If you’re putting together a paver patio, one of the issues you may be concerned with is weeds growing up between the pavers. This can happen, especially if the pavers you’re using have unique shapes or curved edges. This is why it’s important to use polymeric sand. This special sand is poured between the pavers and prevents grass and weeds from growing up between them.
What Is Polymeric Sand?
Polymeric sand is a special filler material designed to be placed between pavers. If you haven’t heard of polymeric sand, you may know it by a different name, such as landscape sand, paver sand, or joint sand.
How does it differ from regular sand? Polymeric sand contains very, very fine grains of sand that have been mixed with certain additive particles. When water is poured on this mixture, it activates the bonding properties in the particles. This is, in a way, similar to how concrete works. The sand mixture bonds to the pavers on either side of it, holding them together and preventing weeds and grass from growing.
In addition to preventing weeds from growing in between pavers, polymeric sand also helps keep pests such as ants from burrowing in between pavers. This makes your paver patio more durable and prevents damage to the stones.
How to Use Polymeric Sand
Using polymeric sand is very simple. First, you do need the weather to be very dry. Polymeric sand cannot get wet until it’s in place. Otherwise, it’s going to immediately bond. Humidity and heat can also be issues. The temperature should not be over 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
If it’s a dry day, you start by pouring your polymeric sand across the pavers. Then use a broom to sweep as much sand as you can into the spaces between the pavers.
Now, you will need to use a device called a plate compactor to compact the sand down further into the spaces. This device sends vibrations into the sand that packs it down. You can rent these devices at most home improvement stores for a small fee.
Next, sweep away any sand that’s left on the pavers so it won’t bond to places you don’t want it to bond to. Finally, use a home to spray down the polymeric sand and activate its bonding properties. That’s it!
Have questions? Island Block & Masonry Supply is here to help. Contact us today with any questions you have about polymeric sand or pavers.
