The only solution would be to completely remove the polymeric sand redo the whole pathway. Second, it aids in the filling of any fractures or gaps between pavers. SF Gate writes that during the installation of pavers, sand plays an integral role. On the other hand, if the joint is too wide, the polymeric sand will easily lead to a washout during activation because there is too much water on the surface. FLEXLOCK G2 POLYMERIC SAND Ideal for Residential use Traditional applications Concrete pavers, natural stones, wet cast products and clay pavers Sloped areas, pool areas, patios, walkways,Levels the paver evenly: regular sand is used more for leveling the cushion between the pavers than filing them. A paver installation should be performed to ICPI specifications, i. This product behaves similar to a mortar, except it offers the added benefit of permeability when properly maintained and cleaned. 2. Check the weather, you will need two days of sun and dry weather. Watch on. (50 mm) joint width. For wider gaps, you. Speak With An Expert. Step 1: The first step you need to take while installing paver sand is to fight the prevailing weeds in your patio. The gap is too big for polymeric sand alone. A sloped driveway may be more subject to erosion than a flat patio. So getting one initial complete drying "set" is very important to the long-term performance and lifespan of the product. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. 10 Pound Titanium Gray DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand with Revolutionary Ceramic Flex Technology for Stabilizing Paver Joints/Gaps, 1/8” up to 4”, Professional Grade Results. 8 (69) 2. Weatherproof – Unlike regular jointing sand, which can be washed away by. Specifically, calibrated sand is mixed with sophisticated intelligent polymers. Ok, i will look into the decoseal also. Laying about 5" of road pack + 1. This polymeric sand consists of a 10: 1 ratio of polymer and sand to form a strong and unbreakable substance for filling and mending hard surfaces. Alliance Gator. Learn how. Minimum joint width. Pavers must have a clean and dry surface for proper application. Easier Paver Patios. Play Video. So I googled sand vs. Block paving is tighter than 3mm as a rule, another thing is my slabs were laid on wet mortar so stay put. 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. Doubling Down On Gator Base Efficiencies. Polymeric sand relies on the activation of a polymer binder to harden and create a solid joint. Easy to remove: when the time for reinstallation comes, you can wash. Polymeric sand is a specialized construction material typically used for landscaping projects like sealing pavers and driveways. If applied properly, the binding agent in the sand will harden in the joints and completely prevent weeds and ants from causing cracks in the surface. For these types of applications, polymeric sand would be the best choice! Polymeric Sand vs. Activate the sand by lightly showering the pavers with water according to the manufacturer’s directions. Thus, you need about 0. Preferably you'd scrap out some base, add fresh base. jointing sand for a fast, clean, durable and profitable installation. If removing polymeric sand, a hot water pressure washer will help to soften up the binders in the sand. Add to cart. The grout that was used was a polymeric sand made by Alliance, the product name is XP. Thus, the most suitable pressure for cleaning pavers is the medium range (From 1600 to 2000 PSI). Grout is generally an interior joint sealer, whereas polymeric sand is usually an outdoor joint sealer. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. 1. Once FLEXLOCK SAND polymeric sand sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the paver joints while still. Easier to install and more durable than traditional hardscape aggregate, they also prevent weed growth and insect infestations. Polymeric sand is a mixture of fine sand combined with other additives. 81. It works on tight joints as well as joints as wide as 4 inches. ″. So, when it rains, instead of the sand washing out of the joints, the. 1. Even some of the areas where the joint was far wider than 1/4in only found 2-3 weeds in the entire patio a number of places where the sand had come out, possibly because of a few torrential downpours we had recently. 2. It is very fine sand, and it has a white or yellowish color. Tan Polymeric Sand. Specifically, calibrated sand is mixed with sophisticated intelligent polymers. Keep repeating this step as. Yield: 10 x 10 surface. Fast-setting, water resistant 90-minutes after installation. EnviroSAND and white-washed sand are the two best alternatives to polymeric sand. In case this type of filler isn’t meeting your needs, I’ve also added a handful of. Silica is such as an additive and is often used to help lock the fine sand particles together. Button. Now, one year later, the mortar is breaking apart from the flagstones and crumbling. Power Flex technology creates a stable, superior bond between paver joints and prevents shifting and erosion, ensuring sturdy outdoor surfaces. Then once you have it in the gaps and everything. What’s the difference between Gator Nitro and polymeric sand? Nitro is admittedly new and hot right now, but is it right for every job? Come learn when to use Nitro and when you’re better off sticking with polymeric sand for. Instead, a mock-up installation is recommended to determine the quantity required. For expansion joints, I've seen backer rod squeezed in, self-leveling goop put in, then sand sprinkled on top. Choosing the correct type of sand is essential to seal the pavers and ensure that they are laid firmly so that the structure lasts longer. It lasts longer while keeping the paver bound. Packaging. Living On The Edge! The Single Most Overlooked Aspect Of A Hardscape Install. Play Video. Play Video. