Remove first the grass, turf or dirt. Position the chisel in the groove. Activating the sand: Pretty every single manufacturer of polymeric sand in the marketplace has three main ingredients: Quartz silica. Vibrate the GATOR MAXX G2 into the paver joints using a vibratory plate compactor. If possible, use a heavy roller, such as a paint roller, to roll over the area to help even. First, examine the pit’s interior. 9. My 10 year old daughter can install it flawlessly, so I'm pretty sure you could. I'm reading mixed reviews online. If using paver sand, maintain a gap of about 2 to 3 inches between the stones. The material will settle when you hose it down, so repeat. This is critical. Once you’ve done that, you can form the base layer and flatten the area. (bag. Joints sand level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer. . Sweep the paving surface to remove any obstruction to the compacting machine. Pavers must be dry as a bone. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. Plus, it’s available in different colors to match any paver color. It will eventually fill up. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 20183. We then. Vibrating the sand into the gaps is just a by product of the compactor. Then see how quickly it sets up and hardens. When installing polymeric sand, it needs to be completely dry before it can be exposed to rain. Application Step 3. Don’t use the wrong base material. Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. The first time you should just sprinkle regular water on the sand, and the second time you should lightly mist or sprinkle only enough water to make the. 3. 3A. Keeping this in view,do you wet paver sand? Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. 4. • Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric sand. Don’t skip the step of compacting. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. Where a plate compactor cannot be used, proceed with a manual compaction: hammer vigorously each corner as well as the contour of each slab with a rubber mallet. Spread more product to fill joints again. Polymeric joint sand will essentially harden like concrete between your paving stones so it is permanent. This will vibrate the sand to the bottom of the joint. Curves will require more spikes. If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. I'm wrapping up a patio installation. Planning on a 4" base of compacted crusher run, and a 1" bedding layer of granite sand (pretty typical walkway installation). Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between paving stones, enhancing both aesthetics and durability of the overall structure. 7% 0lvwdnhvwr$yrlgwr(qvxuhd 6xffhvvixo3rophulf6dqg,qvwdoodwlrq $vhulhvriwhfkqlfdoexoohwlqviurp6(. 2 Run plate compactor over surface to com-pact the sand. When it comes to installing pavers for patios, walkways, or driveways, using polymeric sand is a popular choice for joint stabilization. A manual compaction will never replace the use of a plate compactor 3. By adding the right amount of water to the soil, the pores are filled, allowing the soil to settle and compact more easily. distribute polymeric sand evenly across surface. With the wheelbarrow and shovel, transfer the base material to the patio area. Compact the pavers using a plate compactor and a protective pad or a paver roller compactor. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. The joints are tight, largest about 3/8", smallest nearly 0. Pour a 4 to 6 inch layer of gravel into the patio trench and compact it using the ground compactor, also called a plate compactor. Good to Know. Obviously it'd be much quicker to do the latter. Remove the straight edge and use the chisel and hammer to deepen the groove to about 1/8-inch. Polymeric sand was invented by Techniseal in 1999, and it has improved the. After the base of crushed stone, a 1. Discover compactor machines for your next project at Lowes. Sweep in the sand. Use a plate compactor to vibrate the sand down into the joints. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. A paver installation should be performed to ICPI specifications, i. 1. If you only have a crust, you don't have a proper bond in the joints. The entire installation is built to take advantage of it. Step 6: clean. 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. Afterwards, you can spread the polymeric sand on your installation, making sure to sweep the sand around to fill every joint between the pavers. Accel Dust Preventing Paver Polymeric Sand 40-lb Shadow Grey Polymeric Sand. Clear the Residue. 1 Sweep with a push broom in all directions so joints are filled. One simple method for compacting sand without a compactor is walking over moist soil. Don’t ever compact porcelain pavers with a plate compactor. Extensive cleaning of the surface of the pavers is critical to remove all jointing sand before wetting down the sand. 9. Its gas engine produces 4,496 pounds of force, slamming the. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Never use a vibrating plate compactor on the paved surface. After our first 4″ lift, we will install a biaxial geogrid to add extra support to our open-graded base. These rammers, forward plate compactors, reversible plate compactors, and slab roller compactors speed up soil and paver work for hardscaping projects. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by. For wide joints: 20 to 40 sq. Polymeric sand is usually used in construction with horticultural projects to fill the joints with loose-set pavers on walkways and patios. Now pour the sand. . If possible run a vibratory compactor over the pavers. 3. How deep should polymeric sand be? We recommend the joint width between your pavers be between 1/8th of an inch and 4 inches and the joint depth to be at least 1 inch . Edging is important, because it keeps the pavers from shifting. Tomahawk Power 6. I’ve read the use of a plate compactor when putting in the polymeric sand into the paver joints is just to get vibration to help it settle. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. Step 1: Plan and Prepare the. Steps for installation: Spread product evenly on a small surface. 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. Step 1: protective clothing. The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. . 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. , installed over 1 inch (25 mm) of bedding sand, which will allow proper drainage and a successful polymeric sand installation. 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. It was raining on our project today and we were in the final wrap up stage of installing the jointing compound on this one. Pour The Sand 2. Use a broom to sweep the polymeric sand diagonally across the bricks in. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60 Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. If polymeric sand is installed prior to sealing, be sure surface is dry for 24 hours before applying sealer. makes the pavers move less under your feet. When all joints are filled, remove excess sand on surface. Run the compactor over the pavers in overlapping passes. Techniseal Polymeric Sand for Paver Joints Installation Procedure Yield: 10 x 10 surface. walk on the freshly pavers and twist your feet as you walk, you should notice a slight movement in the pavers as they are flowing on top of the sand. First, clear the area of any debris, weeds, etc. Once all of the pavers are in place, fill in the gaps between them with polymer sand. 1. The stirrer should now be placed over the pit. If the compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect the paver surface from damage. Check Price. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 6 Sand must be at least 1/8. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Polymeric sand also helps to protect and maintain the stability of the pavers. If the workpiece turned out to be a little wider, it is necessary to knock out the “wings” with a hammer. If you still have the compactor, use it on top of the brick (with the light layer of sand still present). Sunniland. 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. If compactor is not rubber-plated, cover pavers with a woven fabric while compacting to help protect paver surface from damage. A leader of innovation in the hardscape industry for more than 35 years, Techniseal introduced the very first polymeric sand for paver joints on the market in 1999. EnviroSAND and white-washed sand are the two best alternatives to polymeric sand. Then spread a light layer of sand over the paving. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Let me show you how we install polymeric sand to complete this pave patio. Put down paver base (compactible gravels) and DO compact for every 2" of subbase. And don’t forget a protective pad for under the plate compactor! 4. Is it just a polymeric sand that is hyped up and put in a bag?. To calculate the amount of sand needed for pavers, measure the length and width of the area to be paved. Building a pathway from the driveway to the front porch over the long weekend. Ottawa. In short: sweep the stone dust into the joints, hose down. 1. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use. 5) 4. So if you are doing research. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). Problems during the curing process can decrease its lifespan. 180 posts · Joined 2012. The rest of the ingredients are some type of filler and the proprietary glue. 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. Updated on March 1, 2023. Sweep sand into joints until full, being carefulThe 4 Polymeric Sand Alternatives. Easy Install Procedure. I show you the entire process for interlocking, but the same process can be used. 08 cm) wide and the. 25” min depth when using X-Treme). Bag, (Slate Gray) Advanced Haze Free Technology Can be used for joints up to a maximum of 1 inch (2. Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. Skill Level: Beginner. ) Spread and sweep again. Polymeric sand and plate compacting. Polymeric sand and plate compacting. of centrifugal force. . . is recommended to plan for at least 24 hours without rain in order to obtain optimal performances. When mixed with water, it forms a strong binding agent that can be used to fill spaces between pavers, tiles, and more. which may result in and low volumes of the soil and HPB and can be put in place without compaction, but may settle slightly. Bad Weather Conditions. 3. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. However, you should make sure that the foundation is correctly laid and level, then use sand and gravel or grout to. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it look like the cracks are full even though it is empty/hollow below the bridge. 6. One of the most important steps in a polymeric sand installation is proper compaction of the sand into the joints. Building a pathway from the driveway to the front porch over the long weekend. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor . With an average price of $30 in most areas. Tampers are ideal for leveling dirt and mulch after planting shrubs and small trees, leveling and packing paver base before installing a. Without that vibration sand/polymeric can bridge making it. To make the sand uniform, lay pieces of 1/2-inch outside-diameter PVC pipe on the ground and pour a layer of sand over the area. Good to Know. Check the underground in the pit carefully. Fasten screws on all sides. View More. For the best result, it is much better to wait at least 1-3 days for polymeric sand to set before allowing foot traffic or any movements on its surface. In a Gator Base installation, both the native soil and the bedding sand needs to be prepared and compacted the same way you’d prepare and compact a traditional base installation. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. Again, you can’t compact the sand base. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. Spread it Correctly. Perform The First Sweep 3. 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 best to compact in several directions to ensure there. Install over a drainage base and bed (sand-set). You’ll want to repeat sweeping and compacting until the joints are filled and consolidated. Remove the sand base sand that's there now (compact also) 2. Avoid foot and vehicular traffic during this process to allow the sand to be fully set. Do not use sand or other material to partially fill the joint. Paver Set must be placed in the full depth of the joint. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. Step 2: prepare the substrate. Then, hold the nozzle about 12 inches away from the pavers and move it in controlled, overlapping motions. Rake out the sand over the base until it’s roughly even. Epic Fail #1: Too much or too little watering. Because they easily follow soil movement. Pour the sand onto the pavers and sweep it into the joints. Plastic 4mm spacers should. Following the layout, start digging out the soil. 10. Let plastic panels take the place of the gravel base. Never compact or activate polymeric sand with water until entire surface is clean and free of dust. If existing project, properly clean out joints before applying polymeric sand and skip to step C. Rain is an inherent risk of any polymeric sand project. How to use Polymeric Sand . Then, you will need to put the sand into a compactor. If the workpiece turned out to be a little wider, it is necessary to knock out the “wings” with a hammer. Start by laying perforated plastic drainage tubing along the base of the wall slightly above ground level so it can drain to daylight. ft per 50 lb bag. Be careful while driving the spikes with a hammer, as they can sometimes snap. How to Use Polymeric Sand. Watch on. It is a type of sand that is created by mixing fine sand, binders and additives that help lock pavers together in place. 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. Pavers Contain Moisture At The Time Of Installation; 2. . Activate the sand by lightly showering the pavers with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. Click here to download the 5 key differences between porcelain and concrete paver installation document. White-washed sand and EnviroSAND provide a similar solution without the need for polymeric sand. -6xuherqg« ³$fklhylqj,qvwdoodwlrq3huihfwlrq´Why Use Polymeric Sand as a Paver Base. red92s Discussion starter. For existing jobs, you’ll want to use 3,500 lbs. New jobs will require 4,000-5,000 lbs. Pavers must be completely dry before installing polymeric. Polymeric sand should be installed according to the instructions provided by the producer. After that, rinse the pavement with a garden hose to remove the polymeric sand haze and the vinegar solution from the pavement. (1. makes the pavers move less under your feet. • Clean, easy, fast and durable alternative to mortar jointing and stone dust. Lightly rap with the hammer down the length of the groove until the paver breaks apart. 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. Step 5: Apply a layer of sand. Utilize your equipment to completely wrap up the area you wish to condense. 5-cu ft Brown Leveling Paver Sand. Try this next time you doubt compacting as a proven method: 1. Over-Watering And Under-WateringTo use vinegar to remove polymeric sand haze, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket. 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. com. Ideally this is done using a vibratory plate compactor. Leiden Cambridge Blend. We then ran them over with the smallest compactor we could find quickly and briefly. Inspect the pavers to make sure the sand in the crevices is at least 1/8″ below the top of the pavers. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor. Now is finally time to add the sand to your patio. makes it more difficult for weeds to grow. In some cases, you can add dirt surrounding the patio, but you’ll need to plan that out before you get started. Wait 24 hours after rain. Make sure that the pavers are dry and that the forecast is sunny before continuing on. Estimated Cost: $40 to $60. . 35 to $2 per square foot, depending on the size. Once all the pavers are set on their designed location, add a polymer sand on the gaps between the pavers. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. We just spent 2 weeks laying pavers ourselves and used sand (non polymeric) to set them. Installation Conditions: Bedding must be made of dense graded sand. This will effectively clean the haze without. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. installation. Brush sand into joints at a 45-degree angle. The vibration also compacts the sand grains together with fine dust between which further locks them. If this is not practical use a broom handle to tap on. of centrifugal force. Do not hammer the stones to straighten the face, it is better to space them out. • Sprinkler system must be turned off. Installing polymeric sand on a damp or wet surface could cause the sand and polymers to stick to the surface and become difficult to remove. 1. per foot. 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. 5 – Sweep Everything Off. Do this at a time when it won;t rain for at least 2 or 3 days Buy an appropriate amount of Polymeric Sand (get a bit more than you think you need) and rent a plate compactor from HD. 1. Any sand left on top will stain. One of the most critical steps in a polymeric sand installation is properly compacting the sand into the joints. Wait 24 hours after rain. Blow across the pavers, not down, otherwise you can blow too much sand out of the cracks. Compress the border’s encircling thirty to forty cm to provide an edge. Before pouring the sand, you must dry clean the surface to remove any debris or dust. 2. Use a garden hose to spray enough water over the joint area to activate the polymeric sand and form a hardtop barrier. Gator Maxx G2 helps prevent weeds and damage caused by ants. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by rain or. Considering this,how many square feet does a 50 lb bag of polymeric sand cover? One bag of 50 lbs (22. Not every pressure washing company offers the. See moreThe vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. 10 – DON’T activate polymeric sand without thoroughly sweeping your pavers. You’ll need to dig down far enough to accommodate 3-4″ of packed gravel base, 1″ of leveling material, plus the thickness of the pavers. Ideal for smaller projects like interlocking paving stones, trenches, landscaping and maintenance or any confined area soil compaction. I tried to look. Remove excess residue with a leaf blower. Applying polymeric sand involves pouring it into paver joints, watering it, and allowing it to set for a few days. 5-Cu Ft Brown Paver Base - Establish Strong Foundation for Patios, Walkways, and Pool Decks - Easy to Use - Cover with Leveling Sand. Polymeric sand does not merge with old sand but given its newness, it might work to fill the gaps - it really depends. After joints are filled, sweep excess product from the surface. Place the drill bit in the screw holes and drill the wood with a slight slope. Allow the mixture to sit for several minutes before rinsing the pavers thoroughly with a hose. Generally we install an 8″ base using ASTM #57 stone and install in 4″ lifts. Compress the sub-base by 30% for your pavers and patios. Put down restraint edging (some people move this step to 6. Before starting work, you should put on the correct protective clothing. Not every pressure washing company offers th. Polymeric sand should come to the BOTTOM of the bevel. Is it just a polymeric sand that is hyped up and put in a bag?. You should be able to apply your sealer over the sanded joints, though it may not prevent this issue from happening again. All sand. 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. If you're in a freeze/thaw cycle climate that can also cause that. The vibration of a compactor is vital to settling sand or polymeric sand into the joints between pavers. Do not use a plate compactor to compact the sand. . Use a low-pressure spray nozzle on. Alliance Gator Polymeric"Super" Sand, 50 lb. Polymeric sand is an effective solution for compacting pavers without the need for a compactor. B. Because the sand is very coarse, you must use it regularly. This is why itÕs important to sweep in more sand to ensure the joints get filled up to 1/8 inch (3mm) below the paverÕs edge or chamfer. After the compactor has frozen, you will need to take. Share. After it is installed, the sand needs to be dampened and thoroughly tamped or compacted with a plate compactor or hand tamp to fill any voids. Check Price. It is a type of sand that is created by mixing fine sand, binders and additives that help lock pavers together in place. In short: sweep the stone dust into the joints, hose down. STEP 6: Spreading Polymeric Joint 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. Run the compactor over the patio area to compact the sand onto the base. All three wettings must utilize a fine misting spray. 3. After the initial compaction, you'll notice that the height of the sand will drop dramatically about 30-50%!Oct 10, 2018 3. 86K views 2 years ago. This polymeric sand however, seems to preclude me using water as a tool to help it settle. Stone dust traps and retains moisture which causes polymeric sand to fail. To ensure that the dry Paver Set fills the entire joint it is necessary to compact the material before wetting. . Seal the paving surface to preserve its color and luster. Polymeric sands have really come along way since their inception in 1999 by Techni Seal. Polymeric sand helps to hold the pavers in place and prevents them from shifting or moving. Pro Tip: Installing cement sand uses the same method as installing polymeric sand. Late last summer, I tackled a couple of outdoor DIY projects using some new-to-me products – mulch glue and polymeric sand. Using a hose on a gentle spray ('mist', or maybe 'flat' if you're adventurous), wet the sand in the gaps. Pavers must have a strong base, a flat bedding, an edge restraint, and a sealing. 7. Keep the. Two types of paver. 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. Polymeric sand 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, more finished look. I tried to look. How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor Step 1: protective clothing. This product is ideal for paver joints of up to a maximum of 2". Repeat this dampening 3 times, in 15-20. )The most effective way to compact ground without a compactor is to use your feet by walking over the area. You should not use polymeric sand if the area you are trying to fill with it is prone to high levels of rain and water runoff, as the sand can be easily washed away. Many installers cut corners to speed up paving processes. How can I use polymeric sand without a compactor? How to Compact Pavers without a Plate Compactor . This will cause the sand to consolidate. To activate the polymeric sand, begin by quickly showering the surface with a water hose nozzle. The pavers were high quality Cambridge with faux bluestone clefts. However, not everyone wants to use polymeric sand, and many homeowners opt for an alternative. A final layer is gently swept into the gaps, without the aid of any compaction. of polymeric sand you will end up with a mess. It should also be installed 1/8″ below the top of the product or the bottom. You use the compactor to compact the pavers. Did you compact the grade/concrete fines/sand below the pavers?7 Most Common Reasons for Polymeric Sand Failures. 5. 79. Clear the area. It's ideal for leveling gravel, smoothing and flattening dirt, repairing asphalt, and tamping loose soil. Be wise and do the same! 6. You can portable any type of kind of dirt by adding the ideal amount of water to make sure that it changes the pores inside the dirt.