Polymeric sand is a special type of sand that is combined with a variety of additives such as silica, which form a binding agent when the sand is exposed to water. This substance can be used for a variety of things, including fixing cracks in driveways. How to use polymeric sand to fix driveway cracks is exactly what we’re going to talk about today.
Can You Use Polymeric Sand to Fix Driveway Cracks?
Keep in mind that this substance is not the number one material that you should use, but it will work in a pinch. For example, if you have a concrete driveway with cracks in it, the best solution would be to fill those cracks with new concrete or to even repave the driveway. There are even purpose-made concrete crack fillers.
That said, this is not always an option, as cost is typically an issue. Polymeric sand is not the most costly substance in the world, and it can fill those cracks with relative efficiency. The good thing about polymeric sand, if used properly, is that it will last for anywhere from 8 to 15 years.
This material is also a pretty good option to go with because it can fill joints and cracks that are as small as 1/4 inches, and as wide as 1.5 inches. However, if the cracks in the driveway are larger than 1.5 inches, you will want to look for alternative solutions.
How to Fix Driveway Cracks Using Polymeric Sand
Polymeric sand is not overly difficult to use, but for the best results, it does need to be used properly. Remember, you will need to mix this sand with water. If you use either too much or too little water, the results are not going to be good. Let’s go over a step-by-step tutorial on how to fix driveway cracks using polymeric sand.
Step 1: Check the Weather
Before you start this task, check the weather. Polymeric sand should not be exposed to moisture once it has been set in place. You should check to see that it will not rain for at least 24 hours after having applied the polymeric sand to the cracks in the driveway. If the weather forecast looks clear, move on to the following step.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
You are going to need to get polymeric sand, water, preferably from a water hose, a hose attachment so you can create a fine mist of water, as well as a good broom. You will also need some sort of tool that is thin enough to fit into the crack, so you can compact the sand. Compacting the sand is an important step in this process, and it should not be skipped.
Step 3: Prepare the Surface
Just like before painting something, you are going to want to prepare the surface before applying the polymeric sand to the cracks in your driveway. In other words, you want to get as much debris out of those cracks as you can.
This means removing any plant life or weeds, rocks, and any other such things. Of course, if the crack is very thin, this might be difficult. However, you should do your very best to ensure that the crack is relatively clean. A pro tip here is to use some compressed air to blast any debris out of the cracks.
Step 4: Sweep in the Sand, Compact, and Repeat
Now comes the time to apply the polymeric sand into the crack. To do this, you’re going to pour a good bit of that sand right beside the crack. You are then going to use a broom to sweep the sand into the crack.
Next, you are going to use any tool of choice to try and compact that sand down as much as possible. You then want to repeat this process of throwing sand into the crack and compacting it down at least two or three times.
This step will help ensure that the crack is completely full. You don’t want any empty spots here, as this will more or less defeat the whole purpose of this exercise. Once you have put sand in the crack and compacted it a few times over, move on to the following step.
Step 5: Apply Water
To cause that chemical reaction that will force the polymeric sand to harden, you need to apply water to it. However, be sure that you use a very gentle mist setting on your hose. You just want to mist the sand. You don’t want to completely soak it.
Moreover, you don’t want to use so much water pressure that you actually end up washing the sand away and blasting it right out of the crack.
Just apply a very light mist to the surface of the sand and continue doing so for a few minutes. Knowing exactly how much water to apply can be tricky. For exact water quantities, you will need to read the instructions on the polymeric sand you have purchased.
Step 6: Let It Dry and Cure
The only thing left to do now is to let the sand set, dry, and cure. It might only take about an hour for the sand to set, although depending on the weather, it may take up to 24 hours or longer for it to cure.
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips and Tricks
Lastly, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Always read the directions on your product of choice. This is especially the case when it comes to applying the proper amount of water.
- Put sand in the cracks at least two or three times, and compact after each application. This will ensure that the cracks are completely full.
- Never perform this task in extremely humid weather or if there is rain in the forecast.
- Do not apply any water at all before putting the sand in the crack. This sand will stick to anything that is wet, and it will make a huge mess.
Summary
You should now know exactly how to use polymeric sand to fill cracks in your driveway. It is also a great substance for installing pavers so if that’s something you need to do, read this article.