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. When used for something like sealing paver joints, polymeric sand should last for 10 or 15 years, whereas grout will only last for three to five years. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. Binding Agents. The advantages of using polymeric sand for paving mostly revolve around its strength and durability as a joint filler. Jointing Material G2 SAND STEPS How We’ve Made Our Haze Free Polymeric Sand Even Better How to install POLYBIND COMPLETE G2 polymeric sand How to install POLYBIND Sand G2 polymeric sand How to install Polybind Sand polymeric sand Crystalline silica testing with Polybind Sands Everything. Polymeric sand actually cures via drying, whereas Easy Joint cures through a chemical reaction with oxygen. Polymeric sands last ten to fifteen years between pavers, depending on the building and experts performing installation techniques. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. Made of graded sand and binder, this highly reliable residential jointing sand flows smoothly into the joints and lets you install pavers quickly and efficiently. Allows for. To the touch, they feel more like a fine powder than anything else. Save yourself the headaches when it comes to the install of such. Date published: 2018-09-09. Continue to move the jointing compound around the surface filling the joints to 1/8″ below the top of paver or bottom of chamfer. Choosing the right polymeric sand. Play Video. Another similarity shared by both polymeric sand and silica sand is that they are both extremely fine. Read page 2 of our customer reviews for more information on the Quikrete 50 lb. It’s sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand, or. It’s fine-grained, clean sand that works well as an ingredient in mortar and concrete used to lay bricks, blocks, and stones. STEP 5. Our new Gator Nitro is very different from polymeric sand. The minimum joint depth is 1”. The heat will reactivate the polymers in the. This material has a fairly simple installation. The filled and cured polymeric sand joints should never be in direct contact with. In most cases, the polymeric sand is completely set in twenty-four to forty-eight hours after activation. GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND can be installed rain or shine. -Sakrete Paver Set Polymeric. Sweep off excess FLEXLOCK SAND polymeric sand from the paved surface, first with a hard-bristle broom, then a soft bristle broom. For red pavers, the best choice of polymeric sand color would typically be a brown or tan shade. The minimum joint depth is 1” (25 mm). Builder’s sand is the most common replacement for polymeric sand, and it is easy to access and. ft. Convert the volume to cubic yards if needed. 1. Model #. Polymeric Sand Installation Step 3. The publication explains that, when dry, polymeric sand is fine and powdery. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. That process will give you the best long term patio. Polymeric sand can be found in a variety of colors, including tan, gray, and black. Pavers are 2" thick. . Shower your pavers to seal and harden the sand. It costs $50 to $75 per 27. It is sometimes called jointing sand, paver sand or hardscape sand. He said that using polymeric sand will result in a much more stable patio and will stop weeds from growing in the joints. Our Pick. Polymeric sands boast outstanding durability, weed and insect resistance, and a selection of colors to highlight or. Once the polymeric sand is set, it will not wash out from the joints like the regular masonry sand. Gain 1 Whole Work Day With Gator Base. Paver sand is the type of sand you prefer to use. Easy Joint is a very quick and effective way to fill joints for patios and walkways. For even better performance, use a hot water pressure washer at 180 ° F. 7. Compacting the sand is an important step. The challenge is to avoid staining. Coverage : For narrow joint installations, one 22. If you are a hardscape contractor, it's likely you've had issues with poly sand over the last year or so. Here are a few pros and cons of polymeric sand. It is more expensive than regular dry joint sand but not as pricey as joint compound. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main Differences. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. The installation methods for the polymeric sands and Nitro Joint Sand mix are almost identical to regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. Dry and hot conditions may increase the likelihood of resins from the. It is crucial that the polymeric sand is installed up to 1/8” below the paver’s chamfer (polymeric sand must never be the same height as the stone itself). GATOR NITRO JOINT SAND is the ideal air cure, permeable jointing material. 