a broom with very hard bristles to sweep the sand into the joints. Make sure that all of the joints are filled right to the top with the sand.
Step 3: Compact the Sand
To make sure that the polymeric sand has gone down as deep into the joints as possible, you then want to use a plate compactor. This is going to vibrate the pavers and the polymeric sand so that it moves down as far as possible.
Step 4: Repeat Steps 2 and 3
To make sure that the joints are as full of polymeric sand as possible, you are now going to repeat steps two and three. So, use your broom to once again brush more of the polymeric sand into the joints, and then use the plate compactor to compact everything into place.
Step 5: Sweep and Blow Away Residue
You will now want to use a fine bristle broom to sweep away any remaining sand, especially on top of the pavers. You may even want to use something like a leaf blower to blow away any remaining sand and dust. If using a blower, make sure to hold it horizontally so you don’t end up blowing sand out from between the joints.
Step 6: Water the Sand
One of the final steps here is going to be watering the sand, as this will activate the polymers and then cause the material to stick together. You will want to use either the mist setting or the shower setting, and hold your hose at about four feet up in the air.
Get the entire surface slightly moist, and then move your hose down to about two feet, and repeat the process. Throughout this process, you also want to rinse away residue on top of the pavers. Once you see a buildup of white foam or small puddles on the pavers, you know that you are done.
Step 7: Dry Clean the Area
The final step here is to use your blower to blast away the remaining polymeric sand dust and residue from the pavers. All you have to do now is wait for the polymeric sand to fully cure and harden.
In separate articles, I wrote about how to remove polymeric sand from pavers and how to deal with poly haze.
Applying Polymeric Sand: Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s now answer all of the most frequently asked questions that people have about applying and using polymeric sand.
Can You Apply Polymeric Sand Without a Compactor?
Technically speaking, sure, you can apply polymeric sand to your pavers without using a compactor.
However, the results are not going to be as good. That compactor is required to vibrate the plates, and therefore vibrate the sand as deep down through the cracks as possible.
Without using this tool, the cracks or joints in between the pavers may look full of sand but are actually not. If these joints are not completely full, the end result is not going to be good.
How Long Does Polymeric Sand Take to Dry?
If the weather is warm and dry, this material should take around 24 hours to dry. Within 24 hours, you should be able to walk over the pavers.
However, in order for it to fully cure, it may take up to 48 hours, especially if you expect to allow vehicle traffic onto the pavers. Do not allow vehicle traffic onto the pavers for at least 48 hours after having applied the polymeric sand.
How Long Does Polymeric Sand Take to Set?
Polymeric sand will take about one hour of drying until it is somewhat set, 24 hours for it to dry, and about 48 hours for it to be 100% done.
What to Do If Your Polymeric Sand Got Rained on During Installation?
If the sand got rained on and has spilled all over the place, you want to immediately hose or sweep it away from the surface of the pavers. This is because it’s going to create a hazy surface on the pavers.
Other than that, there’s really not much you can do, as you have to wait for it to fully dry. Once it is fully dried, you can then make an assessment. If the result is not good, you will have to remove the botched job and start from the beginning.
What to Do If Your Polymeric Sand Is Not Hardening Properly?
If your polymeric sand has not hardened properly, it’s almost 100% a moisture issue. In other words, the joints are still wet and just need to dry out.
One of the only things that you can really do here is to wait for it to dry and harden. If after a few days it is still not hard, you will need to remove it and reapply a new layer.
Can You Seal Over Polymeric Sand?
Yes, there are a variety of masonry sealers and joint sealers that you can use to seal right over polymeric sand, which will help it last longer.
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips and Tricks
Here are some more tips to keep in mind:
- When watering the polymeric sand, never let the entire surface dry out. It should stay moist at all times.
- If there is even a small chance of rain, wait to apply the polymeric sand. It’s just not worth the risk.
Summary
You should now know exactly how to use polymeric sand. We hope that we have answered all of your most pressing questions about it as well.
In case your driveway needs fixing and you have some polymeric sand left, you might want to check out this article.