4. Polymeric sand improves the overall durability of the hardscape you install. This is especially true with grey sand which is made from crushed sub-angular aggregates. The installation methods for the polymeric sands and Nitro Joint Sand mix are almost identical to regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. Determine the thickness of the sand layer (usually around 1 inch) and calculate the volume in cubic feet. Updated on March 1, 2023 by Anton Giuroiu. The minimum joint depth is 1”. A water-activated polymer is introduced to the sand. Get it now on Amazon. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. Cleaners. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. it forms a binding agent that will help lock the pavers together. Can be installed rain or shine. 2. After investing in a new paver patio or driveway we recommend joint stabilizing silica sand and sealer. Gator Dust or Gator Maxx it is an advanced polymeric sand mixture that has wide gap applications. 0. Gator Paver and Stone Cleaners. It is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and proprietary resin formula which cures when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Sakrete Paver Set. The minimum joint depth is 1 in. If they are adjacent to each other, e. Our G2 line of polymeric sands are specially formulated for no haze, no dust, and only require a single watering! In this video, we'll discuss what different. Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Winter Storage Tips. The takeaway here: while you can’t control the weather, you can certainly control many aspects of your polymeric sand job. If the joints remain wet after the installation, they will remain soft until they dry. In 1999, Techniseal launched the first-ever polymeric sand for paver jointing. Especially in a climate with winters like ours in Pennsylvania. Looking to protect and enhance your pavers' appearance? Look no further than Techniseal® Protectors. For a typical 10 x 12-ft. This is a combination of using joint stabilizing silica sand and a liquid product that protects and penetrates both the paver and the sand in the joint as well. Silica sand has 95 percent or more silicon dioxide as its main component. Regular Sand: Understanding the Difference — North Valley Stone Supply LLC Sand is a critical component to creating inviting and durable. Polymeric Sand Horror Stories - How To Not Fall Victim! Play Video. On the other hand, regular sand is often used to create a base for pavers due to its easy distribution and low. It is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and proprietary resin formula which cures when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Polymeric Sand vs. Its high. Durability. Play Video. Furthermore, polymeric sand in taupe color gives a darker shade comparatively but still keeps its beige color. Fill joints between interlocking pavers and slabs! Use SAKRETE Polymeric Sand, a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand, available in Beige or Grey. 99I haven’t come across polymorphic sand, but avoid resin mortars like the plague as they are designed to form a hard impermeable surface. Polymeric sand cannot be installed in pavers placed on stone dust. 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. Ideal for Gator Nitro Joint Sand Gator Nitro Joint Sand is a ready-to-use mixture of calibrated sand and resins which cure when exposed to air, hardening from top to bottom of the joint. Dominator is top quality polymeric sand in the market. It is often called polymeric sand because of the chemical binder that is. I haven't gotten a price yet on the techniseal, but the big box stores sell a $10, 30 square foot bag. The minimum joint depth is 1” (25 mm). As such, when used correctly, it is more durable than regular sand. The installation of the polymeric sand GATOR MAXX SAND is almost identical to using regular paver joint sand except for the application of water. Gator Tile Sand is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Beige, Slate Grey, Ivory and Black Diamond. A neighbor recommended that I talk to the contractor about using polymeric sand. What applications make the best fit? Gator Nitro Sand is a great fit for hardscape contractors and masons who prefer using mortar over polymeric sand. Today, we still offer the highest performing jointing products on the market. It also causes cracks and gaps, because the sand hasn't fully bonded the entire depth of the joint. Even the “standard” grey color has variations such as slate grey and granite gray. stone dust and landed here. Cheap: regular sand is much cheaper than polymeric sand; it costs about $4 per 50 lb bag. Gator Grids and Fabrics. Polymeric sand is a semi-permeable sand that contains additives and binding agents to lock paver joints into place. It is easy to distribute regular sand to create a leveled base to install pavers. Step 2. Sunniland. Unlike regular sand, polymeric sand is. Next is silica sand. The key difference between polymeric sand and polymeric dust boils down to the size of the joints between the stones. The product. Step 1. Kinetic Sand is a magical mixture of 98% sand and 2% polymer, or what we like to call magic. I would not however use it on block paving the suppliers say you need a fairly wide gap of 3mm and to go in at least 20mm. Polymeric sand is also easy to find but will cost you more—anywhere from $20 to $90 per 50-pound bag. Sold in a 40-pound packet, the DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand sits atop my list because of its strength and flexibility. It can also be a long-term solution for repairing cracks on these surfaces. . FLEXLOCK SAND is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated sand available in Sandy Beige and Graphite Grey. EZ Sand Techniseal polymer sand prevents weed growth, repels ants and other insect infestations. The minimum joint depth is 1”. No, polymeric sand does not harden in the same way that concrete does. It could also emphasize the tone for gray bricks and stones. The polymeric sand application is now dust free, haze free, no blower needed, requiring only one watering and offering a Rapid Set technology of rain safe after 15 minutes. Traditional Poly Sand: Stronger Isn't Always Better. The initial drying of polymeric sand is an important factor for its long term durability that tends to indicate its longevity later on. View Full Product Details. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using polymeric sand for making bonds between the paver stones. The material will settle when you hose it down, so repeat. I went to Home Depot and found Magic Sand. While the polymeric "sand" may last a big longer, I would just as soon see less small-grain plastic released into the wild. com. Ideal forSurface type : Concrete Paver, Concrete Slab, Interlocking Paver, Wet Cast Paver. A single panel is equivalent to 130 kg (288 lb) of crushed stone, saving you a minimum of 6″ (15 cm) of. While paver sand sits underneath the paver stone in a compact bedding layer, paver joint sand and polymeric sand are applied over the paver stone to fill in the spaces between the joints. . Polymeric sand is a type of sand that's often recommended for paver joints. . (50 mm) joint width. PowerLoc Jointing Sand into the joints and mist with water; the product hardens, locking the pavers into place. Interior vs. The contractor used stone pavers as a retaining wall due to my yard being sloped. The gravel base is flexible and will move ever so slightly during freeze-thaw. 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. This is NOT POLYMERIC sand. This can occur if the sand is not. Skill Level: Beginner. The silica is a binding agent that helps to hold the sand in place. Its organic binder, Organic-Lock, is water-permeable and forms a gel as it absorbs water during rainfall. I used Easy joint in my slabs and it was brilliant over a year and no trace of a weed. Its high-strength properties ensure. Power Flex technology creates a stable, superior bond between paver joints and prevents shifting and erosion, ensuring sturdy outdoor surfaces. Keep in mind, however, that polymeric sand is only suitable for filling joints that are 1 inch in size or smaller. Polymeric sand, on the other hand, is the best choice for pavers as it is comprised of extremely fine particles that are also coated with polymers. Let’s discuss some of the benefits of using polymeric sand for making bonds between the paver stones. Jointing Sand. Gator Jointing Material Polymeric Sand Gator Maxx Sand G2 Rapid set technology For pavers, slabs, Natural and wet cast stones joints up to 4″ in traditional applications and 2″ in overlay For residential & commercial use Traditional applications, Rain safe 15 minutes after water activation Overlay applications, Rain safe 24 hours after water activation OSHA […] The binding agents in polymeric sand help lock pavers together and keep them together for a longer stretch of time. Polymeric sand is a mix of different fine sands and other additives. Exterior Use. The products listed below can safely be stored outdoors: Polymeric sand and dust*. Polymeric sand is used to fill the joints between paving stones, enhancing both aesthetics and durability of the overall structure. Both polymeric sand and stone dust are very fine materials. In smaller areas, pour in more from a clean yogurt cup and use a hand broom. Then, you'll also pack the gaps between the stones or bricks. The 7 component system. #1. You can find it anywhere, costing $5 to $20 per 50-pound bag. This type of sand often comes into play at the end of a landscape paving. Although polymeric sand is very durable, mortar is simply more so. Instead, a mock-up installation is recommended to determine the quantity required. It's UN. It is not recommended to use polymeric sand for filling large gaps. ft. . 2. Edges and fasteners. The best polymeric sand is made of binding materials such as quartz,. The joint paver sand must be considered as this will allow the hardscape to be durable, resilient, and stable; plus, this extends the lifespan too. Techniseal EZ Sand is a trusted and proven mix of graded sand and binder that flows smoothly down joints for a fast and effective installation of pavers or slabs on surfaces exposed to normal traffic. Gator Nitro vs. ) If I’m resealing a patio, do I still need to use an efflorescence cleaner?. To start the curing process, initially water is needed but later on its presence is harmful for the polymeric sand. Sealers. Benefits of Regular Sand. Gator Base is an evolution of foundation technology. Check out 40 Pound Titanium Gray Polymeric. So I googled sand vs. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16 in. POLYBIND COMPLETE SAND G2 level, must be at least 1/8″ (3 mm) below top of paver’s surface or 1/8″ (3 mm) below the chamfer or erosion may occur. A big benefit of Easy Joint is the fact that it is permeable. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main Differences. Silica sand is slightly better. Usually, a 50-pound bag of polymeric sand is enough to fill 75 to 100 square feet of a patio if it has small gaps. Mortar is absolutely the stronger and longer-lasting of the two. 7 kg bag can cover up to 4 m2 (40 sq. Gator Base is an evolution of foundation technology. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. DOMINATOR Polymeric Sand - Best for Professional Use. Note: Pavers with large spacer bars will typically use 10 to 15% less sand than this calculation. Even though SmartSand offers lesser jointing performances, this poly sand is more than. 0. The “glue” that ties paving projects together. Stone Mason Magic Sand, Polymeric Paver Locking/Jointing Sand, Weed-Resistant, 18. Ideal forNever pressure wash polymeric sand immediately after you install it because it will ruin it. com before installing. The polymeric sand application is now dust free, haze free, no blower needed, requiring only one watering and offering a Rapid Set technology of rain safe after 15 minutes. This specialist sand contains a mixture of silica and quartz. Durability is a major selling point for pavers, and employing polymeric sand will just extend the lifespan and stability and resilience of your project. . Polymeric sand is so durable that it can actually be power washed, with care. The grout that was used was a polymeric sand made by Alliance, the product name is XP. Check Price. Yet another popular substitute for polymeric sand is a joint stabilizing sealer. Stabilizing sealer is not needed if polymeric sand is used. Easier Paver Patios. Polymeric sand is a fine sand that is combined with additives that form a binding agent when exposed to water. There are a couple of drawbacks to polymeric sand. Polymeric Sand. A bag of polymeric sand that weighs 50 lbs will be good enough to cover 75 to 100 sq ft of your patio area if the gaps in between your pavers are narrow or less than a quarter of an inch. 4 and cover the entire excavated area. Gator Nitro is best suited for joint widths that are a minimum of 3/16” and a maximum of 2. It’s is a great fit for hardscape contractors who prefer using mortar over polymeric sand. Polymeric sand is not intended to be a replacement for. As the name implies, ll jointEASYJoint. ) Note that this product's coverage power can vary depending on the type of paver used. You must use the right type of aggregate and you must compact that sand until it chokes. Polymeric Sand: The 5 Main Differences Alliance Designer Products’ Post Alliance Designer Products 668 followers. 7/8. Winter Storage Tips. Polymeric sand is used in paver patios with joints up to around 2” where polymeric dust is used in joints larger than 2” and can work up to 6”. Gator Nitro. PREPARATION INFORMATION (IMPORTANT NOTES)Sand is ultimately a much safer option than stone dust for paving projects. Designed for joints up to 1/2 in. 2 posts · Joined 2018. 22. Even with a firm concrete base they can still glaze, crack and peel away from the pavers and if used on sand bedded pavers or any natural stone that needs a flexible base and grout to allow for natural. It’s recommended for both commercial and residential projects and can be safely used for paving stone joints of up to 2. Packaging. The third uses washed concrete sand as the bedding base rather than stone dust. A traditional base for a paver or stone patio is a 6-in. The minimum joint depth is 1” (25 mm). Updated on March 1, 2023. EZ Sand Techniseal polymer sand prevents weed growth, repels ants and other insect infestations. DOMINATOR ® Polymeric Sand uses revolutionary “Ceramic Flex” technology to bring you the most advanced polymeric sand available. It doesn't have additives that can form a binding agent when meet with water. After that, spread the polymeric sand over the entire surface of the installation. 8 out of 5 stars. . Spread polymeric sand in sections. jointing sand for a fast, clean, durable and profitable installation. Stone dust for stone - Why and how to use it. 15. First off, polymeric sand is designed to improve the interlocking capabilities of paving bricks, slabs, and stones. As such, regular sand is prone to erosion during downpours or when the paved surface is power-washed. Use for installing new pavers and replacing existing joints. However, you will find that there is a stark difference between ordinary paver. Simply sweep Quikrete 50 lb. Grey polymeric sand is a good all-purpose tone, but we also have beige poly sand, black joint sand and desert tan sand. DOMINATOR 40-lb Titanium Gray Paver Polymeric Sand. Today, we still offer the highest performing jointing products on the market. This means that water can flow through it. Stays Clean from weed or insect infestation. POLYMERIC SAND: THE 5 MAIN DIFFERENCES. 5-Cu Ft Brown Paver Base - Establish Strong Foundation for Patios, Walkways, and Pool Decks - Easy to Use - Cover with Leveling Sand. 1. Multiple factors make it such, but the low and affordable price is a huge reason for this. The Gator Maxx is the way to go. 2 posts · Joined 2018. Water the sand according to the directions. The product can be installed in wet or dry weather, in joints ranging from a minimum 3/16” to a maximum 2” joint width. While sand is used to enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, soil is used to create an environment where plants can thrive. We used to very lightly use a leaf blower (just idling) to make sure the paver surface was nice and clean. Before settling on stone dust, just be aware that you may face shifting or other issues caused by the material’s. EZ Sand 40 lbs. I paid too much for just find sand, and most of my hard work is wasted.